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Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

INCI: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Also known as: SAP
Vitamin CantioxidantsyntheticModerate evidencePregnancy safe
80
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
1/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
1%–5%
How It Works

A water-soluble Vitamin C derivative valued for its acne-fighting properties as well as gentle brightening. Stable at near-neutral pH.

Hydrolysed by skin phosphatases to free ascorbic acid. Independently demonstrated to reduce C. acnes counts and inflammatory acne lesions.

pH Range
6.0–7.0
Benefits
  • Brightens
  • Reduces acne lesions
  • Antioxidant
  • Gentle
  • Stable in formulation
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

AcneHyperpigmentationDullness
Best For
  • Oily
  • Combination
  • Acne-prone
  • Sensitive
Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order
4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration
5%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–5%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Same as LAA.

Skin Signals When You Need It
  • Persistent post-acne marks
For Estheticians & Professionals

Best Vitamin C choice for acne-prone clients. Tolerates leave-on overnight unlike LAA.

Notable Research
  • Woolery-Lloyd et al. 2010, 5% SAP reduced inflammatory acne by 48% in 12 weeks
Clinical Evidence

The research behind Sodium 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.

Systematic Review
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is significantly associated with inflammatory skin conditions including acne and rosacea.
Dréno B, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, Corvec S
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
EPA supplementation at 1.8g/day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 42% over 12 weeks.
Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015
View Study →
Systematic Review
Androgen receptors in sebaceous glands directly regulate sebum production, establishing the hormonal basis of acne.
Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011
View Study →
Pairs Well With
NiacinamideSalicylic AcidHyaluronic Acid
Conflicts With

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

Your Skin Compatibility

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