Ascorbyl palmitate
Ascorbyl palmitate suppliers and sourcing guide
Ascorbyl palmitate is an ester of ascorbic acid and palmitic acid, which makes the ascorbic acid molecule fat-soluble. It is made by esterifying ascorbic acid with palmitic acid, typically in concentrated sulfuric acid or with an enzyme catalyst, then purifying and drying it to a white to yellowish-white powder. It is used to slow oxidation in oils, fats, margarine, fish oils and vitamin premixes, often with tocopherols, and in personal care products.
- Also known as
- L-ascorbyl 6-palmitate · E304 · vitamin C palmitate
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of ascorbyl palmitate
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Powder
The standard form, a fine crystalline powder for dispersing into oils and premixes.
Blends with tocopherols
Ascorbyl palmitate dissolved or dispersed with tocopherols in oil, ready to add to fats and oils.
Cosmetic grade
Material sold to cosmetic specifications for creams and oils.
Certified palm source
Grades made with palmitic acid from certified sustainable palm sources.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Assay
- Ascorbyl palmitate content on a dried basis by titration (iodine) or HPLC, against FCC or USP/NF limits.
- Specific rotation
- Optical rotation, an identity and purity check.
- Melting range
- Melting range, a quick identity check.
- Loss on drying
- Moisture content.
- Residue on ignition
- Inorganic residue.
- Lead and heavy metals
- Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Ascorbyl palmitate degrades with heat, light, oxygen and moisture, so keep it in tightly closed, light-proof containers in a cool, dry place; some suppliers call for refrigeration. Reseal opened containers quickly, ideally under nitrogen. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is retested for assay and color.
Lots and expiry dates
Record assay and color for each lot, since yellowing signals degradation. Note the palm source if you make sustainability claims, and rotate FEFO.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.3149 lists ascorbyl palmitate as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes ascorbyl palmitate for margarine and calorie-reduced margarine.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Ascorbyl palmitate suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking ascorbyl palmitate suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell ascorbyl palmitate? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of ascorbyl palmitate can brands buy?
Common forms include powder, blends with tocopherols, cosmetic grade and certified palm source. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for ascorbyl palmitate include?
Expect assay, specific rotation, melting range, loss on drying, residue on ignition and lead and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should ascorbyl palmitate be stored?
Ascorbyl palmitate degrades with heat, light, oxygen and moisture, so keep it in tightly closed, light-proof containers in a cool, dry place; some suppliers call for refrigeration. Reseal opened containers quickly, ideally under nitrogen. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is retested for assay and color.
What is the regulatory status of ascorbyl palmitate?
21 CFR 182.3149 lists ascorbyl palmitate as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes ascorbyl palmitate for margarine and calorie-reduced margarine.
More acids, preservatives and leavening
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- Malic acidDL-malic acid · L-malic acid
- Lactic acid2-hydroxypropanoic acid · L(+)-lactic acid
- Tartaric acidL-(+)-tartaric acid · 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid
- Fumaric acidtrans-butenedioic acid · E297
- Acetic acidethanoic acid · glacial acetic acid
- Phosphoric acidorthophosphoric acid · E338
- Glucono-delta-lactoneGDL · glucono delta-lactone
- Adipic acidhexanedioic acid · 1,4-butanedicarboxylic acid
- Sodium citratetrisodium citrate · trisodium citrate dihydrate
- Sodium lactatesodium 2-hydroxypropanoate · E325
- Sodium acetatesodium ethanoate · E262
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