Vitamin C Palmitate, also known as ascorbyl palmitate, is a fat-soluble ester derived from combining ascorbic acid with palmitic acid. Unlike standard water-soluble Vitamin C, this "Vitamin C Ester" can be incorporated into cell membranes and lipid-based formulations, making it a critical ingredient for laboratory research, cosmetics, and food preservation.
Chemical Properties & Specifications
Vitamin C Palmitate typically presents with the following profile:
Appearance: A white to pale yellow or yellowish-white powder. Presented in an amber glass jar
Solubility: Insoluble in water but freely soluble in ethanol, animal oils, and vegetable oils.
Melting Point: Typically ranges between 107°C and 117°C.
Stability: It is more stable than L-ascorbic acid, especially against oxidation from heat and light, although it still requires storage in cool, dry conditions.
CAS Number: 137-66-6.
Purity: Laboratory and food-grade versions often boast a purity of ≥95% to 98%.
Core Applications
Cosmetics & Skincare: Used as a potent antioxidant that promotes collagen synthesis and skin brightening. Because it is fat-soluble, it can penetrate the skin's lipid barrier more effectively than standard Vitamin C to help reduce signs of ageing.
Food & Pharma Stabilisation: Acts as an antioxidant food additive (E number E304) to prevent rancidity in fats and oils. It is frequently used to stabilise air-sensitive ingredients like Vitamin A and E.
Research Models: Utilised in laboratory settings to study drug delivery systems (such as aspasomes) and tissue targeting, particularly because it can cross lipid-rich biological barriers.
