Description
A water-soluble, phosphate-protected derivative of L-ascorbic acid commonly known as MAP. Stable at neutral to slightly alkaline pH, where L-ascorbic acid degrades rapidly, with documented brightening and antioxidant activity following in-skin conversion to free vitamin C.
White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder. Soluble in water at moderate temperatures, more stable than L-ascorbic acid against light, oxygen, and pH excursions in the cosmetic working range of pH 5.5 to 8.
We supply cosmetic-grade Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate from manufacturers in China holding ISO 22716, ISO 9001, Halal and Kosher certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include MAP 95% min (standard) and 98% min (high-purity, low-color). Anhydrous and hydrated crystal forms are both commercial; the hydrate is the dominant trade form in Asia.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering HPLC purity, free ascorbic acid content, color, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate was developed in Japan in the 1980s as one of the first commercially successful stable vitamin C derivatives, designed to overcome the formulation problems of L-ascorbic acid at consumer-acceptable pH.
Production is by phosphorylation of L-ascorbic acid at the 2-position using phosphoryl chloride or sodium trimetaphosphate, followed by neutralization with magnesium hydroxide or magnesium chloride and recrystallization. The phosphate ester blocks the 2-OH that drives ascorbic acid auto-oxidation.
Regulatory status is that of a listed cosmetic ingredient in CosIng, the PCPC INCI dictionary, China IECIC, and PMDA Japan quasi-drug active list. MAP is one of Japan's approved quasi-drug whitening actives, providing a regulatory pathway for explicit brightening claims in that market.
Clinical evidence for MAP includes in vivo brightening studies at 3 to 10 percent showing reduction in melanin index and hyperpigmentation appearance over 8 to 12 weeks. Bioconversion to free ascorbic acid in skin is mediated by phosphatases. Activity per mole is lower than L-ascorbic acid, balanced by far greater stability and tolerance.
Strategically, MAP is the workhorse stable vitamin C derivative for water-phase cosmetic formulation, used across mass and prestige brightening lines. Demand is concentrated in East Asia, where Japan's quasi-drug status drives premium positioning.
Where it is used
- Brightening serums and lotions formulated at neutral pH
- Anti-aging emulsions targeting tone evenness and antioxidant claims
- Sensitive-skin vitamin C products positioned around mild pH
- Sheet mask essences and ampoules
- Sun care formulations and after-sun lotions
- Combination products with niacinamide (compatible at neutral pH)
- Eye contour serums
- Body lotions and arm-hyperpigmentation products
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder |
| INCI Name | Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate |
| Assay (HPLC, dry basis) | ≥ 95.0% |
| Free ascorbic acid | ≤ 1.0% |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 12.0% |
| pH (1% solution) | 7.5 to 9.5 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Iron | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Total plate count | ≤ 100 CFU/g |
| E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa | Negative |
| Source | Synthetic, phosphorylation of L-ascorbic acid |
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