Navigating the world of skincare can be confusing, especially with the myriad of ingredients contained in your favourite products. One such ingredient that you might have encountered is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP). Let’s dive into the science behind this wonderful ingredient and see why Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate deserves a spot in your routine.
What is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate?
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a stable, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that is commonly used in skincare products. Unlike pure Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) which can be unstable and potentially irritating to the skin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate maintains its stability, even when exposed to light and air, and is generally gentler on the skin.
It offers various skin benefits such as antioxidant protection, collagen production, and brightening of the skin tone. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate has also shown significant sebum-regulating and anti-acne effects, making it beneficial for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin.
Vitamin C vs. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: What’s the Difference?
Vitamin C in its pure, active form is known as ascorbic acid. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a vitamin C derivative that gets converted to ascorbic acid in the skin. So why, you might ask, is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate used in skincare formulation at all? For a couple of reasons.
Firstly, Vitamin C in its pure form, or in other words, ascorbic acid, is notoriously unstable, particularly when exposed to light and air. This instability can cause the vitamin to oxidise, losing its potency and potentially causing skin irritation. On the contrary, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a significantly more stable derivative of Vitamin C, and maintains its effectiveness over time, even when exposed to environmental stressors.
Secondly, SAP is also generally gentler on the skin, making it a better choice for those with sensitive skin or who have had negative reactions to ascorbic acid in the past.
Finally, while both forms of Vitamin C offer antioxidant benefits, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate has also shown notable sebum-regulating and anti-acne properties, which are less well-established with pure ascorbic acid.
So Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate a Good Source of Vitamin C?
Yes, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is an excellent source of Vitamin C in skincare. Not only does it offer the antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C, but it's also stable and less likely to cause irritation, making it a superior choice for a broader range of skin types.
The Benefits of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate for Your Skin
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate does wonders for your skin. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate offers several benefits for the skin, as demonstrated in various scientific studies:
Antioxidant Protection: SAP has powerful antioxidant properties, and protects the skin from free radical damage, which can lead to premature ageing.
Collagen Production: By stimulating collagen synthesis, SAP helps to maintain the skin's elasticity and youthful appearance.
Brightening of Skin Tone: SAP has proven effective in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improving overall skin tone.
Sebum Regulation and Anti-acne Effects: Particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin, SAP has demonstrated significant sebum-regulating and anti-acne effects in several studies.
Integrating Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Into Your Skincare Routine
To harness the benefits of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate in your skincare routine, you can follow the following simple skincare routine that’s suitable for almost anyone.
In the morning, wash your face with the Hydrating Gentle Daily Cleanser. Apply Vitamin C Serum while your skin is still damp and follow up with Crème B3-B5-E, which is formulated with 4% niacinamide, to moisturise. Finish with The Ultimate Sunscreen.
Follow the same routine at night, but skip the sunscreen.
If you have hyperpigmentation, you can use our Serum Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin instead. This also contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate but in addition to that, it also contains four other active ingredients that all fight pigmentation and skin dullness.
Keep in mind, everyone's skin is different, and reactions can vary. Always conduct a patch test when introducing new products. The journey to healthier skin is all about understanding the right ingredients and how to use them effectively.
As always, if you need any further help, feel free to WhatsApp us for a free skincare consultation: 0302-2228349.