Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

INCI: Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Also known as: MAP

Vitamin CantioxidantsyntheticModerate evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

0/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

3%–10%

How It Works

A non-irritating water-soluble Vitamin C derivative. The most stable form across pH ranges and the gentlest option for reactive skin.

Phosphatases cleave the magnesium phosphate group to release ascorbic acid intracellularly. Stimulates collagen synthesis at lower concentrations than LAA.

pH Range

5.5–7.0

Benefits

Stable across pH
Gentle brightening
Stimulates collagen
Antioxidant
Hydrating co-effect

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

HyperpigmentationMild photoagingDullness

Best For

Sensitive
Dry
Normal

Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order

4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration

10%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 3%–10%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Same as LAA.

Skin Signals When You Need It

Mild dullness

For Estheticians & Professionals

Excellent choice for rosacea-prone and barrier-compromised clients.

Notable Research

Kameyama et al. 1996, 10% MAP reduced melasma over 12 weeks

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Vitamin C showed comparable efficacy to hydroquinone for melasma treatment.

Espinal-Perez LE, Moncada B, Castanedo-Cazares JP
International Journal of Dermatology, 2004

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Randomized Controlled Trial

Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, reducing hyperpigmentation by up to 35%.

Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J et al.
British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

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Randomized Controlled Trial

Azelaic acid comparable to hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation with superior safety across all Fitzpatrick types.

Balina LM, Graupe K
International Journal of Dermatology, 1991

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Systematic Review

Oral collagen peptides at 2.5-10g daily significantly improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth after 8-12 weeks across 11 RCTs.

Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovska NA
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2019

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Pairs Well With

Niacinamide Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility