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ascorbyl palmitate skincare

Ascorbyl Palmitate is the black sheep of the Vitamin C family. While all the other members are hard at work to fight off wrinkles, boost collagen production, and brighten the complexion, Ascorbyl Palmitate has slackened on the job a little. It simply hasn’t proven its worth, yet. Does it mean it doesn’t work or that you shouldn’t use it?

Here’s why this is my LEAST fave form of Vitamin C:

What Is Ascorbyl Palmitate?

Ascorbyl Palmitate is a derivative of Vitamin C. It’s made from L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form of Vitamin C) and Palmitic Acid (a moisturising fatty acid).

While most types of Vitamin C derivatives are water-soluble, Ascorbyl Palmitate is fat-soluble. That’s why you’ll often find it in products with an oil or silicone base.

Related: The Most Common Types Of Vitamin C In Skincare: Which One Is Right For You?

How Does Ascorbyl Palmitate Benefit Skin?

L-Ascorbic Acid is one of the most powerful antioxidants in skincare. It fights off and destroys free radicals before they can wreak their damage on the skin and leave you with wrinkles and dark spots.

Ascorbyl Palmitate retains its antioxidant properties, too. It’s particularly good at reducing environmental damage, including UV radiation.

Instead, I couldn’t find any proof that Ascorbyl Palmitate also has L-Ascorbic Acid’s other superpowers, i.e. fading away dark spots and boosting collagen.

It may simply mean that no one bothered to do a study on it yet. But until we have proof it can do the job, this is a Vitamin C derivative you can cross off your skincare list.

Related: The Complete Guide To Vitamin C In Skincare Products

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How Does Ascorbyl Palmitate Compare To Other Forms Of Vitamin C?

Not too well, I’m afraid.

The whole point of Vitamin C derivatives is to have all the anti-aging benefits of L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA) without the irritation and the low shelf life. Ascorbyl Palmitate fails in a couple of areas:

  • Effectiveness: Vitamin C derivatives work only IF they can penetrate skin and convert into L-Ascorbic Acid. Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil-soluble, so it does penetrate skin. But studies show it can’t increase the skin levels of LAA. This means either that the conversation doesn’t happen or that you need incredibly high amounts (higher than anything you’ll find in skincare) to make it happen.
  • Stability: L-Ascorbic Acid goes bad within a few short weeks (especially if not properly formulated with extra preservatives and antioxidants). In terms of stability, Ascorbyl Palmitate is similar to LAA. In other words, it goes bad almost as quickly.

If Ascorbyl Palmitate happens to be in a serum or cream you’re eyeing, go ahead and buy it.

But if you’re specifically looking for a Vitamin C serum, make sure this isn’t the only derivative in it. If it is, leave it on the shelf.

Related: Why You Shouldn’t Make Your Vitamin C Serum At Home

What Are The Best Skincare Products With Ascorbyl Palmitate?

Those that contain other forms of Vitamin C. You can still try this derivative and get results:

Does Ascorbyl Palmitate Have Any Side Effects?

I wouldn’t call them side effects. Ascorbyl Palmitate is gentler than L-Ascorbic Acid, so everyone can use it without irritation. Even sensitive skin.

But it does go bad quickly. Plus, in skincare products it’s usually present in concentrations that are too small to do much of anything.

In other words, it’s not dangerous. Just disappointing.

Related: Can You Use A Vitamin C Serum If You Have Sensitive Skin?

The Bottom Line

Ascorbyl Palmitate is one of my least fave forms of Vitamin C. It has some antioxidant properties, but there’s no proof it boosts collagen or brightens skin, too. Plus, it has a very short shelf life.

What are your thoughts on Ascorbyl Palmitate in skincare? Let me know in the comments below.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.