Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Problems mixing SAP and B3?

  • Problems mixing SAP and B3?

    Posted by robinindurango on February 17, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    Does anyone know if there are any  negative issues associated with mixing Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) and Niacinamide (B3) for topical application to skin?

    I’ve read that it is not a good idea to mix Niacinamide (B3) with L-Ascorbic Acid. So I’m wondering if combining SAP with B3 has any negative implications.

    Thanks!

    robinindurango replied 8 years, 1 month ago 5 Members · 9 Replies
  • 9 Replies
  • lewhitak

    Member
    February 17, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    I’m pretty certain that’s due to the pH of the ascorbic acid in solution, but I could be wrong. Once the pH of a solution is low the conversion of niacinamide to nicotinic acid is accelerated. Nicotinic acid can cause facial flushing, so it’s not desired in a formula. 

  • MarkBroussard

    Member
    February 17, 2016 at 7:30 pm

    SAP is most stable at pH 6.0 as is Niacinamide.  The issue in mixing Niacinamide with Ascorbic Acid is related to the pH differential.

  • Christopher

    Member
    February 17, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    This patent gives formula examples where niacinamide ascorbate (niacinamide + ascorbic acid) is used. So even though there is a pH difference, the mixture is still usable.

  • MarkBroussard

    Member
    February 18, 2016 at 12:20 am

    Personally, I’d stick with SAP and Niacinamide … why take the chance as potential liability issue.

  • belassi

    Member
    February 18, 2016 at 12:51 am

    What is the B3 for? Perhaps I should try it in my new C cream (sodium ascorbyl phosphate palmitate).

  • MarkBroussard

    Member
    February 18, 2016 at 1:25 am

    B3 has good moisturizing properties and helps even out skin tone.

  • Christopher

    Member
    February 18, 2016 at 1:36 am

    @ Mark: I totally agree, just wanted to point out that there are some people that use the combination.
    @ Belassi: It can also decrease TEWL and regulate sebum production

  • belassi

    Member
    February 18, 2016 at 4:44 am

    Thanks. I have better alternatives, I believe.

  • robinindurango

    Member
    April 19, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    I really appreciate all of your comments and suggestions. Good to know that the pH of SAP and Niacinamide are similar.

    I hate to sound like a dummy, but I’m wondering if someone can share thoughts about combining SAP and Niacinamide with a cationic emulsifier like BTMS 50 or CreamMaker CAT (Behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol) by MakingCosmetics?

    Thank you!

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