What Is Ascorbyl palmitate?

Learn about the antioxidant and fragrance characteristics of Ascorbyl palmitate and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Ascorbyl palmitate? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Ascorbyl palmitate?

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Ascorbyl palmitate is a substance used in cosmetics that helps protect the skin by fighting off harmful molecules called free radicals. It has a citrus-like smell and comes in either a white or yellowish powder or solid form. Ascorbyl palmitate is made from combining vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with a fatty acid called palmitic acid, which gives it its antioxidant properties. It also adds fragrance to cosmetic products and has a citrus flavor.

What is the purpose of Ascorbyl palmitate in personal care products? It is used for its antioxidant and fragrance characteristics. Ascorbyl palmitate prevents oxidation and provides a good smell.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Ascorbyl Palmitate, 6-O-Palmitoylascorbic acid, and "L-Ascorbic acid, 6-hexadecanoate".

What Are Antioxidant Ingredients?

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Ascorbyl palmitate has antioxidant characteristics.

Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules caused by pollution, UV radiation, and stress that can damage skin cells. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and redness. Antioxidant ingredients are also used in skincare products to keep skin healthy and youthful, extend the shelf life of food and beverages, and prevent the breakdown of active ingredients in medications.

Types of Antioxidants Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of antioxidants ingredients in cosmetics and other products:

  • Vitamins: Certain vitamins, such as vitamins C, E, and A (retinol), are known for their antioxidant properties.

  • Botanical extracts: Many plants contain natural antioxidants that can be extracted and used in cosmetics. Examples include green tea, grape seed, pomegranate, and chamomile.

  • Peptides: Certain peptides, such as glutathione, can have antioxidant properties and may be used in cosmetics.

  • Carotenoids: Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that have antioxidant properties. Some examples include lycopene, beta-carotene, and astaxanthin.

What Are Fragrance Ingredients?

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Ascorbyl palmitate has fragrance characteristics.

Fragrance ingredients in cosmetic products create a pleasant scent and mask unpleasant odors. They are added to enhance the user's sensory experience while using the product. These ingredients can be synthetic or natural and are used in various products such as perfumes, body lotions, shampoos, and deodorants.

One of the primary functions of fragrance ingredients is to impart an odor or taste to a product, which creates a pleasing and memorable sensory experience. Depending on the intended effect, the scent can be fruity, floral, or musky. The fragrance can also be adjusted to complement the product's other ingredients, such as moisturizing or cleaning agents.

Another function of fragrance ingredients is to mask any unpleasant smells that may be present in a product. For example, shampoo may have a strong chemical smell due to the cleaning agents used, but adding a pleasant fragrance can mask that odor and make the product more appealing. In this way, fragrance ingredients can help improve a product's overall quality and increase its marketability.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.