What Is 3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate?
3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate is a lab-made derivative of vitamin C that has been chemically linked to a small butylglyceryl group. This tweak keeps the ascorbic acid portion stable in water-based formulas and slows the rapid breakdown that pure vitamin C usually faces once exposed to air and light. The ingredient starts with pharmaceutical-grade ascorbic acid sourced from corn glucose, which is then reacted with butylglyceryl chloride in a controlled process that takes place under low heat to protect the fragile vitamin structure. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that dissolves easily into water or light oils.
Developed in the early 2010s by Japanese cosmetic chemists looking for a gentler, longer-lasting vitamin C option, 3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate quickly found its way into skin care labs across Asia and later Europe and North America. Brands favor it for its combination of stability and skin comfort, making it suitable for daily use without the stinging sometimes linked to stronger vitamin C forms.
You will most often spot 3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate in brightening serums, hydrating essences, antioxidant moisturizers, sheet masks and anti-aging eye creams. Because it plays well with both water and light oil bases, formulators can add it to gels, lotions and even fine facial mists.
3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking derivative offers two main functions that improve the feel and performance of skin care formulas.
- Humectant: It attracts and binds water to the outer layers of skin, helping formulas deliver lasting hydration and a fresh, dewy finish. By keeping moisture where it belongs, it can soften rough patches and reduce the appearance of fine surface lines caused by dryness.
- Skin Conditioning: Beyond basic hydration, it supports a smoother, more even skin tone by providing a steady supply of vitamin C. This can visibly brighten dull areas, improve skin suppleness and lend overall antioxidant protection against daily environmental stress.
Who Can Use 3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate
Because this ingredient is water soluble, non greasy and has a gentle pH, it suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it better than pure ascorbic acid because the derivative releases vitamin C slowly, which curbs the tingling that full strength formulas sometimes trigger. People with very reactive or broken skin barriers should still introduce it gradually, but there is no specific skin type that must avoid it outright.
The compound is synthesized from corn derived glucose and petro free cosmetic grade reagents, with no animal sourced raw materials or processing aids, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly.
No published data links 3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate to hormone disruption or developmental toxicity. For that reason formulators often place it in maternity safe lines. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should review the full ingredient list with a healthcare professional before use.
The molecule does not heighten sun sensitivity, so it can be applied morning or night. As with most antioxidants it pairs well with sunscreen to reinforce daily protection. It is fragrance free, gluten free and has not been shown to clog pores, making it a versatile choice in multitasking serums and moisturizers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical 3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate differ from person to person. The issues listed below are simply potential reactions and are not expected for the average user when the ingredient is formulated and stored correctly.
- Mild transient stinging on very sensitive or freshly exfoliated skin
- Temporary redness if layered with other strong actives like high strength retinoids or exfoliating acids
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with an existing sensitivity to vitamin C derivatives
- Watery eyes or slight irritation when applied too close to the lash line
If any persistent irritation, swelling or rash develops discontinue use and consult a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate carries a comedogenic rating of 0. It is a small water-soluble molecule that leaves no oily film on the skin and does not build up inside pores. Its primary actions are humectant hydration and antioxidant support, both of which occur on the skin’s surface without depositing heavy residues. Formulators usually pair it with lightweight solvents and gels rather than thick butters or waxes, further reducing any pore-clogging risk.
Because of this rating it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts. Users should still consider the full product formula since other ingredients mixed with it can raise the overall comedogenic potential.
Summary
3-Butylglyceryl Ascorbate acts as a humectant and skin-conditioning antioxidant. It pulls water into the outer skin layers for fresh flexible texture while releasing a steady dose of vitamin C that brightens dull areas and shields against everyday environmental stress. The butylglyceryl group keeps the vitamin C stable in water-based products so the ingredient can keep working longer on the skin.
Although it is not yet a mainstream buzzword its use is steadily growing in serum moisturiser and sheet mask lines that want a gentle long-lasting form of vitamin C. Current safety data show low irritation risk and no links to hormone disruption or toxicity. As with any new product it is wise to patch test first to rule out personal sensitivities before applying it more widely.