INCI: Methylglucoside Phosphate - Also known as: Sodium Methylglucose Phosphate, Glucoside Phosphate

QUICK FACTS

What is Methylglucoside Phosphate?

Methylglucoside Phosphate is a phosphorylated glucose ester — produced by reacting methylglucoside (a methyl glycoside of glucose) with phosphoric acid to create a water-soluble sugar phosphate. Its defining structural feature is the phosphate group, which gives the molecule an amphiphilic character — part sugar-based hydrophilic body, part phosphate with mild lipophilic affinity — that equips it to act as a functional bridge between the aqueous phase of a formula and the lipid-rich environment of the stratum corneum.

This amphiphilic character is the basis for Methylglucoside Phosphate's studied penetration-enhancing properties. Sugar phosphate esters are studied in connection with transiently modifying the lipid bilayer organization of the stratum corneum in a way that may increase its permeability to certain actives — a mechanism related to but different from glycol-based penetration enhancement. Where glycols work primarily through water displacement in the intercellular lipid domain, sugar phosphate esters may interact more specifically with the lipid head group region of the lamellar bilayer.

At Sweet Chemistry, Methylglucoside Phosphate appears below 1% in all three water-based formulas — consistently positioned in the ingredient list near the emulsifier system and delivery support ingredients, reflecting its role in supporting the availability of actives at the skin interface.

What does it do for skin?

Methylglucoside Phosphate's primary studied contribution is as a penetration support ingredient — one that may transiently increase the accessibility of the stratum corneum to the actives co-formulated with it. In a formula carrying 3% Matrikynes® bone peptides, 5% niacinamide, and a comprehensive ceramide and NMF system, supporting the availability of water-soluble actives at the skin interface is a meaningful formulation consideration.

Research on sugar phosphate esters has also explored their association with antioxidant protection of sensitive actives within the formula — the phosphate group's metal-chelating character gives Methylglucoside Phosphate a secondary role in the formula's active protection system, complementing the Trisodium EDDS chelating agent also present in the same formulas. Together they help protect oxidation-sensitive actives like THD ascorbate and the Matrikynes® peptide complex from metal-catalyzed degradation.

A mild skin-conditioning contribution at the surface is also associated with its glucose-derived character — the sugar moiety leaves a subtle, comfortable skin feel at application that is consistent with the smooth finish of all three water-based Sweet Chemistry formulas.

FOUND IN

In 3 Formulas

Methylglucoside Phosphate is present in all three Sweet Chemistry water-based formulas as a penetration-supporting and active-protective ingredient in the below-1% support system.

Nourishment - All Skin Types

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum Methylglucoside Phosphate - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Hydra-Serum delivers Methylglucoside Phosphate alongside Trisodium EDDS and the full emulsifier and rheology system — supporting the delivery and stability of a 40%-active payload.

Hydration - Dry to Normal

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream Methylglucoside Phosphate - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

In the Hydra-Cream, Methylglucoside Phosphate supports active availability and helps protect the stability of 2% THD ascorbate and 3% Matrikynes® peptides within a 40%-active emulsion.

Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated

Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream Methylglucoside Phosphate - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

The Lipid-Cream pairs Methylglucoside Phosphate with the full active and emulsifier system of the most concentrated water-based formula in the Sweet Chemistry range.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

Chelating Agent Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

INCI: Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate.

The primary chelating agent in all three water-based formulas. Synergy Note: Both Methylglucoside Phosphate and Trisodium EDDS contribute metal ion-related active protection — Trisodium EDDS through primary chelation, Methylglucoside Phosphate through secondary phosphate-group chelating character. Together they address the metal ion challenge in the formula from complementary chemical approaches.

Stable Vitamin C THD Ascorbate

INCI: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.

At 2% in both creams. Synergy Note: THD ascorbate is among the actives most sensitive to metal-catalyzed oxidation in water-based emulsions. Methylglucoside Phosphate's secondary chelating character contributes to the protective active environment that preserves THD ascorbate's concentration and activity across the product's shelf life. 

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

At 3% in all four formulas. Synergy Note: Methylglucoside Phosphate's penetration-supporting character may contribute to the availability of the Matrikynes® peptide complex at the skin interface — supporting consistent active delivery alongside the emulsifier and rheology system.