What is Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate?
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a water-soluble, stable form of vitamin C. A phosphate group is attached to the vitamin and paired with magnesium, which protects it from breaking down in air, light and water.
MAP works at a neutral, skin-friendly pH and is considered one of the gentlest vitamin C forms. It is found in brightening serums, creams and sunscreens, especially in products for sensitive skin or for people who find pure vitamin C too stinging.
Source
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Found in |
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (INCI name) |
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Origin |
Made in a lab from vitamin C |
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Also known as |
MAP, vitamin C phosphate |
Top features and benefits
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Stable form of vitamin C |
Very gentle on skin |
Helps brighten dull skin |
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Helps fade the look of dark spots |
Antioxidant protection |
Works at a skin-friendly pH |
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Water-soluble and lightweight |
Long shelf life |
Suits sensitive skin types |
How Does It Work?
After MAP is applied, skin enzymes called phosphatases remove the phosphate, turning it into active vitamin C. Because it stays stable until it reaches the skin, it is much less likely to spoil than pure L-ascorbic acid.
Once converted, it acts like vitamin C. It helps neutralise free radicals from sunlight and pollution, and it slows the enzyme that makes melanin, which can help dark spots fade. A small clinical study using a 10 percent MAP cream found that some people with sun-related spots and melasma saw lighter patches after several weeks.
The limit is how much active vitamin C the skin gets in the end. That conversion is slow and partial, and few studies have tested MAP head to head with pure vitamin C. It is a mild, dependable option for sensitive skin, but a well-made L-ascorbic acid serum has more evidence for stronger results.