Ascorbyl Palmitate Vitamin C ester

Ascorbyl Palmitate Vitamin C ester, the fat-loving form of vitamin C

Ascorbyl Palmitate Vitamin C ester is an ester of ascorbic acid and palmitic acid, sold as a white to pale yellow powder. The INCI is Ascorbyl Palmitate. The fatty tail makes this vitamin C derivative compatible with oils and the oil phase of emulsions, which plain ascorbic acid is not. That is why formulators choose it when they want vitamin C in an anhydrous product such as a facial oil, a balm or a lip care stick. It is sold as a cosmetic brightening raw material from a 10 g trial pack up to 1 kg bulk.

What it does in a formula

In cosmetics Ascorbyl Palmitate works as an antioxidant. It helps protect oils and other sensitive ingredients in the formula from going rancid, and it supports the antioxidant story of a brightening or daily care product. Typical use levels are low, around 0.01 to 0.2% when the goal is protecting the oil phase, and up to about 1% in creams that feature vitamin C on the label.

Choosing between vitamin C derivatives

If your product is water-based, a water-soluble derivative such as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is usually the easier choice. Many formulators combine Ascorbyl Palmitate with vitamin E, for example alpha tocopherol acetate, because the two antioxidants support each other in oils. Both sit with other vitamins and brightening ingredients in our cosmetic actives section.

Handling and stability

Dissolve the powder in warm oils, ideally below about 60 to 70 °C, and keep heating time short. Add it to emulsions in the oil phase or during cool-down. Store the pack tightly closed, cool, dry and away from light, because air and light slowly degrade vitamin C esters. For wholesale volumes above 1 kg, request a bulk quote from the supplier specification. It ships from Florida, usually within 1 to 2 business days, in the pack sizes shown above, and US shipping is free on orders of $35 or more.