Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat soluble vitamin C ester. An ester is simply a compound formed by the combination of an organic acid and an alcohol – in this case it is ascorbic acid and palmitic acid (a fat – which is composed of fatty acids and glycerol - an alcohol). Therefore, ascorbyl palmitate is formed by the esterification of ascorbic acid with palmitic acid to form vitamin C ester. Ascorbyl palmitate is an amphipathic molecule, meaning one end is water-soluble and the other end is fat-soluble. This dual solubility allows it to be incorporated into cell membranes. When incorporated into the cell membranes of human red blood cells, ascorbyl palmitate has been found to protect them from oxidative damage and to protect alpha-tocopherol (a fat-soluble antioxidant) from oxidation by free radicals. Basically, the fat-soluble aspect of ascorbyl palmitate extends vitamin C free radical protection into the fat parts of the body. However, the protective effects of ascorbyl palmitate on cell membranes have only been demonstrated in the test tube (in vitro). Taking ascorbyl palmitate orally may not result in any significant incorporation into cell membranes because most of it appears to be hydrolyzed (broken apart into palmitate and ascorbic acid) in the human digestive tract before it is absorbed. The ascorbic acid released by the hydrolysis of ascorbyl palmitate appears to be as bioavailable as ascorbic acid alone. The presence of ascorbyl palmitate in oral supplements contributes to the ascorbic acid content of the supplement and probably helps protect fat-soluble antioxidants in the supplement. This is also true for food products. Ascorbyl palmitate is used to increase the shelf life of vegetable oils and potato chips. The role of vitamin C in promoting collagen synthesis and its antioxidant properties have generated interest in its use on the skin. Ascorbyl palmitate is frequently used in topical preparations because it is more stable than some aqueous (water-soluble) forms of vitamin C. It is also suggested that this form of vitamin C is better able to penetrate the skin and the thin membrane of cells (due to its dual solubility), which can then go on to help produce collagen and elastin.

Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid, the principal constituent of refined palm oil, present in the diet and synthesized endogenously. Palmitic acid is able to activate the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR40. Palmitic acid was also a weak ligand of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Palmitic acid is a ligand of lipid chaperones - the fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs). Dietary palm oil and palmitic acid may play a role in the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Sorbitan monopalmitate (Span 40) is a nonionic emulsifier, surfactant and food additive. The product of Croda Inc. Span 40 is used in skin care, hair care and decorative cosmetics. It is also used as an effector in compositions capable of facilitating penetration across a biological barrier. Inactive ingredient of some medications it improves transdermal delivery of drugs and is a potential carrier for topical drug delivery. In PLIAGLIS cream (lidocaine and tetracaine) sorbitan monopalmitate is used as an inactive ingredient. Sorbitan monopalmitate is a fatty acid sorbitan ester, yellowish brown wax, slightly soluble in isopropanol, xylene and liquid paraffin, insoluble in water, non-toxic.

Cetyl Palmitate, wax-like substance, is used as an inactive ingredient in different cosmetic and personal care products e.g., in FINEVIN. This cream is used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Cetyl Palmitate also functions as a binder to provide adhesive qualities during and after compression to make tablets or cakes.

Dexamethasone palmitate (a derivative of Dexamethasone), anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, glucocorticoid receptor agonist, is reported as an ingredient of Limethason in Japan and Lipotalon in Germany. Limethason (Dexamethasone palmitate) inhibits the function of leukocytes and tissue macrophages. It restricts the migration of leukocytes in the area of inflammation. Limethason (Dexamethasone palmitate) decreases capillary permeability caused by histamine release. It inhibits the activity of fibroblasts and collagen formation. Limethason inhibits the activity of phospholipase A2, which leads to suppression of the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Limethason (Dexamethasone palmitate) is indicated for rheumatoid arthritis.

Xantofyl palmitate (brand name Adaptinol) is an approved drug for retinitis pigmentosa in Japan since August 1956. Adaptinol promotes aerobic metabolism of the retina to expand visual field or delay the development of narrowing of visual field. It also acts on the retina to improve vision in the dark. It is usually used to transiently improve visual field and dark adaptation in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.