Novel derivatives of ascorbic acid and compositions comprising them are provided. The novel derivatives are of the following general formula (I): where R1 is a C2-C22 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues, amino acid residues, or a C1-C17 alkyl ; R2 is a group of the following formula (II) wherein R5 or R6 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, a C1-C4 alkyl, or R5 is C1-C4 alkyl group and R6 is a metal cation or ammonium cation; R3 or R4 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, C2-C22 saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residues, amino acid residues, or a C1-C17 alkyl.