Product Recommendation - Dermalogica MAP-15 Regenerator

Photo Credit: Dermalogica

 

If you have sensitive skin or know from experience that your skin cannot handle L-ascorbic acid, but you still want to incorporate a vitamin c product in your regimen – I highly suggest looking into the Dermalogica MAP-15 Regenerator.  Instead of utilizing pure L-ascorbic acid, it contains a high percentage (15%) of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.  Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a very stable, highly efficient form of vitamin c. Obviously it is not as strong as pure L-ascorbic acid, but it can be an incredibly effective alternative for reactive/sensitive skin types.

I posted a blog entry on Vitamin C Derivatives back in September, briefly outlining the most popular derivatives out there. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is by far the most popular ingredient found in vitamin c skin care products. Its stable, has a long shelf-life and produces significantly less irritation than pure vitamin c. Generally most products containing magnesium ascorbyl phosphate only have concentrations of 5-8%. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate has to be 10% or higher to produce the melanin inhibiting and collagen building effects.

In the past, one of the most well-known magnesium ascorbyl phosphate products was the Avalon Organics C Vitality Facial Serum. This serum contains about 20% MAP. I’ve read lots of online reviews and commentary regarding  this product – some people love it, while others detest it. I think the main problem with it is the long inactive ingredient list of essential oils and other skin irritants.

The Dermalogica MAP-15 on the other hand has a skin-friendly ingredient list.  It also contains white tea extract which produces a mild antioxidant activity in the skin. It is also free of fragrances. 

If I couldn’t use a pure L-ascorbic acid serum I would definitely look for an alternative like this one. Vitamin C is a great ingredient to help lighten your overall skin tone, as well as combat skin aging. The Dermalogica MAP-15 is a great option IMO.  It’s a bit pricey depending on where you get it. From Dermstore, it is about $85.00. If there is a retailer that sells Dermalogica products (often found in spas, hair salon stores, beauty stores and some department stores) the price will be a little less expensive. If you can afford it, I recommend this great MAP serum!

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Propylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol, Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Urea, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Magnesium Aspartate, Glycine, Alanine, Creatine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucosamine HCI, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Phospholipids, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol.