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Chemists back in the 1930s realized that vitamin C’s usefulness hit a hard wall because it broke down fast in the presence of oxygen and light. They wanted to improve the stability of ascorbic acid so it could be used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics that needed longer shelf lives. This set the stage for ascorbyl palmitate — a fat-soluble form of vitamin C created through esterification of ascorbic acid with palmitic acid. The brainchild behind this compound, Tadeusz Reichstein, gathered plenty of accolades in his day, with patents reflecting a focus on stability more than potency. As food manufacturing ramped up in the post-war era, ascorbyl palmitate moved from labs to production lines. This ingredient caught the attention of drug makers, especially in Europe and North America, who wanted a reliable antioxidant additive that wouldn’t dissolve away in oil-based products. Over decades, pharmacopeia monographs standardized what counts as “pharma grade” ascorbyl palmitate, which now sits in BP, EP, and USP regulations.
I’ve found that ascorbyl palmitate, by fusing the classic vitamin C molecule with a fat, changes how both chemists and product developers use this ingredient. This compound appears as a creamy white, nearly odorless powder that resists clumping and dissolves best in fats or oils. Unlike raw ascorbic acid, which dissolves in water and is gone in a flash in anything oily, ascorbyl palmitate keeps its structure and won’t oxidize easily. It tastes relatively neutral compared to the sharp tang of vitamin C, which lets it blend into oral, topical, and edible products. Importers and manufacturers look for grade certifications from BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), or USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) to line up with pharmaceutical standards.
Shifting from textbook to table, ascorbyl palmitate measures a molecular weight around 414 g/mol. It melts at roughly 107–117°C, which means it can survive heating during baking and cosmetic production. Its C16 fatty acid tail lets it slip into lipid formulations where regular ascorbic acid would just sink to the bottom. Since vitamin C’s vitamin power requires the right “L-” configuration, making sure ascorbyl palmitate has correct chirality matters for actual health benefit. This compound shows resilience in the face of air and light, holding up for months or even years in unbroken packaging.
BP, EP, and USP pharma grade ascorbyl palmitate has to check several boxes in the paperwork. Purity clocks above 98% for pharmaceutical and food purposes. People in quality control watch for heavy metal residues, microbial load, and specific optical rotation to verify authenticity. Each batch gets a batch number, manufacturer traceability code, and storage guidance, usually stating "keep cool and dry, out of sunlight." I always double-check labels for not only content but regulatory compliance: undeclared excipients bring risks both to health and licensing. Indian, Chinese, and European manufacturers who export meet additional scrutiny for meeting ICH Q7 GMP standards.
The preparation of ascorbyl palmitate isn’t exactly secret but does demand close attention to detail. Most production starts with L-ascorbic acid and reacts it with palmitic acid (sometimes as palmitoyl chloride) in the presence of a suitable catalyst or dehydrating agent like DCC, acid anhydride, or enzymes. Solvents like acetone, dimethylformamide, or sometimes greener alternatives allow the molecules to mingle at the right temperature. After reaction, purification steps strip away unreacted vitamin C, free fatty acids, byproducts, and solvents, using crystallization, extraction, and filtration. The point of all these steps — and the reason European rules persistently require batch testing — is that residues from this process, like unreacted ascorbic acid or solvent, could harm the finished product’s safety.
Ascorbyl palmitate doesn’t simply play backup for antioxidants. In the body and in test tubes, it gets hydrolyzed to free ascorbic acid, restoring vitamin C’s functionality after breaking the ester bond. Manufacturers sometimes modify the palmitate molecule to blend better with polysorbates or other emulsifiers. Chemists look into co-encapsulation with tocopherols (vitamin E analogues) to stabilize oils for longer and give a one-two punch against lipid oxidation. I’ve seen some cosmetic firms encapsulate it in micro- or nanoemulsion droplets, which help shuttle the active ingredient deep into the skin or gut. Degradation data shows that ascorbyl palmitate loses potency faster under harsh UV but slows down in opaque glass or foil packaging — clear evidence for why proper packaging makes or breaks product success.
Depending on the region or context, ascorbyl palmitate may crop up under different labels: L-ascorbyl palmitate, vitamin C palmitate, 6-palmitoyl-L-ascorbic acid, AP, or INS 304 among food manufacturers. Drug and cosmetic registrations sometimes use E Number E304 or the chemical abstract service (CAS) registry number 137-66-6. Pick up supplements from big box stores and “vitamin C ester” could refer to ascorbyl palmitate, though sometimes also means ascorbyl tetra-isopalmitate. In plenty of pharma and functional food formulations, the ingredient suppliers use assigned trade names, but chemical ID and lot codes matter most to regulators and researchers.
Handling ascorbyl palmitate in a GMP environment usually means dust masks, cleanroom attire, and careful weighing. The ingredient itself doesn’t carry the acute toxicity profile of pure ascorbic acid or some fat-soluble vitamins. Still, I have seen trace solvents, accidentally high palmitic acid, or unpurified catalysts become the real hazards in shoddily manufactured batches. Reputable suppliers bank on operational and documentation bridges — not just big stainless-steel vessels but validated protocols and employee training. Testing for microbial contamination gets as much attention as purity because even pharma-grade ingredients face recall risk. Regulatory trends toward “clean label” practices put pressure on all finished products, whether oral or topical, to keep the ingredient list clean and unambiguous.
Modern usage stretches from oral dosage forms to injectable emulsions to skin creams and even as an oil stabilizer in food. In pharma, ascorbyl palmitate lands in antioxidant formulations, where its fat-soluble nature lets it protect lipid-based injectables and tablets. I’ve worked on oral and dermal drug projects where water-soluble antioxidants hit limits, so ascorbyl palmitate became a go-to for lipid blends. Food technologists look to its E304 status as a proven way to extend shelf-life without the baggage of synthetic BHA/BHT. Cosmetics and personal care exploits ascorbyl palmitate’s ability to protect both the product itself and the skin from oxidative stress. Supplement makers market it as a “gentler, longer-lasting” alternative to ascorbic acid for those who complain of acidic stomach irritation. I’ve noticed a surge in formulations that blend both water- and fat-soluble antioxidants to hedge bets, and ascorbyl palmitate fits that niche.
R&D teams continue to run dose-response studies, interaction checks, and degradant analysis. Methods evolve, but HPLC with UV detection still dominates quantitative work. Biochemists and product scientists are studying novel delivery systems such as solid lipid nanoparticles to carry ascorbyl palmitate deeper into the gut or dermal tissues. Research teams in South Korea, Germany, and the U.S. are investigating synergy with tocopherol and coenzyme Q10 for both food and pharma applications. Stability under accelerated aging, compatibility with other excipients in multicomponent systems, and migration potential in packaging are all on the R&D menu. I’ve come across market research pointing to the challenge of consumer education: plenty of folks don’t realize this ingredient is vitamin C in disguise, and companies struggle to communicate benefits without overstepping health claims.
Toxicological data on ascorbyl palmitate reassures most regulatory bodies. Animal studies peg oral LD50 figures in the “generally safe” category, with no strong links to carcinogenicity or mutagenicity after long-term dosing. Still, European Food Safety Authority and U.S. FDA requirements keep evolving, especially for limits on both the active and any byproducts from the synthesis process. Some clinicians focus on palmitic acid, since in excessive amounts it can contribute to adverse lipid profiles, but in realistic doses from pharma or food, this risk seems small. Very high oral intake may prompt some gut discomfort just like high ascorbic acid doses can. Skin sensitization claims occasionally pop up, mostly from cosmetics, and usually stem from product impurities or interactions with other actives, not the ascorbyl palmitate itself.
Looking ahead, demand for ascorbyl palmitate will keep climbing as both pharma and consumer goods markets steer toward multifunctional antioxidants. More sustainable, cleaner synthesis methods that cut down on petrochemical solvents and optimize yields now catch both investor and regulatory eyes. Researchers in academia and manufacturing are exploring enzyme-catalyzed routes for lower environmental impact and tighter control over purity. Edible oils, nutritional bars, and creamy supplements stand to gain shelf-life extensions from even microdoses of ascorbyl palmitate. The next frontier involves combination molecules: dual-action esters and co-encapsulated vitamins that promise stronger antioxidant power. For any business aiming to break into health-conscious or high-stability products, mastering the science — and sourcing — of ascorbyl palmitate isn’t just smart. It’s essential.
Ascorbyl Palmitate goes by more than one name. Some call it a “fat-soluble form of vitamin C.” In pharmaceutical circles, this ingredient comes with many sets of letters after it – BP, EP, USP. These codes show the compound measures up to the rulebooks used by Britain, Europe, and the United States. It’s one material with global reach, and it plays big roles in many products that end up on pharmacy shelves.
Most of us know vitamin C from those chalky tablets on drugstore shelves. Pure ascorbic acid, found in oranges and lemons, doesn’t dissolve in oil. Now, not every medicine is made with just water-friendly stuff. Some drugs contain fats or oils, or they are made to last longer without breaking down. That’s where ascorbyl palmitate shows its skill set. By attaching part of a fat molecule (palmitic acid) to vitamin C, scientists made it play nicely with oily materials, helping it mix into pills, creams, and capsules where plain ascorbic acid would never last.
Moisture, air, and light love to break down ascorbic acid. Ascorbyl palmitate doesn’t fall apart quite so fast. It holds up better through the heat of factory processing, the long road through warehouses, or the bright lights of the pharmacy. I’ve seen pharma companies lean on it in products where shelf life can drag out over a year. No patient benefits from medicine that’s lost its punch by the time it’s opened. Patients deserve a guarantee that the antioxidant boost actually arrives in the body.
Manufacturers don’t just add ascorbyl palmitate to check a box. In pharma, this material mainly stops fats and oils in tablets and capsules from turning rancid. Oxidation ruins both taste and safety, and sometimes forms compounds that can harm people. By fighting these chemical reactions, ascorbyl palmitate acts almost like a bodyguard in the formula. Think about fat-based vitamin gel caps or even creams for wounds — freshness counts in both.
Grocery stores sell ascorbyl palmitate as a preservative for chips and cooking oils. Pharma grade skips the shortcuts and gets checked for extra purity, keeping unwanted traces of metals or leftover solvents out of the final medicine. People turn to tablets and injections expecting the lowest risk, especially those already sick or with weakened immunity. Drug makers don’t just toss in food-grade stuff where quality and safety ride on every batch.
In the labs where I used to consult, researchers often rework a formula if it starts failing quality tests. Sometimes, they add ascorbyl palmitate to support more fragile vitamins and actives that can fade from heat or air. Other times, it helps oily fillers behave during manufacturing so capsules don’t leak or clump together. Solving those headaches means more medicine successfully reaches hospitals and clinics, not stuck in factory recalls.
Pharma ingredients like ascorbyl palmitate don’t always get much attention, but they are behind some of the most important improvements in drug safety. Investing in proven, standardized additives brings fewer spoiled products and fewer dangers for patients. Regulators across the EU, UK, and USA compare standards closely to keep public trust high. Drug makers, scientists, and pharmacists all need these assurances, and patients gain peace of mind that they’re not putting their health at risk just to get a little extra vitamin C.
Talk to anyone in the pharmaceutical or supplement world, and you’ll see that ingredients’ purity is taken very seriously. Ascorbyl palmitate, known as a fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, turns up in everything from topical creams to oral supplements. Pharma grade stands at the top for stringent production methods, with each batch coming under tight inspection. Purity isn’t just a marketing phrase here—it’s a legal and medical standard. Manufacturers usually aim for purity hitting at least 98%, with some top suppliers reporting 99% or better. The rest? Moisture, light residue, and tiny traces of non-critical impurities. High-precision chromatography, like HPLC, sits at the core of confirming these numbers.
Walking back through my own time consulting with supplement companies, I remember facing more than one supplier that tried to sneak around with lower-grade material. A 94% purity sample can sound “close enough,” but real-world risk comes from that extra 6%. Even minute levels of leftover solvents—if someone skips steps in synthesis—can trigger reactions in those with chemical sensitivities. Regulatory agencies like the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopeia) both demand that not only is the ascorbyl palmitate nearly pure, but that potential contaminants, such as heavy metals, are barely there at all—usually under 10 ppm (parts per million).
When checking a spec sheet, pharmaceutical quality ascorbyl palmitate won’t leave much to guesswork:
Gaps between paperwork and practice sometimes put patients at risk. I’ve seen resource-strapped clinics unknowingly run with technical grade stock, hoping for a bargain. Meanwhile, true pharma grade keeps patient safety first. Independent lab verification helps catch slip-ups before they reach the market. Batch-to-batch certificates of analysis, easily available from reputable vendors, pull back the curtain and bring transparency where it counts. For buyers, direct questions to suppliers about solvent residue testing, batch traceability, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification should be part of every order.
Status-quo thinking doesn’t belong in a market touching health outcomes. The pandemic taught companies that downtime in testing or a rush to fill orders only leads to more recalls and reputation hits. Today, greater investment in advanced spectrometry pays off by catching possible issues early. In my years following raw material supply chains, the few companies putting in extra money for third-party verifications stand out—they build trust that no marketing copy can replace.
Ascorbyl palmitate pharma grade goes under the microscope not only for purity but for what might sneak alongside it. Labs and buyers can work hand-in-hand to make sure that each lot meets tight standards. Public health, quality of finished medicines, and consumer trust all hinge on the simplest guarantee: what’s on the label matches what’s in the package, down to the smallest fraction of a percent.
Ascorbyl Palmitate isn’t just another name on a label. This ingredient combines vitamin C’s antioxidant qualities with good lipid solubility. What does this actually mean? It blends right into oily environments, such as creams, ointments, or fatty foods, where regular vitamin C would struggle. I remember checking food ingredient lists and coming across ascorbyl palmitate on chips and margarine. That caught my curiosity, and led me to dig deeper.
North America, Europe, and other regions have all scrutinized ascorbyl palmitate for safety. The FDA lists it as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food use at low concentrations. The same goes for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which assessed it and found no evidence that it causes problems at the levels used in foods. It helps prevent fats and oils in products like baked goods, snacks, and instant noodles from turning rancid. Without prevention, oil-based foods lose flavor and nutrition quickly.
Some worry about fat-soluble additives causing issues, but research hasn’t shown any real risk at food use levels. Regular dietary intake from foods containing ascorbyl palmitate never approaches levels that might be considered risky. Anyone concerned about vitamin C allergies gets some peace of mind, as reactions are very rare.
In the world of medicine, ascorbyl palmitate pops up as an antioxidant for tablets, capsules, and topical medicines. The BP, EP, and USP grades indicate purity and quality—a must when medicines reach millions of people. Retaining the active ingredient's strength over time is a battle. Oxidation breaks down key drugs, and ascorbyl palmitate adds another layer of protection against this chemical stress.
I’ve seen generic medications list ascorbyl palmitate among their excipients. Pharmacists often rely on these extra ingredients to give patients stable, potent medicine every time. Plus, manufacturers avoid complex, expensive packaging just by building in this antioxidant protection.
Beauty products use more vitamin C with each passing year, but regular ascorbic acid breaks down quickly in the presence of air and light. Ascorbyl palmitate, on the other hand, stays stable for much longer—meaning skin creams, serums, and sunscreens can provide antioxidant benefits without going bad fast. It integrates easily into oily formulations, cutting the need for synthetic stabilizers or extra preservatives.
Skin absorption matters. Studies say ascorbyl palmitate gets into the skin, where it can help shield cells from environmental stress, promote a brighter complexion, and support healthy aging. I’ve tested enough skincare over the counter to know how hard it is to find a product that works and lasts on the bathroom shelf. Ingredients like ascorbyl palmitate genuinely move the needle.
The world doesn’t stop at three industries. Demands for naturally derived, non-toxic additives continue to rise. Ascorbyl palmitate appeals to manufacturers who want an established safety profile and who are under pressure to clean up ingredient decks. Better research could lead to smarter usage recommendations, especially in personal care where opinions still split on effectiveness.
Switching to greener production methods, or blending with other safe antioxidants, may further boost its role in keeping products safer and fresher. The safety record stands strong, but staying watchful for new research will help everyone—producers and consumers alike—get the most from this multifaceted ingredient.
Dealing with ascorbyl palmitate at the pharma grade means handling a sensitive antioxidant. If you have ever left a piece of fruit out in the sun, you know what happens—color fades, texture changes, and the nutritional punch drops. Ascorbyl palmitate, being a fat-soluble form of vitamin C, doesn’t get along with moisture, air, or light for long stretches of time. In my work, each storage or bottling decision feels like a tug-of-war with the elements.
Manufacturers usually lock ascorbyl palmitate in airtight containers to keep unwanted guests out. Most suppliers prefer high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drums. These barrels keep moisture away and slow down oxidation. You see fewer people using regular plastic tubs or bags for a reason—those let in humidity and spoil the active compound. Metal cans lined with food-grade paint or glass bottles also make the cut for specialty uses, but most large batches land inside PE or aluminum bags. Both offer strong barriers against oxygen and bright warehouse lights.
From my time talking to pharmacists, there’s a consensus: small pack sizes give better peace of mind. Powder scooped from a one-kilo aluminum pouch stands a stronger chance of lasting until final use than powder from a fifty-kilo drum that gets opened every week. Repeated exposure sucks the potency out of the powder. Left open, vitamin C compounds lose their punch—quickly.
On paper, pharma-grade ascorbyl palmitate keeps its edge for up to 24 months. In practical terms, that window shrinks fast if storage tips are skipped. I have seen paperwork from suppliers that promise two years of shelf life, but that is always with the fine print: “store in a cool, dry place, out of direct light.” Shoved onto a sunny shelf or plopped in a humid storeroom, you might start to notice changes in as little as a few months.
Data from manufacturers shows that the trick is to keep bags sealed and temperatures below 25°C, with relative humidity under 60 percent. If you let humidity creep in, lumps form, and the powder gives off a strange odor. It means oxidation did its work. Once you notice that, throw that batch out. Even with vacuum-sealed aluminum pouches, life gets complicated if there are any micro-leaks.
Quality takes constant attention. You learn to mark every drum with the open date and batch number. In a busy lab or warehouse, these habits prevent costly mix-ups. A colleague once shared how their team used clear labels and color tape for opened products. They didn’t lose a single batch to the “is this still good?” guessing game for two years straight.
Some groups have adopted single-use sachets. These single-dose packets guarantee every portion remains pristine until the moment it hits the mixing tank. This approach strikes a balance between shelf life and convenience, avoiding the all-too-common loss from big drums going stale. I’ve found in practice that a little care saves both money and headaches, with fresher product consistently delivering greater results for end users.
Following these practical steps builds trust and keeps pharmaceutical-grade supplements reliable. The facts remind us: air, light, and time are not friends of ascorbyl palmitate. Whoever handles packing and storage can make a big difference, ensuring patients and customers get what they pay for—a potent, safe antioxidant, every time.
Ascorbyl Palmitate pops up in vitamins, cosmetics, and food, trusted for its role as a fat-soluble form of vitamin C. Its job sounds simple, but things get trickier if no one pays attention to how it’s stored or managed. Some folks treat high-grade chemicals like pantry spices, but this isn’t salt or pepper. Leaving it to fate in the wrong climate means you start gambling with stability, shelf life, and safety.
Moisture and light cause real problems here. Ascorbyl Palmitate breaks down when it sits in a damp or sunny spot. Oxidation ruins its quality, so locking it up in airtight containers just makes sense. Imagine leaving an apple out in the open—eventually it browns. This ester, with its delicate structure, runs a similar risk without good packaging. A warehouse with temperature swings or careless stacking can turn an investment into a loss.
The official line recommends cool, dry places away from heat sources. It’s not just regulatory language. From personal experience, even a small rise in storage room warmth can turn a pristine, white powder into an off-color mess. No formulator wants to throw out a ruined batch, especially with today's tight budgets and strict auditing from health agencies.
Store ascorbyl palmitate between 15°C to 25°C, aiming for low humidity. Tightly sealed containers block moisture, contaminates, and odors. Even a minor lid crack can send peroxide values climbing, which signals a degradation you don’t want near food or skin products.
Never stash open bags in working labs or near windows. Avoid plastics prone to chemical interaction—stick with proper amber glass or approved containers from trusted suppliers. This is about more than ticking a box; it's respect for the material and for the people who use what you make from it.
Working with ascorbyl palmitate means avoiding direct contact. It’s smart practice to use gloves, sleeves, and dust masks, especially during transfer or weighing. A few years back, I watched someone break this rule. They dismissed a small spill as harmless, but regular exposure can lead to skin irritation over time. Eyes are even more sensitive; one careless splash and suddenly it’s an emergency wash station moment nobody wants.
Spills deserve attention, not a quick broom sweep. Collect powder with dedicated equipment, not with a bare hand. Dumping product down the drain risks contaminating water and running into regulatory trouble. Dispose through designated waste channels, following local and international standards. These details keep both community and company reputation intact.
Proper training helps new team members recognize signs of chemical change—clumping, color shift, off smell. Only then can a business catch problems early, saving resources and avoiding mistakes with serious health consequences. Good storage and handling don't just protect an ingredient; they show a respect for the science, the staff, and the end users—whether they're swallowing a capsule or applying a skin cream.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 6-O-palmitoyl-L-ascorbic acid |
| Other names |
Ascorbyl 6-palmitate Vitamin C palmitate L-Ascorbyl palmitate L-Ascorbic acid 6-palmitate |
| Pronunciation | /æsˈkɔːrbɪl pælˈmɪteɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 137-66-6 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D model (JSmol)` string for **Ascorbyl Palmitate**: ``` C(C(=O)OCC(CO)O)c1cc(C(=O)OCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC)ccc1O ``` *(This is the SMILES string representation, which can be used in JSmol to visualize the structure.)* |
| Beilstein Reference | Beilstein Reference: 3900207 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:53724 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1506 |
| ChemSpider | 2156 |
| DrugBank | DB11126 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03ebbfdf-4e7e-4777-b95c-b6e3a2efecb1 |
| EC Number | 137-66-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8717 |
| KEGG | C14190 |
| MeSH | D017366 |
| PubChem CID | 3034409 |
| RTECS number | SY8430000 |
| UNII | N82E167B2R |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C22H38O7 |
| Molar mass | 414.54 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or almost white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.146 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 5.8 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.2 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.4 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.420 – 1.430 |
| Dipole moment | 4.44 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -8786 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A11GA |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and skin irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08, Warning, H319, H335, P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | No signal word. |
| Hazard statements | Hazard statements: Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep container tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use personal protective equipment as required. Avoid breathing dust. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 102.4 °C |
| LD50 (median dose) | > 5000 mg/kg (Rat, oral) |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Ascorbyl Palmitate: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 2 mg/kg body weight |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Ascorbic Acid Sodium Ascorbate Calcium Ascorbate Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Ascorbyl Stearate |
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
