Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, promotes collagen production, improves skin elasticity and has skin-lightening properties too. Thanks to all these benefits Vitamin C has become a popular ingredient widely used in skincare products. But Vitamin C is available in several forms and they don’t all work the same. Some forms of Vitamin C (such as L-Ascorbic Acid), rapidly oxidize, thus losing their effectiveness and can cause irritations.
Considering that skincare products containing high enough concentrations of Vitamin C tend to be on the pricey side, you may wanna make sure the one you are considering buying is actually worth its price tag. A stable and effective form of Vitamin C is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. Let’s see what it does, shall we?
What is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and what does it do?
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a relatively new form of Vitamin C. It is a very stable form that is converted into Vitamin C by enzymes present in the skin only once it is absorbed. It is also considered less irritating than other forms of Vitamin C and thus more suitable for those with sensitive skin. A powerful antioxidant, it stimulates collagen production and help fights signs of premature aging. In addition, it also has skin-lightening abilities. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is used in skincare products in concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 3%, although it can be used in amounts up to 5%.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate helps treat acne
As this study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrates, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is also effective at treating acne vulgaris. The main causes of acne vulgaris are “Proprionibacterium acnes or lipid oxidation leading to inflammatory reactions and follicular keratinization” and SAP, which, being stable, “ensures a constant delivery of vitamin C into the skin” helps treat both. 1% concentrations of SAP have been shown to have a strong antimicrobial effect that reduces the bacteria causing acne (P. acnes). In another study, performed on 12 subjects, it has been found that SAP “significantly prevents the UVA-induced sebum oxidation up to 40%”. Finally, a last study has been conducted in vivo on 60 subjects. For 12 weeks, they were treated with a 5% SAP lotion. The result? “The efficacy ranked as excellent and good of SAP was 76.9%, which was superior compared with a widely prescribed acne treatment”.
The Bottom Line
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable form of Vitamin C that’s used in skincare products to help fight premature aging. In addition, it has skin-whitening properties and shows promising results in the treatment of acne. It is also gentler and less irritating than other forms of Vitamin C and, thus a better choice for people with sensitive skin.
Have you ever used products with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Most likely, I have…but never realised it. I really must learn to read ingredients lists!!
Ling´s last [type] ..How To Wear A Bra Correctly
Ling, it really is very important to read ingredients lists especially when looking for products with Vitamin C as there are so many types of it and not all as effective. This one is very promising and I’m glad you probably had a chance to try it even though you didn’t realise it.
i am not sure if i have use Vit C containing that, but I have used a couple of Vit C serums before, and all broke me out =/
xin´s last [type] ..Old-Fashion at Its Best – J.R. Liggett’s, Old Fashioned Bar Shampoo with Tea Tree & Hemp Oil
Xin, oh no! That’s too bad!
Thanks for this, it was really helpful! I’ve been wanting to try Vit C products for ages but I’ve heard/read so many things about having to be really careful about the product and how it’s packaged, otherwise it oxidises.
Alex´s last [type] ..Teaserama: Bettie Page and Tempest Storm
Alex, you’re welcome. Most forms of Vitamin C (and all antioxidants in general) should be packaged in opaque tubes and kept away from light, otherwise they lose their efficacy. But SAP is stable so you don’t have to worry about that. Although, I would still go for products packaged in tubes, for hygienic reasons.