Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid, is a common ingredient in cosmetic formulations due to its antioxidant properties, collagen synthesis support, and ability to brighten uneven skin tone. It is found in many private label cosmetics under various forms, including magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. These vitamin C derivatives help improve skin-rejuvenating abilities and offer antioxidant protection against free radicals and sun damage. When developing services in contract manufacturing, choosing complementary ingredients for vitamin C can enhance stability, absorption, and results while reducing potential skin irritation.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is frequently paired with vitamin C because it enhances its antioxidant protection and helps prevent the degradation of vitamin C. In cosmetic formulations, this pairing can support UV protection and reduce the appearance of dark spots and signs of skin aging. Vitamin E can be used alongside ingredients like olive squalane, natural plant oils such as sesame seed oil, green coffee oil, manuka essential oil, and marigold CO2 extract. Together, these ingredients contribute to an oil-based formulation with enhanced absorption and stability, while helping reduce loss of collagen and protect against environmental stressors.
Ferulic acid
Ferulic acid is a plant-derived antioxidant often used with vitamin C and vitamin E to stabilize and enhance their effectiveness. This combination strengthens antioxidant protection, promotes collagen production, and improves the overall performance of the serum. Ferulic acid helps balance pH levels and increases the photoprotective benefits of vitamin C, making it valuable in skincare lines that target UV protection and skin aging. When formulated with stabilizers such as dimethyl isosorbide or pentylene glycol, it creates a more reliable topical composition suitable for sensitive or mature skin.
Hyaluronic acid
Known for its water-binding properties, hyaluronic acid pairs well with vitamin C to hydrate the skin and reduce dryness or irritation. This combination is especially beneficial in formulations containing hydroxyethyl urea, acetyl zingerone, or azelaic acid to soothe inflammation. It can help address various skin concerns such as dryness, dullness, or uneven skin tone. Vitamin C serum infused with hyaluronic acid can be enhanced further with ingredients like evening primrose oil or kalahari melon seed oil for added nourishment.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Niacinamide can be used with vitamin C, but it must be done with caution due to past concerns about pH level conflicts. However, modern cosmetic research shows that when properly formulated, this combination can reduce skin concerns like discoloration and irritation while promoting collagen synthesis. Products using encapsulation technology or esterified derivatives such as ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate and dehydroascorbic acid can increase stability and compatibility between these ingredients.
Ingredients to use carefully or avoid
Some ingredients may interfere with the effectiveness of vitamin C or increase the risk of skin irritation. It’s important to choose compatible actives and delivery systems. Avoid using baking soda directly in vitamin C formulations, as it can drastically raise pH levels and neutralize the serum. Similarly, salicylic acid and lactic acid, while useful as exfoliants, should not be combined in the same step with vitamin C unless the formulation is designed to accommodate the combined pH needs. Dimethyl ether and dipropylene glycol can assist in delivery but require careful use to prevent microbial contamination or skin sensitivity.
- Vitamin E enhances antioxidant properties and photoprotection of vitamin C.
- Ferulic acid improves stability and helps balance the pH of the formulation.
- Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration and reduces skin irritation.
- Niacinamide can help with uneven skin tone when used with stabilized vitamin C.
- Proper pH and carrier systems like Brookfield DV-E ensure ingredient compatibility.
Please contact us to get started on your custom skincare solutions today.