3-Glyceryl Ascorbate Vitamin C Liquid

What 3-glyceryl ascorbate is

3-Glyceryl ascorbate, often called 3GA, is a vitamin C derivative in which glycerin is bonded to the ascorbic acid molecule. That bond protects the vitamin C from the rapid breakdown that pure ascorbic acid suffers in water. It is supplied as a ready liquid in glycerin and water, which makes it one of the simplest ways to put vitamin C into a water-based product. It does not discolor over time and does not change the color or content of the formula it goes into.

It sits with the vitamin C materials in our cosmetic actives section. For an oil-soluble partner, compare it with ascorbyl palmitate; for a stable powder derivative, see magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

Composition and label INCI

The INCI is 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Water. The CAS numbers are 1120360-11-3 for 3-glyceryl ascorbate, 56-81-5 for glycerin and 7732-18-5 for water. It is a light to medium amber liquid with a pH of 4.0 to 6.0 as supplied and a specific gravity of 1.00 to 1.10, so 1 g is close to 1 mL at the bench.

What it does in skin care

3GA acts as an antioxidant that helps defend the skin against damage caused by sun exposure and stress. It brightens the skin, supports skin renewal, reduces melanin production for a more even look to dark spots, and supports collagen for improved elasticity. The glycerin part adds conditioning and moisture, so 3GA feels comfortable rather than tight on the skin.

3GA or other vitamin C forms

Each vitamin C form has a place. L-ascorbic acid is the most direct form but oxidizes quickly in water and needs a very low pH. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable powder that prefers a near neutral pH. Oil-soluble esters belong in the oil phase. 3GA sits between them: it is a ready liquid, stays color-stable in water, and works in mildly acidic gels and creams, which makes it easy to scale from a bench batch to production.

How to use it

Add it to the product below 40 °C. Adjust the finished pH to 2.0 to 5.0; mildly acidic gels and emulsions are the natural home for this material. The liquid is soluble in water, propanediol and glycerin, and insoluble in oils, esters and silicones, so it always goes into the water phase.

Compatibility notes

Choose electrolyte-tolerant thickeners or keep salts low, and avoid it in cleansers. It suits serums, gels, creams and lotions. Pair it with niacinamide in a separate step if your formula sits at the lower end of the pH range, and preserve the water phase fully.

Bench example: daily vitamin C gel serum

This 100 g bench batch shows one way to use the material. Weigh 82.5 g distilled water, 3 g glycerin and 0.5 g hydroxyethylcellulose, and stir until the gel is smooth. Below 40 °C, add 10 g 3-glyceryl ascorbate, 2 g propanediol, 1 g panthenol and 1 g broad-spectrum preservative used at its supplier rate. Check the pH and adjust it into the 4.0 to 5.0 range with a little citric acid or sodium citrate solution if needed. Fill into airless pumps or dropper bottles.

Where it fits in a product line

3GA is the easy vitamin C for brands that want a long shelf life in water without browning. It suits daily serums, brightening gels, light moisturizers and essence toners with a vitamin C claim.

Storage

Store refrigerated at about 4 °C in a tightly closed container. Close the pack quickly after each use. For cosmetic formulation use only.