What is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate?
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a water-soluble vitamin C derivative. Unlike ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C), sodium ascorbyl phosphate contains around 45% to 50% ascorbic acid.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate in Skincare
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is often used as a source of vitamin C in water-based skincare products like face serum, lotion and cream. It performs best in the formula with a ph around 7, a huge contrast to ascorbic acid which needs a ph below 4 in order to be most effective. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is more stable than ascorbic acid, however it is less potent.
The Benefits of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate For Your Skin
Studies showed that at a 5% concentration, sodium ascorbyl phosphate improves the appearance of acne-prone skin. It has antimicrobial activities against propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne vulgaris. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate has been shown to reduce acne inflammation. A skincare formula with ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate as active ingredients has been shown to reduce the sebum secretion.
Can All Skin Types Benefit From Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate?
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is known to be well-tolerated by most skin types, so yes all skin types can benefit from it. However, studies showed that it is most beneficial for acne-prone skin.
Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Safe For Use during pregnancy?
Yes it is. Using skincare products with sodium ascorbyl phosphate as the active ingredient is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
When is the best time to use skincare products with sodium ascorbyl phosphate as main active ingredient?
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is not known to be phototoxic. It doesn't make your skin more prone to sun damage, so you can use sodium ascorbyl phosphate skincare products at anytime during the day and night.
Is there any alternative to Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate For Acne and Blemish Treatment?
As a skincare scientist, I prefer to use salicylic acid in anti-blemish skincare formulas. Salicylic acid is more effective than sodium ascorbyl phosphate in preventing and reducing the acne inflammation. In Anti Blemish Clarifying Serum, I use a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid and citric acid to unclog pores, reduce skin breakouts, lighten and prevent acne scars.
Anti Blemish Clarifying Serum unclogs pores, reduces skin breakouts, lightens and prevents acne scars learn more >>>
Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Scientist with 25 years experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list. Join Henry Tianus eNewsletter to receive the latest health and wellbeing tips.
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Scientific Sources: (1) Sodium ascorbyl phosphate shows in vitro and in vivo efficacy in the prevention and treatment of acne vulgaris, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005 Jun: 27(3): 171-6. (2) Efficacy of two plant extracts against acne vulgaris: Initial results of microbiological tests and cell culture studies, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018 Nov 9.
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