Last verified: 1 day ago
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Also known as: AP, ascorbic acid 6-palmitate, L-ascorbyl palmitate, vitamin C ester, ASC16, 6-O-ascorbyl palmitate
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Fat-soluble vitamin C derivative used as antioxidant in skin care and food; limited human trial data.
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What it does
Ascorbyl palmitate (AP) is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C made by combining ascorbic acid with palmitic acid. In topical formulations, it acts as an antioxidant that may help protect skin from...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
What the Science Says
Ascorbyl palmitate (AP) is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C made by combining ascorbic acid with palmitic acid. In topical formulations, it acts as an antioxidant that may help protect skin from UV-induced damage, improve hydration, and reduce sebum. When added to iron-fortified foods, it has been shown in a small clinical study to meaningfully boost iron absorption.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to work as a standalone oral supplement for any condition. No evidence it treats cancer in humans — lab cell studies are not human trials. No proof it replaces regular vitamin C for immune support. The diabetic neuropathy study tested a multi-ingredient cream, so AP alone gets no credit for those results.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Boosts iron absorption from fortified bread when added at a 2:1 or 4:1 ratio to iron.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Molar ratio of 2:1 to 4:1 AP to iron in fortified food
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Improves skin moisture when delivered via lipid nanoparticles in topical hydrogel formulations.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Helps protect skin from UV-induced oxidative stress when used in a multi-ingredient sunscreen.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May help reduce facial skin sebum when combined with sodium ascorbyl phosphate in an emulsion.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for oral use in humans. Topically, nanoparticle delivery systems (SLN, NLC) slow skin penetration compared to nanoemulsions. As a food additive, it survives heat processing (thermoresistant), which aids its function in fortified foods.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most products contain AP as a preservative/antioxidant stabilizer, not as a therapeutic dose of vitamin C — don't assume you're getting meaningful vitamin C activity.
- Anti-cancer claims circulating online are based on in vitro (cell culture) studies only — no human trial data supports this use.
- The diabetic neuropathy study used a multi-ingredient topical compound (QR-333); AP's individual contribution cannot be isolated.
- Widely used in over 1,000 registered supplement products, but clinical evidence for standalone benefits is very limited.
- Animal feed safety assessments (EFSA) confirm it is not a skin irritant, but this does not validate therapeutic claims in humans.
Products Containing Ascorbyl Palmitate
See how Ascorbyl Palmitate is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ascorbyl Palmitate do?
Fat-soluble vitamin C derivative used as antioxidant in skin care and food; limited human trial data.
What is the effective dose of Ascorbyl Palmitate?
No established dose
Is Ascorbyl Palmitate safe?
Most products contain AP as a preservative/antioxidant stabilizer, not as a therapeutic dose of vitamin C — don't assume you're getting meaningful vitamin C activity.
What doesn't Ascorbyl Palmitate do?
Not proven to work as a standalone oral supplement for any condition.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-06-02