Ascorbyl Palmitate

Description

Ascorbyl palmitate is a lipophilic derivative of ascorbic acid with antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. It scavenges hydroxyl radicals in cell-free assays. Ascorbyl palmitate (0.01%) reduces the rate of autoxidation of soybean, safflower, sunflower, peanut, and corn oil. It inhibits increases in epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity and DNA synthesis induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA; ) in mice in a concentration-dependent manner when applied topically. Ascorbyl palmitate (0.8 and 4 μmol per 200 μl of acetone, applied topically) reduces the number of tumors per mouse and the percentage of mice with tumors in a mouse skin two-stage model of tumor formation initiated and promoted by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and TPA, respectively. Formulations containing ascorbyl palmitate have been used as antioxidants and preservatives in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

The Uses of Ascorbyl Palmitate

Ascorbyl Palmitate is an ester formed from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid creating a fat soluble form of vitamin C. It is used as an antioxidant food additive. It is also used as a preservative and an anti-oxidant in cosmetic creams and lotions to prevent rancidity. Ascorbyl palmitate facilitates the incorporation of ingredients such as vitamins A, C, and D into cosmetic formulations. It has no known toxicity.