Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a chemical compound, a stable derivative of vitamin C.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Magnesium" refers to the chemical element magnesium, which in this context acts as an ionic component.
• "Ascorbyl" is derived from "ascorbic", referring to ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. It's a molecule with antioxidant properties.
• "Phosphate" indicates the presence of a phosphate group attached to the molecule.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Ascorbic Acid - A pure form of vitamin C.
• Magnesium Oxide - A source of magnesium used for binding to ascorbic acid.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process

• Preparation - Begin with ascorbic acid as the primary raw material.
• Phosphorylation - Ascorbic acid is phosphorylated to produce ascorbic acid-2-phosphate.
• Reaction with Magnesium Oxide - The ascorbic acid-2-phosphate reacts with magnesium oxide to form Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
• Purification - The product is purified to remove impurities and undesired reaction products.
• Drying - The product is dried to yield a fine powder.
• Quality Control - The Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is tested to ensure it meets the desired specifications.

It appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is for and where

Medical

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate can be used as a new therapeutic option for bone loss disorders such as osteoporosis (1), is included in formulations to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and thus protect against photoaging (2), can be an effective alternative agent as an antioxidant to improve inflammatory reactions in acne (3).

Cosmetics

Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Commercial applications

Cosmetics. Used as an antioxidant to combat free radical damage and prevent premature skin aging.

Skincare Products. Incorporated into serums, creams, and lotions for its ability to stimulate collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity.

Skin Whitening Products. Leveraged for its skin lightening properties, assisting in reducing dark spots and discolorations.

Sunscreen Products. Used in sunscreens for its ability to protect the skin from UV damage and enhance sunscreen efficacy.

• Molecular Formula   C₆H₈Mg₃O₁₄P₂
• Molecular Weight  438.98 g/mol
• CAS   114040-31-2    113170-55-1
• IUPAC   trimagnesium;(2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2H-furan-5-one;diphosphate
• UNII    
• EC Number   601-295-4

Synonyms:

• Ascorbyl monophosphate magnesium salt
• L-ascorbic acid phosphate magnesium salt

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Xie Y, Bao Z, Wang Z, Du D, Chen G, Liu C, Wang H, Feng N, Xiao X, Wang S, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Yuan Z, Long H, Yang D, Peng S. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Promotes Bone Formation Via CaMKII Signaling. J Bone Miner Res. 2023 Jul;38(7):1015-1031. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.4820.

(2) Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Jul;10(7):14-17. 

Abstract. OBJECTIVE: This review article details the main mechanisms of action and clinical applications of topical vitamin C on the skin, including its antioxidative, photoprotective, antiaging, and antipigmentary effects. RESULTS: As one of the most powerful antioxidants in the skin, vitamin C has been shown to protect against photoaging, ultraviolet-induced immunosuppression, and photocarcinogenesis. It also has an antiaging effect by increasing collagen synthesis, stabilizing collagen fibers, and decreasing collagen degradation. It decreases melanin formation, thereby reducing pigmentation. Vitamin C is the primary replenisher of vitamin E and works synergistically with vitamin E in the protection against oxidative damage. CONCLUSION: Topical vitamin C has a wide range of clinical applications, from antiaging and antipigmentary to photoprotective. Currently, clinical studies on the efficacy of topical formulations of vitamin C remain limited, and the challenge lies in finding the most stable and permeable formulation in achieving the optimal results.

(3) Lee WJ, Kim SL, Choe YS, Jang YH, Lee SJ, Kim DW. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Regulates the Expression of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Cultured Sebocytes. Ann Dermatol. 2015 Aug;27(4):376-82. doi: 10.5021/ad.2015.27.4.376. Epub 2015 Jul 29. PMID: 26273151; PMCID: PMC4530145.

Abstract. Background: Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder caused by inflammatory biomarkers. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) is a stable precursor of vitamin C. It achieves a constant delivery of vitamin C into the skin and has antioxidative effects. Objective: We performed this study to evaluate the effect of MAP on the expression of inflammatory biomarkers in cultured sebocytes. Methods: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed for inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) before and after treatment of cultured sebocytes with MAP (10(-2) M), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 µg/ml) and a combination of MAP and LPS. RT-PCR and western blotting were also performed for antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 before and after treatment of cultured sebocytes with MAP, LPS, and a combination of MAP and LPS. Quantification of lipid peroxidation was also conducted. Results: The increased expression of inflammatory cytokines after treatment of cultured sebocytes with LPS was decreased after treatment with MAP. MMPs, AMPs, and TLR-4 were decreased after treatment of cultured sebocytes with MAP and a combination of MAP and LPS, and increased after treatment of cultured sebocytes with LPS alone. Lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased after treatment of cultured sebocytes with MAP and a combination of MAP and LPS. MAP decreased the increased lipid peroxidation after treatment of cultured sebocytes with LPS. Conclusion: MAP may be an effective alternative agent to improve inflammatory reactions in acne.