Because L-ascorbic acid and -tocopherol are relatively unstable in cosmetic formulations, these compounds have been esterified to improve stability. These esters are readily converted when taken orally, but not necessarily changed to active compounds when topically applied to skin. Indeed, neither magnesium ascorbyl phosphate nor ascorbyl-6-phosphate topically applied appreciably changed skin levels of L-ascorbic acid. Likewise, esters of -tocopherol including acetate, and succinate are only poorly converted and are functionally ineffective when used topically for skin