Antioxidant capacities of α-tocopherol, trolox, ascorbic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate in riboflavin photosensitized oil-in-water emulsions

► Riboflavin sensitization and antioxidant polarity were tested in O/W emulsions. ► Hydrophilic trolox and ascorbic acid showed prooxidant properties. ► Lipophilic α-tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate showed antioxidant properties. ► Polarity of antioxidants influenced the antioxidant capacities in O/W emulsions.