A highly stable, lipophilic vitamin C derivative – approved by global health authorities. Penetrates deep, converts to active VC, and delivers powerful brightening, antioxidant, and collagen‑boosting benefits without irritation.
Product Overview:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (VC‑IP) is the most stable vitamin C derivative available. By esterifying the hydroxyl groups of ascorbic acid with isopalmitic acid, it becomes oil‑soluble, heat‑stable, and resistant to oxidation from light and air. Once absorbed, skin enzymes hydrolyse it back to free vitamin C, providing all the benefits of L‑ascorbic acid – but without the formulation headaches.
Regulatory Approvals:
Japan (MHLW): Quasi‑drug ingredient, recommended 3%
Korea (MFDS): Functional whitening ingredient, recommended 2%
Taiwan (TFDA): One of 13 permitted whitening actives for “medicated cosmetics”, recommended 3%
Australia (AICS): Registered at 1%
Widely used in global brands for over a decade
| Benefit | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| ✨ Whitening & spot fading | Inhibits tyrosinase, reduces melanin synthesis, and reduces already‑formed melanin (converts DOPAquinone back to DOPA) |
| 🧴 Excellent stability | No discolouration under light, heat, or air; can be used in hot process and transparent packaging |
| 💧 High skin penetration | Oil‑soluble, easily penetrates stratum corneum; absorption rate 3× higher than water‑soluble ascorbic acid in epidermal cells |
| 🛡️ Antioxidant powerhouse | Scavenges free radicals, protects against UV‑induced oxidative stress, prevents lipid peroxidation |
| 🧬 Collagen booster | Stimulates collagen synthesis, reduces collagen degradation → smooths wrinkles, firms skin |
| 🌿 Anti‑inflammatory & anti‑acne | Reduces inflammation, helps treat acne, prevents sebum oxidation and blackhead formation |
| ☀️ Photo‑protection | Protects skin from UV damage (pigmentation, dryness, photoaging); used in sunscreens |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product code | NK‑C6014 |
| INCI Name | Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate |
| CAS No. | 183476‑82‑6 |
| Molecular formula | C₇₀H₁₂₈O₁₀ |
| Molecular weight | 1129.8 |
| Appearance | Colourless to pale yellow oily liquid |
| Odor | Slight characteristic |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Density | 0.930 – 0.945 g/ml |
| Refractive index (25°C) | 1.459 – 1.465 |
| Colour (APHA) | ≤100 |
| Solubility | Soluble in oils, esters, ethanol, glycerin, glycols; insoluble in water |
| Heavy metals | ≤10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤2 mg/kg |
| Microbial limits | <10 CFU/g bacteria & yeast/mould |
| Recommended dosage | 1.0 – 5.0% (up to 10‑20% for speciality products) |
| Applications | Creams, lotions, serums, sunscreens, anti‑aging formulas, whitening products |
| Feature | L‑Ascorbic Acid | 3‑O‑Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | Ascorbyl Glucoside | VC‑IP (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil solubility | No | No | No | Yes |
| Thermal stability | Poor | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Light/air stability | Poor | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Penetration enhancement | Low (pH dependent) | Good | Moderate | Very high |
| Conversion to active VC | Low (pH dependent) | Enzymatic | Enzymatic | Enzymatic (high efficiency) |
| Irritation potential | High at low pH | Low | Low | Very low |
| Regulatory approvals (global) | General | General | General | Quasi‑drug status in JP/KR/TW |
Formulation Guidelines:
Dosage: 1 – 5% (2‑3% for general whitening; 5% for intensive anti‑aging).
Addition: Add to the oil phase before emulsification, or directly into anhydrous systems. Heat‑stable – can be added during hot process.
pH compatibility: No strict pH restriction; works across 4‑8 range.
Applications:
Whitening & brightening creams / lotions
Anti‑aging serums (collagen boosting)
Sunscreens (antioxidant booster)
Acne treatment formulas (anti‑inflammatory, sebum control)
Anhydrous serums & balms
Packaging & Storage:
Packaging: 1 kg / aluminium bottle
Storage: Keep sealed, cool, dark; stable for 24 months