Antioxidant

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

MAP — the most researched water-soluble stable form of vitamin C. Effective at a concentration of 5–10%, compatible with most actives, does not lower the pH of the formula. Especially popular in brightening and anti-acne products.

MAPstable Vit Cbrighteningacne

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

MAP — water-soluble stable derivative of ascorbic acid. In the skin, it is hydrolyzed by phosphatases to L-ascorbic acid. Stable at pH 6–7 (unlike pure Vit C, which requires pH < 3.5). Does not oxidize or yellow in the formula. INCI: Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. Effective concentration: 5–10%. Numerous clinical studies confirm its effectiveness against pigmentation and post-acne.

Brightening serums and creams, products for acne-prone skin and post-acne. An ideal alternative to pure ascorbic acid for those who cannot tolerate low pH.

Key Benefits

✦

Stable water-soluble form — no yellowing and instability

MAP is stable at neutral pH, does not require an acidic environment. No yellowing, decomposition, or loss of effectiveness during storage. Suitable for formulas where pure ascorbic acid is unstable: creams, lotions with neutral pH, products with niacinamide. There are virtually no compatibility limitations.

◈

Inhibition of tyrosinase and brightening of post-acne

MAP inhibits tyrosinase and reduces melanin synthesis. Clinical study (Kameyama et al.): 10% MAP cream vs placebo — significant brightening of melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Especially effective for post-acne (PIH) due to its anti-inflammatory action. Gentler on the skin than pure Vit C with comparable brightening effectiveness.

✧

Seboregulating and anti-acne properties

MAP reduces excessive sebum production and inhibits P. acnes through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Studies show a reduction in comedones and inflammatory elements with 5% MAP. One of the few antioxidants with dual action: brightening + acne correction.

Suitable for

oily skinskin with acne and post-acneskin with pigmentationsensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ brightening (inhibition of tyrosinase)✓ reduction of post-acne (PIH)✓ antioxidant protection

MAP vs SAP vs Ascorbyl Glucoside

MAP — the most clinically studied, effective 5–10%, neutral pH. SAP (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) — a MAP analogue, antibacterial action against P.acnes, somewhat cheaper. Ascorbyl glucoside — very stable, but slow conversion, needs 2% and above. For acne/post-acne: MAP or SAP. For brightening melasma: MAP or pure Vit C. For retinol formulas: ATIP (oil-soluble).

CategoryAntioxidants

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