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Skincare Ingredient

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Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

In Skincare: Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
1/5 — Very low risk
Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Stable vitamin C derivative; generally well tolerated with low irritation/sensitization risk and no known carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption concerns in cosmetic use. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated sodium ascorbyl phosphate and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics under the practices of good manufacturing.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C.

  • 02

    This ingredient can help improve the visible signs of aging.

  • 03

    Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate may visibly improve the appearance of dark spots.

  • 04

    Skin enzymes convert this ingredient into ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C.

  • 05

    Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is effective without requiring a low pH range.

  • 06

    This ingredient can be used in combination with other forms of vitamin C and vitamin E.

Key Benefits

What Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate does for your skin

3 benefits
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Dark Spot Fading

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant within the skin. It can help brighten skin tone, smooth wrinkles, and improve firmness, with concentrations typically ranging from 0.2% to 3% in skincare formulations. Research suggests that sodium ascorbyl phosphate may offer benefits comparable to ascorbic acid for wrinkle reduction and elasticity, and at higher concentrations (above 3%), it may address skin discolorations. Additionally, studies indicate that this form of vitamin C can help soothe the skin and may be beneficial as a complement to acne treatments.
Classifications
Antioxidant

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is an essential nutrient involved in collagen production, tissue repair, and neurotransmitter synthesis. It functions as an antioxidant, supports immune function, and has historically been used in the treatment and prevention of scurvy. The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for ascorbic acid is 75 mg/kg/day for women and 90 mg/kg/day for men. Dietary sources include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Common Uses

Formulation in Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Ascorbic acid and its salts, including Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, are utilized in cosmetic formulations as antioxidants to minimize product degradation due to exposure to air. They also contribute to maintaining the desired pH level of the finished cosmetic product.

Role of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

ANTIOXIDANT

Anti-Aging Protector

Protects products and skin from oxidative damage and aging

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Antioxidants prevent or delay oxidation by donating electrons to free radicals, chelating pro-oxidant metals, or regenerating other antioxidants. Mechanisms include direct radical scavenging (vitamin E, vitamin C, BHT, BHA), metal chelation (EDTA), or enzymatic action. On skin, they neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV radiation and pollution, preventing lipid peroxidation and DNA damage.

Products

containing Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

2452 formulations
Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Hawaiian Tropic · sunscreen
M Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF 25 PA++
M Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF 25 PA++
Missha · makeup
Soltan Once Advanced Face 8Hr Protect SPF30 Sun Cream
Soltan Once Advanced Face 8Hr Protect SPF30 Sun Cream
Boots · sunscreen
Light as Air Face SPF 50
Light as Air Face SPF 50
Banana Boat · sunscreen
Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF 50+
Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF 50+
Boots · sunscreen
Skin Renewing Facial Toner
Skin Renewing Facial Toner
Eva Naturals · toning-essences
Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops Color Corrector SPF 35
Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops Color Corrector SPF 35
Dr. Jart+ · sunscreen
Fade Cream Oily Skin
Fade Cream Oily Skin
AMBI · moisturizer
Total Effects 7inOne Face Moisturizer SPF 15
Total Effects 7inOne Face Moisturizer SPF 15
Olay · moisturizer
Clarant B3 Dark Spot Correcting Cream
Clarant B3 Dark Spot Correcting Cream
Pond's · moisturizer
See all products with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2021, pages 174-180

[2]

Pharmaceutics, December 2018, ePublication

[3]

Annals of Dermatology, August 2015, pages 376-382

[4]

Chemical Society of Pakistan, March 2013, pages 1,096-1,102

[5]

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2005, pages 171-176

[6]

International Journal of Toxicology, Supplement 2, March 2005, pages 51-111

[7]

International Journal of Pharmaceutics, April 2003, pages 65-73

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate — common questions

What is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate in skincare?

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a salt derived from ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). It’s used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as makeup and skin/hair care formulations, to provide antioxidant benefits and assist in maintaining product pH stability.

What does Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate do? / Functions of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate?

Common functions: ANTIOXIDANT.

What is the comedogenic rating of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate? / Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Stable vitamin C derivative; generally well tolerated with low irritation/sensitization risk and no known carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption concerns in cosmetic use. The Cosmetic Ingredient Revi

Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate in skincare?

Known considerations: Stable vitamin C derivative; generally well tolerated with low irritation/sensitization risk and no known carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption concerns in cosmetic use. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated sodium ascorbyl phosphate and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics under the practices of good manufacturing.

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