At Agent Nateur, we strive to create skincare formulas that beautify the skin by smoothing the complexion’s texture, banishing blemishes, balancing redness, and reducing inflammation. Through extensive research, we’ve come to understand that high-quality products needn’t be complicated. For utmost effectiveness, a formulation may be simple, so long as the ingredients are pure, natural, and reputably sourced. 

Serving as an example of this, one of our most cherished skincare products, holi (c), contains just two ingredients: calcium ketogluconate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. This concentrated formula is truly unique — It’s highly stable and offers scientifically-supported benefits for all skin types.

The Two Potent Ingredients in holi (c)

Calcium ketogluconate stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and supports elastin synthesis to promote cell regeneration, strengthen the skin barrier, and offer long-lasting hydration. When used twice a day for 28 days in in vivo studies, this Ecocert-approved molecule increased skin elasticity by 16% and decreased skin fatigue and sagging by 27%, reducing the appearance of fine lines and visibly firming the skin. Calcium ketogluconate is French-patented, Ecocert certified, and truly one-of-a-kind. For more information on this youth-rejuvenating ingredient, click here.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) is a potent yet gentle form of vitamin C that is easily absorbed and safe to wear in the sun. It has been clinically-proven to brighten skin, treat acne, prevent breakouts, and slow signs of aging such as fine lines and hyperpigmentation from sun exposure. This ingredient has been thoroughly tested, with many of the research studies available to the public. Despite the thorough documentation of its benefits, SAP is often overlooked in favor of other more widely-known ingredients, such as l-ascorbic acid. SAP itself is a derivative of ascorbic acid, and clinical assessments have shown that it is the more stable form of vitamin C, meaning it doesn’t oxidize. 

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate’s Proven Benefits

Vitamin C is widely known to reduce hyperpigmentation, ease breakouts, and prevent premature aging, but, in most of its forms, is very unstable. This is why you’ll often find vitamin C serums in brown bottles—light degrades the product’s quality, rendering it less effective. SAP’s stability is one of its most appealing qualities, and this is in addition to its many other valuable benefits.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is the most stable form of vitamin C. When tested against ascorbic acid and other vitamin C derivatives (including magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl palmitate) SAP proved to be the most stable, and it was also the most effective at preventing the proliferation of spoilage microorganisms like yeast and mold, preventing the growth of bacteria that causes breakouts. (1)

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate reduces signs of aging. Due to the fact that it doesn’t oxidize, SAP neutralizes free radicals to prevent skin concerns like fine lines, loss of elasticity, and age spots. As a clinically-proven potent antioxidant, SAP aids in skin repair, reducing the appearance of scarring and hyperpigmentation. (2)

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate prevents acne breakouts. In a time-kill study, SAP demonstrated its powerful antimicrobial benefits that leave skin clear, smooth, and healthy. In in vivo studies, SAP prevented sebum oxidations up to 40%, preventing an environment that breeds comedones, and ultimately proving to be more effective than commonly prescribed acne medications. (3, 4) In another study, when used for a period of 90 days, SAP reduced facial sebum secretions, leaving the complexion less oily and acne-prone. (5)

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate reduces inflammation. In randomized and double-blind studies, SAP reduced inflammatory lesions by 20.14% after four weeks of use, and 48.82% after eight weeks. (6) This reduction of inflammation ultimately calms irritated skin, providing an opportunity for rest and repair.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate protects the skin against degenerative radiation. In in vitro studies, SAP has demonstrated its ability to penetrate deep within the dermis, defending against the damaging effects of UV-A and UV-B radiation on skin. (7)

Due to its purity, stability, and quality ingredients, holi (c) is a complexion-saving product for all skin types. Our unique dry formula is even more stable than traditional emulsions, ensuring that its regenerative benefits aren’t compromised with use. 

While holi (c) can be used with purified water, we recommend pairing it with our holi (water). Even though SAP is the gentlest form of vitamin C, it can cause mild irritation in the most sensitive skin. Emulsifying holi (c) in our holi (water) offers the additional benefits of calming ingredients such as rosa damascena oil, lavender water, and cucumber water, and the unmatched brightening effects of pitaya.

For a dewy, hydrated glow, complete the ritual with our holi (oil). This renewing formula also contains calcium ketogluconate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate to prevent breakouts, and oryza sativa (Japanese rice bran oil), rosehip oil, and rosa damascena oil to nourish the complexion, soothe irritation, and retain moisture.

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.