Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
마그네슘아스코빌포스페이트
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant and brightens the skin.
What is Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate?
CAS Number
113170-55-1
Formula
C12H12Mg3O18P2
Molecular Weight
579.08 g/mol
Also known as: Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Phospitan C, Ascorbyl PM, UNII-0R822556M5, ORISTAR MAP
What does Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate do for skin?
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a stable, water-soluble derivative of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Upon topical application, it penetrates the skin and is enzymatically hydrolyzed by phosphatases into active L-ascorbic acid. The released L-ascorbic acid acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing reactive oxygen species. It also serves as a necessary cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes, thereby stimulating collagen synthesis, and inhibits tyrosinase activity, which reduces melanin formation and hyperpigmentation.
Typical concentration: 1-10% (most formulas utilize 3-7% for antioxidant and brightening effects).
Is Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate safe?
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed MAP and found it safe in cosmetic formulations. It is considered well-tolerated with a low potential for irritation or sensitization compared to pure L-ascorbic acid.
What does the research say about Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate?
Effect of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate on melanin content in mouse B16 melanoma cells
Okamura H, Okamasa N, Horiuchi M. Biol Pharm Bull. 1996 Jun;19(6):795-8.
Yamamoto I, Muto N, Murakami K, Muto T, Orino H. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1996 Oct;42(5):427-35.
Comparison of the anti-photoaging effects of L-ascorbic acid and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Kim S, Oh S, Oh J, Jeong S, Lee K. J Cosmet Sci. 2012 Nov-Dec;63(6):383-9.
Regulatory Info
Can I mix Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate with other ingredients?
Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes vitamin C and makes it completely ineffective. Use vitamin C in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night.
Peptides
Vitamin C's low pH may reduce peptide effectiveness. Copper peptides in particular may bind with vitamin C and reduce its potency. Consider waiting a few minutes between them or using in separate routines.
Vitamin C with AHAs can be too acidic for some skin types. If you experience stinging, use them in separate routines.
Vitamin C and BHA together may be too acidic. If your skin tolerates it, it's fine. Otherwise, separate into AM/PM.
Retinoids and vitamin C have different pH needs. Together they may irritate and reduce effectiveness. Best to use vitamin C in AM, retinoid in PM.
Growth Factors
Vitamin C's low pH may reduce growth factor effectiveness when layered together. Consider using in separate routines for best results.
Niacinamide and vitamin C are generally safe to layer — older concerns about flushing are largely debunked at normal usage concentrations. If your skin is very sensitive, wait a few minutes between application.
Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes vitamin C. If both are in your routine, use vitamin C in AM and benzoyl peroxide in PM.
Zinc can interfere with vitamin C absorption when layered directly. Apply vitamin C first and let it absorb before zinc-based products.
Hydroquinone
Both target hyperpigmentation through different paths. Together they can irritate. Alternate AM/PM for best results.
Denatured Alcohol
Alcohol can destabilize vitamin C and increase skin dryness. Apply vitamin C before any alcohol-containing product.
General guidance
Vitamin C is most effective in the morning. It boosts your SPF's UV protection with antioxidant defense.
General guidance
Vitamin C + Vitamin E + SPF is the gold standard morning trio. Vitamin E stabilizes C and together they boost UV protection.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are a synergistic antioxidant duo. Vitamin E stabilizes vitamin C, extending its potency and boosting UV protection together.
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is stable at low pH and safe to combine with vitamin C. A gentler anti-aging + brightening combo.
Tranexamic acid + vitamin C target hyperpigmentation from multiple angles. Safe to layer together for faster brightening.
Arbutin + vitamin C target hyperpigmentation from multiple angles without the pH conflicts of hydroquinone. A gentler brightening combo.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid and vitamin C both target hyperpigmentation through different mechanisms and are safe to layer together for a stronger brightening effect.
Read all ingredient interaction guides for layering order and science-backed advice.