Last update
5/21/2026
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Infographics
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 18 Researches
7.1
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.5
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veggie Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Q®-C ascorbic acid)
1000 mg
1111%
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We explored the potential of sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), a stable form of vitamin C, in preventing and treating acne vulgaris. The study included a time-kill analysis showing that a 1% SAP formulation reduced the harmful bacteria Propionibacterium acnes by a significant log reduction of 5 after 8 hours. This demonstrates the strong antimicrobial properties of SAP against acne-causing bacteria.
Additionally, we observed an in vivo study with 20 participants, where the SAP formulation effectively prevented up to 40% of UVA-induced sebum oxidation, suggesting it can help reduce inflammation associated with acne. In another open-label study involving 60 volunteers over 12 weeks, a 5% SAP lotion was rated as excellent or good in effectiveness by 76.9% of the participants, outperforming a commonly prescribed acne treatment.
Overall, our findings indicate that sodium ascorbyl phosphate could serve as an effective, non-antibiotic option for both the prevention and treatment of acne, making it an attractive addition to cosmetic products due to its lack of side effects.
Additionally, we observed an in vivo study with 20 participants, where the SAP formulation effectively prevented up to 40% of UVA-induced sebum oxidation, suggesting it can help reduce inflammation associated with acne. In another open-label study involving 60 volunteers over 12 weeks, a 5% SAP lotion was rated as excellent or good in effectiveness by 76.9% of the participants, outperforming a commonly prescribed acne treatment.
Overall, our findings indicate that sodium ascorbyl phosphate could serve as an effective, non-antibiotic option for both the prevention and treatment of acne, making it an attractive addition to cosmetic products due to its lack of side effects.
Read More
8
Vitamin C derivative lotion shows significant acne improvement
A double-blind controlled trial with 50 participants tested a vitamin C derivative lotion called sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (APS) at 5% strength against a placebo over 12 weeks. We found that APS significantly improved acne across all measured outcomes—including lesion counts and both investigator and patient assessments—with a safety profile comparable to placebo. This antioxidant approach works by reducing sebum oxidation, which contributes to acne development, making APS a promising new standalone treatment option for acne patients.
Read More
8
We aimed to explore how magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), a stable form of vitamin C, influences acne by evaluating its impact on inflammatory responses in skin cells known as sebocytes. The study employed a robust methodology, where we treated cultured sebocytes with different solutions: MAP, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and a combination of both.
Following treatment, we measured the expression of inflammatory markers, cytokines, and proteins involved in skin inflammation and the healing process. Our findings revealed that MAP effectively reduced the heightened inflammatory responses caused by LPS, suggesting it has a calming effect on acne-related inflammation.
Additionally, we observed a notable decrease in lipid peroxidation, a contributor to skin damage, after treatment with MAP. This means that vitamin C may not only help reduce inflammation but could also protect skin cells from oxidative stress, promoting healthier skin overall.
In summary, our study strengthens the idea that using MAP can be a beneficial addition to acne treatments, potentially leading to improved skin conditions.
Following treatment, we measured the expression of inflammatory markers, cytokines, and proteins involved in skin inflammation and the healing process. Our findings revealed that MAP effectively reduced the heightened inflammatory responses caused by LPS, suggesting it has a calming effect on acne-related inflammation.
Additionally, we observed a notable decrease in lipid peroxidation, a contributor to skin damage, after treatment with MAP. This means that vitamin C may not only help reduce inflammation but could also protect skin cells from oxidative stress, promoting healthier skin overall.
In summary, our study strengthens the idea that using MAP can be a beneficial addition to acne treatments, potentially leading to improved skin conditions.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Solved acne issues
58 people found this helpful
I didn’t realise my acne was due to vitamin C deficiency. After starting supplements, my acne problem was solved—my skin is clean with no major breakouts.
Read More
9
Elastic skin observed
3 people found this helpful
I ordered vitamin C for the first time from this provider, after trying others with little effect. I, along with my husband and daughter, took one capsule daily for a month, which increased our energy levels. While colleagues fell ill with colds, I only had a mild runny nose. We experienced no side effects, but our skin became more elastic, the colour evened out, and inflamed pimples disappeared. I would definitely recommend and will order again.
Read More
8
Clearing son's acne
1 people found this helpful
The supplements are really helping with my son's teenage acne. He has been taking three a day, and in the last three weeks, people have noticed that his acne is starting to clear up. I will keep purchasing these.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 18 Researches
7.1
- All Researches
9
We aimed to understand how a novel formulation combining vitamin C and quercetin can help treat acne. Our study focused on creating small liposomal structures called aspasomes that enhance the delivery of quercetin, a potent antioxidant, onto the skin.
Throughout our research, we thoroughly characterized these aspasomes for their size, stability, and how well they could penetrate the skin. One exciting finding was that these specialized nanovesicles not only preserved the antioxidant benefits of quercetin, but also demonstrated a stronger antibacterial effect against acne-causing bacteria compared to quercetin alone.
In an exploratory clinical trial involving 20 participants with acne, we observed considerable improvements. The results revealed a 77.9% reduction in inflammatory lesions and significant decreases in both non-inflammatory lesions and total acne lesions. These findings suggest that our vitamin C-based formula holds promise in managing acne and could potentially be used for other skin conditions in the future.
Throughout our research, we thoroughly characterized these aspasomes for their size, stability, and how well they could penetrate the skin. One exciting finding was that these specialized nanovesicles not only preserved the antioxidant benefits of quercetin, but also demonstrated a stronger antibacterial effect against acne-causing bacteria compared to quercetin alone.
In an exploratory clinical trial involving 20 participants with acne, we observed considerable improvements. The results revealed a 77.9% reduction in inflammatory lesions and significant decreases in both non-inflammatory lesions and total acne lesions. These findings suggest that our vitamin C-based formula holds promise in managing acne and could potentially be used for other skin conditions in the future.
Read More
9
We conducted a study to explore the effectiveness of two forms of vitamin C—ascorbyl palmitate (AP) and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP)—in managing sebum production on the skin. Through a single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving 11 healthy female volunteers, we compared the effects of a multiple emulsion containing these compounds with a control that lacked them.
Over 90 days, participants applied the vitamin C formulation to one cheek and the control to the other. We measured sebum levels using a non-invasive device called a Sebumeter at different time intervals. Our results demonstrated that the combination of AP and SAP achieved notable antioxidant activity and effectively reduced facial oiliness compared to the control.
Ultimately, we found that incorporating vitamin C into skincare routines can be a promising solution for controlling excess facial sebum, which is often linked to oily skin and acne. However, while the study highlights the role of these antioxidants in sebum regulation, it does not provide a definitive conclusion on their isolated effects solely for acne treatment.
Over 90 days, participants applied the vitamin C formulation to one cheek and the control to the other. We measured sebum levels using a non-invasive device called a Sebumeter at different time intervals. Our results demonstrated that the combination of AP and SAP achieved notable antioxidant activity and effectively reduced facial oiliness compared to the control.
Ultimately, we found that incorporating vitamin C into skincare routines can be a promising solution for controlling excess facial sebum, which is often linked to oily skin and acne. However, while the study highlights the role of these antioxidants in sebum regulation, it does not provide a definitive conclusion on their isolated effects solely for acne treatment.
Read More
9
We explored the potential of sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), a stable form of vitamin C, in preventing and treating acne vulgaris. The study included a time-kill analysis showing that a 1% SAP formulation reduced the harmful bacteria Propionibacterium acnes by a significant log reduction of 5 after 8 hours. This demonstrates the strong antimicrobial properties of SAP against acne-causing bacteria.
Additionally, we observed an in vivo study with 20 participants, where the SAP formulation effectively prevented up to 40% of UVA-induced sebum oxidation, suggesting it can help reduce inflammation associated with acne. In another open-label study involving 60 volunteers over 12 weeks, a 5% SAP lotion was rated as excellent or good in effectiveness by 76.9% of the participants, outperforming a commonly prescribed acne treatment.
Overall, our findings indicate that sodium ascorbyl phosphate could serve as an effective, non-antibiotic option for both the prevention and treatment of acne, making it an attractive addition to cosmetic products due to its lack of side effects.
Additionally, we observed an in vivo study with 20 participants, where the SAP formulation effectively prevented up to 40% of UVA-induced sebum oxidation, suggesting it can help reduce inflammation associated with acne. In another open-label study involving 60 volunteers over 12 weeks, a 5% SAP lotion was rated as excellent or good in effectiveness by 76.9% of the participants, outperforming a commonly prescribed acne treatment.
Overall, our findings indicate that sodium ascorbyl phosphate could serve as an effective, non-antibiotic option for both the prevention and treatment of acne, making it an attractive addition to cosmetic products due to its lack of side effects.
Read More
8
Vitamin C derivative lotion shows significant acne improvement
A double-blind controlled trial with 50 participants tested a vitamin C derivative lotion called sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (APS) at 5% strength against a placebo over 12 weeks. We found that APS significantly improved acne across all measured outcomes—including lesion counts and both investigator and patient assessments—with a safety profile comparable to placebo. This antioxidant approach works by reducing sebum oxidation, which contributes to acne development, making APS a promising new standalone treatment option for acne patients.
Read More
8
Combination treatment significantly outperforms individual ingredients
We evaluated how well two topical treatments work against inflammatory acne lesions. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), a form of vitamin C, reduced inflammatory lesions by about 20% after 4 weeks and 48% after 8 weeks. Retinol performed similarly, achieving 22% and 50% reduction over the same timeframes.
The combination of both ingredients proved significantly more effective, reducing lesions by 29% at 4 weeks and 63% at 8 weeks. This synergistic effect likely stems from how these ingredients work together—vitamin C combats lipid damage and reduces sebum, while retinol removes dead skin cells and enhances vitamin C absorption through its anti-inflammatory actions.
The combination of both ingredients proved significantly more effective, reducing lesions by 29% at 4 weeks and 63% at 8 weeks. This synergistic effect likely stems from how these ingredients work together—vitamin C combats lipid damage and reduces sebum, while retinol removes dead skin cells and enhances vitamin C absorption through its anti-inflammatory actions.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.5
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Solved acne issues
58 people found this helpful
I didn’t realise my acne was due to vitamin C deficiency. After starting supplements, my acne problem was solved—my skin is clean with no major breakouts.
Read More
9
Elastic skin observed
3 people found this helpful
I ordered vitamin C for the first time from this provider, after trying others with little effect. I, along with my husband and daughter, took one capsule daily for a month, which increased our energy levels. While colleagues fell ill with colds, I only had a mild runny nose. We experienced no side effects, but our skin became more elastic, the colour evened out, and inflamed pimples disappeared. I would definitely recommend and will order again.
Read More
8
Clearing son's acne
1 people found this helpful
The supplements are really helping with my son's teenage acne. He has been taking three a day, and in the last three weeks, people have noticed that his acne is starting to clear up. I will keep purchasing these.
Read More
7
Preventing acne effectively
1 people found this helpful
Today is the fifth day of taking the supplements while isolated at home to avoid the virus. I am eating comfortably and have noticed my skin is relatively smooth, with no acne developing. I hope to enhance my immunity and continue with my regimen.
Read More
9
Effective detox support
Taking MSM alongside my diet has a detoxifying effect. It’s very effective for treating acne, with anti-inflammatory properties and supportive detoxification. I have repurchased this product multiple times due to its effectiveness.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.
References
- Sharara MA, Fawaz GA, El Samahy MH. Efficacy of tranexamic acid solution versus vitamin C solution after micro-needling in treatment of persistent post acne erythema: a split face clinical and 3DAntera camera comparative study. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;317:150. 10.1007/s00403-024-03582-0
- Hu JK, Quinonez RL, Antasiuk V, Waibel J. Treatment of Acne Vulgaris-Associated Post-Inflammatory Dyschromia With Combination of Non-Ablative Laser Therapy and Topical Antioxidants. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23:769. 10.36849/JDD.8309
- Abbas MAM, Elgamal EEAE, Zaky MS, Elsaie ML. Microneedling with topical vitamin C versus microneedling with topical insulin in the treatment of atrophic post-acne scars: A split-face study. Dermatol Ther. 2022;35:e15376. 10.1111/dth.15376
- Vasanth S, Dubey A, G S R, Lewis SA, Ghate VM, et al. Development and Investigation of Vitamin C-Enriched Adapalene-Loaded Transfersome Gel: a Collegial Approach for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. AAPS PharmSciTech. 2020;21:61. 10.1208/s12249-019-1518-5
- Iinuma K, Noguchi N, Nakaminami H, Sasatsu M, Nishijima S, et al. Susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris to zinc ascorbate and antibiotics. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2011;4:161. 10.2147/CCID.S23840
- Woolery-Lloyd H, Baumann L, Ikeno H. Sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate 5% lotion for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2010;9:22. 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2010.00480.x
- Ruamrak C, Lourith N, Natakankitkul S. Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2009;31:41. 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00479.x
- Golonka I, Łukasiewicz IW, Sebastiańczyk A, Greber KE, Sawicki W, et al. The Influence of the Amphiphilic Properties of Peptides on the Phosphatidylinositol Monolayer in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms252312484
- Sawutdeechaikul P, Kanokrungsee S, Sahaspot T, Thadvibun K, Banlunara W, et al. Detachable dissolvable microneedles: intra-epidermal and intradermal diffusion, effect on skin surface, and application in hyperpigmentation treatment. Sci Rep. 2021;11:24114. 10.1038/s41598-021-03503-5
- Amer SS, Nasr M, Abdel-Aziz RTA, Moftah NH, El Shaer A, et al. Cosm-nutraceutical nanovesicles for acne treatment: Physicochemical characterization and exploratory clinical experimentation. Int J Pharm. 2020;577:119092. 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119092
- Khan H, Akhtar N, Ali A. Assessment of Combined Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) on Facial Skin Sebum Control in Female Healthy Volunteers. Drug Res (Stuttg). 2017;67:52. 10.1055/s-0042-118171
- Jain A, Garg NK, Jain A, Kesharwani P, Jain AK, et al. A synergistic approach of adapalene-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers, and vitamin C co-administration for treating acne. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2016;42:897. 10.3109/03639045.2015.1104343
- Lee WJ, Kim SL, Choe YS, Jang YH, Lee SJ, et al. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Regulates the Expression of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Cultured Sebocytes. Ann Dermatol. 2015;27:376. 10.5021/ad.2015.27.4.376
- Ikeno H, Apel M, Zouboulis C, Luger TA, Böhm M. L-Ascorbyl-2-phosphate attenuates NF-κB signaling in SZ95 sebocytes without affecting IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. Arch Dermatol Res. 2015;307:595. 10.1007/s00403-015-1565-z
- Chawla S. Split Face Comparative Study of Microneedling with PRP Versus Microneedling with Vitamin C in Treating Atrophic Post Acne Scars. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014;7:209. 10.4103/0974-2077.150742
- Burgess C. Topical vitamins. J Drugs Dermatol. 2008;7:s2. PubMed
- Klock J, Ikeno H, Ohmori K, Nishikawa T, Vollhardt J, et al. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate shows in vitro and in vivo efficacy in the prevention and treatment of acne vulgaris. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2005;27:171. 10.1111/j.1467-2494.2005.00263.x
- Seshagiri RD, Shetty L, Surpur T, Kulkarni V, Singh AK, et al. Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of intradermal platelet-rich plasma with and without vitamin C using dermaroller for postacne atrophic scars - A clinical study. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2025;16:530. 10.4103/njms.njms_78_24
