What Is Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate vs. Ascorbic Acid?
You probably know that the name vitamin C refers to ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is a type of antioxidant, which means it helps scavenge free radicals and prevent damage to cells. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage DNA and lead to cell death. Antioxidants help protect cells from this damage.
In addition, vitamin C plays a part in the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps keep skin looking firm and elastic. It also helps heal wounds and repair tissue damage.
Taking that into account, what does magnesium ascorbyl phosphate have to do with vitamin C? It’s a water-soluble, lipophilic (oil-attracting) and stable derivative of vitamin C. It’s made by combining ascorbic acid with a magnesium salt. As a precursor of vitamin C, it delivers all of the benefits of ascorbic acid, without the drawbacks.
Why Is It Better Than Pure Vitamin C?
Now that we know what magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is, let’s talk about why it’s a better choice than pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
First of all, ascorbic acid isn’t very stable. It’s easily oxidized and degrades in the presence of light, heat, or water. This means that it won’t remain effective for long, so cosmetics containing it need to be used quickly.
On the other hand, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) is much more stable. It’s not easily oxidized and remains effective for a longer period of time. Another advantage of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is that it’s less likely to cause irritation than ascorbic acid. It’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
In addition, MAP is lipophilic, which means it’s attracted to oils. This allows it to penetrate the skin more easily and deeply than ascorbic acid. This way, it promotes better hydration and absorption of other ingredients. It’s also well-tolerated and doesn’t require low pH levels to work.
The Single Drawback of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
If all that is true, why hasn’t MAP completely replaced ascorbic acid? There’s only one drawback to magnesium ascorbyl phosphate: it’s less potent as an antioxidant. This means that it can’t scavenge free radicals as effectively as ascorbic acid can. However, it’s still a very effective antioxidant, and it has other advantages that make up for this.
What Kinds of Products Contain MAP?
Now that we know the benefits of using magnesium ascorbyl phosphate over ascorbic acid, let’s talk about some of the products that contain it.
- Vitamin C serums – one of the most popular cosmetic products on the market. They’re known for their ability to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Anti-aging creams – these often contain MAP as well as other antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients. If there’s magnesium ascorbyl phosphate in the formulation, they can improve skin hydration and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Hair growth promoters – some hair growth promoters contain magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. This is because it can help promote collagen production, which is necessary for healthy hair growth.
Products that contain magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are usually more expensive than those that contain ascorbic acid. However, they’re often worth the extra cost because they’re more effective and longer-lasting. You can be sure that the compound won’t disintegrate before you have a chance to use it up.
When shopping for products containing MAP, look for those that also contain other antioxidants, such as vitamin E or green tea extract. These will help boost the effectiveness of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and improve the overall health of your skin.
Have you ever used magnesium ascorbyl phosphate? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments below!
Similar Posts:
- Vitamin F in Skincare: Moisturizing and Other Properties
- Magnesium Nitrate Solution – What Is it? Here’s What You Don’t Know About Mg(NO3)2
- Calcium Pantothenate – What Can This Vitamin Do for Your Hair and Skin? Here’s What You Should Know!
- How to Achieve Taut Skin? 7 Ways to Prevent Sagging
- Magnesium Aluminum Silicate – The Natural Clay That Improves The Appearance of Your Skin
