Ascorbyl palmitate

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Other names
Synopsis
Uses: Health Conditions
Uses: Body Systems
Products

Other names for ascorbyl palmitate

Fat-Soluble Vitamin C
Ascorbyl Palmitate Powder
Vitamin C Ester

Synopsis of ascorbyl palmitate

Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C, created by combining ascorbic acid (water-soluble vitamin C) with palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid. This esterified compound allows vitamin C to dissolve in lipids, making it especially useful in cell membranes, cosmetic formulations, and fat-rich tissues where water-soluble ascorbic acid cannot penetrate effectively.

As an antioxidant, ascorbyl palmitate protects lipids in the body from oxidative damage, particularly cell membranes and LDL cholesterol, which are vulnerable to lipid peroxidation. It also contributes to the regeneration of vitamin E, another key lipid-soluble antioxidant, and supports the neutralization of free radicals in fat-soluble environments. Though it ultimately breaks down into its two components—ascorbic acid and palmitate—its unique structure enables targeted delivery of vitamin C into areas of the body where it is otherwise less bioavailable.

In clinical and functional health applications, ascorbyl palmitate is used to support:

Skin health and collagen formation (especially in topical serums and creams)
Brain and nerve protection, due to its ability to cross lipid-rich barriers
Lipid antioxidant defense, particularly in cardiovascular health

Ascorbyl palmitate is commonly found in nutraceuticals, topical anti-aging products, and food preservatives, where it helps prevent rancidity in oils and fats due to its antioxidant properties.

Historical Use:
Ascorbyl palmitate is a modern, synthesized nutrient, developed in the 20th century to improve the stability and absorption of vitamin C in lipid-based environments. It has no known use in traditional herbal or folk medicine as an isolated compound.

However, the need it addresses—enhancing vitamin C absorption and antioxidant protection in tissues rich in fat—parallels the longstanding use of vitamin C–rich foods and herbs in traditional medicine systems. For instance, amla (Indian gooseberry) in Ayurveda, rose hips in European herbalism, and citrus peels in Traditional Chinese Medicine were all valued for their immune-boosting, anti-aging, and tissue-repairing effects—now understood to be due, in part, to their vitamin C content.

Today, ascorbyl palmitate bridges modern nutrition and biochemistry with the therapeutic goals of traditional medicine by enhancing the reach and application of vitamin C in ways previously not possible—especially for skin, nerves, and lipid-based tissues vulnerable to oxidative stress.

Ascorbyl palmitate is used for these health conditions

Aging (prevention) (Scientific)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Wrinkles (Scientific)

ascorbyl palmitate is used to support these body systems

Skin (Scientific)

Products containing ascorbyl palmitate

Additional Help

Talk with Dr. Shannyn

Get to the root of what’s really going on.
Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, skin issues, or mood changes often point to deeper imbalances. Our at-home lab tests make it easy to investigate hormone health, gut function, food sensitivities, and more—no clinic visit required.

Schedule a Free Consult →
Personalized support. No pressure. No cost.

At-Home Lab Testing

Want to know if your body really needs this ingredient?
Explore our at-home lab tests—from hormone and gut panels to toxin screenings. These simple kits give you data to back your decisions, and pair perfectly with natural ingredient guidance.

Explore Lab Testing →
Results interpreted with expert support. No clinic visit required.

Health Concerns

Brands