Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Vegan? What Is It Made Of?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: April 2023.
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Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is made from ascorbic acid, which has a plant-based origin. Therefore, it is vegan.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a salt and an active ingredient mostly known as a form of vitamin C. The vitamin C derivative is a multifunctional active ingredient. So, let’s learn more about its effects and why is it used in skincare.

What Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate? What Is It Made Of?

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a derivative of vitamin C. It is naturally occurring and water-soluble. Industrially, it is made by joining ascorbic acid with salts.

The active ingredient sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) is the most stable form of the vitamin, which means that it does not oxidize. Therefore, it is the preferred version of vitamin C in skin care. 

Compared to magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbic acid SAP is more stable. Unlike ascorbic acid, however, SAP does not like acidic environments. Once applied to the skin, it converts into ascorbic acid.

For industrial use, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is made by combining ascorbic acid, salt, and phosphorus salts. And all of these compounds are vegan.

Why Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Used In Skincare?

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is used in skin care because it is an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress. In addition, as SAP stimulates collagen production, it contributes to cell renewal. Thus, it has anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.

SAP neutralizes free radicals and therefore slows down the aging process. It penetrates the epidermis and does not cause irritation. So, SAP has the ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As an oil-soluble form of vitamin C, SAP is good for oily and acne-prone skin as it helps to prevent and treat acne.

Further, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate has also pigment-reducing features. It boosts collagen and inhibits melanin production. Therefore it has the ability to lighten dark and damaged areas. It evens out the skin tone and leaves it looking younger.

FAQ About Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

What is sodium ascorbyl phosphate?

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a derivative of vitamin C. It is naturally occurring and water-soluble. Industrially, it is made by joining ascorbic acid with salts. The active ingredient is the most stable form of the vitamin, which means that it does not oxidize. Therefore, it is the preferred version of vitamin C in skin care. 

Is sodium ascorbyl phosphate vegan?

Yes. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is vegan.

Why is sodium ascorbyl phosphate used in skincare?

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is used in skin care because it is an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress. In addition, as SAP stimulates collagen production, it contributes to cell renewal. Thus, it has anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.

Summary

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a derivative of vitamin C, which becomes ascorbic acid after absorption into the skin. It has the same function as ascorbic acid but is more stable. Therefore, some skincare brands prefer it to other forms of vitamin C. 

SAP is vegan-friendly plus has multiple good effects on the skin. It has anti-aging, acne-reducing, and skin-protecting features. 

See also: Best Vegan Vitamin C Serums, Best Vegan Skincare Products

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.