What Is Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) – Vitamin C ? Is it better than L-Ascorbic Acid?

 A recent study found that L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) had to be formulated at just the right pH level (3.5 or less) to be absorbed by the skin, however a low PH level usually results in irritated skin. Also, L-ascorbic acid is extremely unstable and oxidizes in heat, light and is activated by the presence of water. This makes it very difficult to produce an effective Vit C formulation. 

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) however  is an ester of L-ascorbic acid, it is water soluble and stable in heat, air and light. MAP is easily hydrolyzed to L-ascorbic acid. 

MAP is capable of suppressing skin pigmentation, making it effective in evening out skin tone.  It should be noted, one study indicated it is needed at a concentration of 10% to be effective at inhibiting melanin production.

Benefits: 

• Powerful age protective agent in reducing wrinkles and fine lines
• Pigmentation reduction by preventing the formation of melanin
• Antioxidative photodamage repair, protects skin from free radicals
• Stabilization of skin collagen 
• Skin moisturiser
• Protector of the skin from UVB radiation

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) appears to have the same potential to boost skin collagen synthesis as does Ascorbic Acid, but at lower concentrations (10% is most effective). For those with sensitive skin or those wanting to avoid the exfoliating effects of highly acidic Ascorbic Acid, MAP may be the preferred choice.

Find MAP in our Active Vitamin C serum for sensitive skin: Alpha-Berry