Maintaining radiant and healthy skin is a common goal, yet it presents several challenges, including combating environmental damage from free radicals, promoting the natural repair processes, and ensuring proper hydration and luminosity. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has emerged as a renowned antioxidant widely used in dermatological formulations due to its significant ability to neutralize free radicals, promote collagen synthesis, and improve skin luminosity. It plays a critical role in supporting the integrity of connective tissues like skin and contributes to wound healing and protection against oxidative stress.
However, the effective formulation of vitamin C serums has faced common challenges, particularly concerning its instability, susceptibility to oxidation, and potential for skin irritation. This necessitates careful formulation to ensure the active compound remains potent and tolerable for skin application. The study aimed to address these issues by developing a stable, potent, and effective vitamin C serum specifically designed to enhance skin radiance and health.
Methods
The formulation of the vitamin C serum focused on using L-ascorbic acid at an optimal concentration of 15% with a pH between 3.0–3.5 to enhance absorption while maintaining tolerability. To address instability and oxidation, antioxidants such as ferulic acid and vitamin E (tocopherol) were incorporated for a synergistic effect on potency and shelf life. A hyaluronic acid base was utilized for hydration and dermal penetration, complemented by natural ingredients like orange peel powder, aloe vera, glycerin, and olive oil. The serum underwent preliminary evaluations including stability testing at various temperatures, skin compatibility assessments via patch tests, and a short-term user trial, alongside assessments of organoleptic properties, pH, spreadability, and viscosity.
Key Findings
The study yielded several positive findings regarding the formulated vitamin C serum:
• Participants in a short-term user trial reported visible improvements in skin brightness, texture, and even tone within four weeks, with minimal adverse effects.
• The formulated serum demonstrated effective moisturizing and antioxidant effects.
• The pH of the product was consistently found to be between 4 and 6, specifically measured at 4 initially and remaining stable within this range over 30 days of accelerated stability testing.
• The serum showed consistent viscosity and spreadability throughout the evaluation period.
• Photographic evaluation confirmed visible improvement in skin appearance within 15 days of application.
• Stability testing indicated the formulation was stable and effective up to 40 °C, with only a slight viscosity increase observed at 50 °C.
• An irritancy test conducted by applying the product to the skin found no irritancy.
• The patch test performed on sensitive skin areas showed no reactions after 24 and 48 hours, indicating the product passed the test and was not hypersensitive.
• Organoleptic properties observed during visual inspection included a reddish-brown color, a lightly caramelized odor, a semi-solid state, and a smooth consistency.
This research successfully formulated and evaluated a vitamin C serum that demonstrated stability, safety, and efficacy in improving skin condition, reducing dark spots, and enhancing overall skin texture without side effects. A key novelty of this research lies in its successful integration of natural active agents such as orange peel extract, vitamin E, olive oil, and aloe vera into a stable and potent vitamin C formulation, specifically addressing common formulation challenges like instability and oxidation. The study’s findings suggest that a well-balanced, antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum, particularly one incorporating natural ingredients, can serve as an effective, non-invasive skincare solution for enhancing skin health and appearance. This paves the way for future research and development in natural skincare products that are both effective and well-tolerated.
Link to the study: https://tinyurl.com/86daymdw
