CAS Number 66170-10-3
INCI Name Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (C6H9O9P3Na) is a stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative known for its antioxidant and skin-brightening benefits. It protects the skin against free radicals, UV damage, and environmental stress while helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and promote an even skin tone. Additionally, it supports collagen production, improving skin firmness and minimizing fine lines. Thanks to its stability and versatility, it’s a popular choice in a wide range of skincare formulations.
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is produced by chemically modifying ascorbic acid through a phosphorylation process, where it’s combined with sodium and phosphate under controlled conditions. This enhances its stability and water solubility, making it well-suited for use in skincare and cosmetic products. It typically appears as a white to off-white powder in its raw form.
Purpose
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative with antioxidant, skin-brightening, and anti-aging properties, synthesized through phosphorylation of ascorbic acid.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate |
| Type | Antioxidant, skin brightening agent, anti-acne, and anti-aging active |
| Source | A stable, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C |
| PH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Melting Point | 260°C |
| Concentration | 0.2%–5% |
| Color | White to off-white powder |
| Odor | Odorless to slight characteristic odor |
| Physical state | Fine, free-flowing powder |
Powerful Antioxidant Defense
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) acts as a potent antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals generated from UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors. Free radicals cause oxidative damage to skin cells, accelerating aging and leading to inflammation. SAP protects cellular structures, including DNA, proteins, and lipids, thereby preserving skin integrity and reducing premature aging signs such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Skin Brightening and Hyperpigmentation Reduction
SAP inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme critical in melanin synthesis. By downregulating this enzyme, it effectively decreases excessive pigment production, reducing dark spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone. Regular use of SAP leads to a visibly brighter complexion and helps prevent future pigmentation caused by UV damage or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Collagen Synthesis Stimulation and Skin Repair
SAP supports the production of collagen, a structural protein vital for skin firmness and elasticity. Enhanced collagen synthesis promotes the repair of damaged skin matrix, improving texture and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This stimulation of fibroblast activity also aids in skin regeneration, making SAP beneficial in anti-aging and skin-rejuvenating formulations.
Anti-Acne and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
SAP exhibits antimicrobial effects against acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes and helps reduce inflammation associated with acne lesions. Its anti-inflammatory action soothes irritated skin, diminishes redness, and supports faster healing of blemishes. This makes SAP a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at treating and preventing acne while improving overall skin clarity.
Photoprotective Support
While not a sunscreen itself, SAP enhances the skin’s resilience to UV damage by minimizing oxidative stress and inflammation caused by sun exposure. It aids in repairing photo-damaged skin and reducing sun-induced pigmentation, making it an excellent complementary ingredient in daytime skincare products.
Hydration and Skin Barrier Support
Though not a humectant, SAP contributes indirectly to skin hydration by reducing oxidative damage that compromises the skin barrier. Healthier skin barriers retain moisture better, leading to improved hydration, softness, and smoothness over time.
Compatibility and Stability in Formulations
Compared to pure ascorbic acid, SAP is significantly more stable and less irritating, allowing for its inclusion in a wider range of cosmetic formulations without compromising efficacy. It remains active over a broader pH range (5.5 to 7.0), which aligns well with typical skincare product pH values, increasing formulation versatility.
Enhanced Antioxidant Stability
Unlike pure Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), SAP is highly stable in aqueous formulations, resisting oxidation caused by exposure to air and light. This ensures prolonged antioxidant activity in skincare products, providing lasting protection against free radical damage.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin
SAP is well-tolerated by sensitive skin types due to its lower acidity compared to ascorbic acid. It minimizes the risk of irritation, redness, and stinging, making it suitable for use in formulations targeted at sensitive, rosacea-prone, or reactive skin.
Supports Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
By promoting collagen formation and reducing inflammation, SAP helps accelerate the skin’s natural wound-healing process. This makes it beneficial in products designed for post-procedure recovery or skin barrier repair.
Synergistic with Other Actives
SAP works well in combination with other skin-beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. It enhances the overall efficacy of formulations by complementing brightening, hydrating, and anti-aging actions.
Reduction of Photoaging Effects
By mitigating oxidative stress and stimulating repair mechanisms, SAP helps prevent and reverse signs of photoaging such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation irregularities.
Boosts Immune Defense of the Skin
SAP helps strengthen the skin’s immune response by reducing oxidative damage to skin cells and supporting barrier function, thus aiding in defense against microbial infections and environmental insults.
Improves Skin Texture and Radiance
With consistent use, SAP improves skin texture by reducing roughness, enhancing smoothness, and imparting a healthy glow to dull or tired skin.
Non-Comedogenic
SAP is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores or contribute to acne formation, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Anti-Glycation Effects
SAP may help inhibit glycation — a process where sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin fibers, causing stiffness and loss of elasticity. By reducing glycation, SAP helps maintain youthful skin structure.
Regulates Sebum Production
Some studies suggest SAP can help balance sebum production, which is beneficial for those with oily or combination skin prone to breakouts.
Long-Term Skin Health Support
By protecting against environmental stressors and supporting skin renewal processes, SAP contributes to healthier, more resilient skin over time.
