Adding Antioxidant to Moringa Oil for Stability and FDA Approval

Asked by: 24beewin On: August 22, 2025 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I am formulating a Moringa oil product and need to add an ingredient at 1% concentration. Could you recommend a vitamin or antioxidant that is readily miscible with oil and can help with product stability and facilitate FDA registration?

Answer

For your Moringa Oil product, adding an antioxidant like Vitamin E is an excellent choice to help with stability and potentially with regulatory approval. Vitamin E is oil-soluble and blends well with carrier oils such as Moringa Oil.

We recommend using one of our Vitamin E products, such as Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) or Vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol). Both are effective antioxidants that can help prevent the oil from oxidizing and going rancid, thus extending its shelf life. Adding it at a concentration of 1% is a common and effective usage rate for this purpose.

These Vitamin E forms are compatible with Moringa Oil and are widely used in cosmetic formulations for their antioxidant properties and skin benefits.

Follow-up Replies

summerlabthai

December 14, 2025 13:47

Question:

Regarding the use of antioxidants in oil-based products (such as Coconut Oil and Rosemary-based products), are both types of Vitamin E—Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) (ID 65) and Vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol) (ID 135)—suitable, similar to their use in Moringa oil?

Furthermore, concerning the concentration, should the usage rate be:

A combined total of 1% (e.g., 0.5% of each Vitamin E type)?
Or 1% of each Vitamin E type (resulting in a 2% total concentration)?

Answer:

Yes, both types of Vitamin E—Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) (ID 65) and Vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol) (ID 135)—are highly suitable for use in both Coconut Oil and Rosemary-based products, just as they are for Moringa oil.

Suitability for Coconut Oil and Rosemary

Coconut Oil: Both Vitamin E types are oil-soluble and blend perfectly with carrier oils like Coconut Oil (specifically, Fractionated Coconut Oil, ID 169, which is a common cosmetic grade). They will help prevent the oil from oxidizing and extending its shelf life.
Rosemary: If you are using Rosemary as an antioxidant (such as Rosemary Oleoresin Extract (ROE), ID 167), using it in combination with Vitamin E is highly recommended. The product descriptions explicitly state that ROE's high efficiency is best achieved when used in conjunction with Vitamin E due to their synergistic antioxidant effect.

Concentration Guidance

Regarding the concentration, the 1% usage rate should be the total concentration of the antioxidant system, not 1% of each ingredient.

Total 1%: If you choose to use both Vitamin E types, you should aim for a total combined concentration of 1% (e.g., 0.5% of ID 65 and 0.5% of ID 135, or any combination that totals 1%). This concentration is often used to provide both antioxidant protection for the oil and active skin benefits from the Vitamin E.
Using 1% of each (2% total) is generally not recommended for oil-based products, as the description for Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) notes that using more than 0.5% can cause a sticky feeling on the skin.
For oil stability alone, a much lower concentration is often sufficient (e.g., 0.01% to 0.1% total). However, if you want the added skin benefits, a total of 1% is a common and effective usage rate.

Recommendation for Maximum Stability:
For the best stability, consider using a combination of Rosemary Oleoresin Extract (ROE) (ID 167) at its recommended low rate (0.02%-0.1%) alongside one of the Vitamin E products. This combination provides a powerful, synergistic, and natural antioxidant system.

summerlabthai

December 30, 2025 15:22

Question:

I am developing a shampoo formula using coconut oil. My current batch resulted in a pH of 6.4, but I would like to adjust it to be within the range of 5-6.

I have the following questions:

What are the methods and steps to effectively lower the pH of my shampoo formulation to the desired range?
Could you provide a sample calculation for the ingredient percentages used in a shampoo formula (e.g., for a 1,000g batch) to help me understand how to convert percentages into actual weights for production?

Please include any specific recommendations for ingredients like Sulfate Free Shampoo Base, Poly-Conditioner Eco, and Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Answer:

To adjust the pH of your shampoo formulation using Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7, Clear, Foaming) (ID: 1107) from 6.4 down to 5-6, and for a calculation example, please see the details below:

1. How to Lower the pH

You can use acidic pH adjusters to lower the pH of your formula. Common and easy-to-use options include:

Citric Acid (Anhydrous, Natural) (ID: 30693): A highly water-soluble powder.
Lactic Acid (AHA) 90% Deodorized (ID: 7768): A convenient liquid acid.

Adjustment Process:

Prepare Acid Solution: If using Citric Acid, it is recommended to dissolve it in water at a 1:1 ratio (e.g., 10g acid in 10g water) for easier drop-wise adjustment.
Addition: After mixing all other ingredients, gradually add the acid solution to the formula in small increments (e.g., 0.1% or a few drops at a time).
Measurement: Stir well and test the pH using a pH meter or pH strips. Repeat until the desired pH of 5-6 is reached.

2. Example Formulation Calculation (Coconut Oil Shampoo)

For a gentle, nourishing shampoo using Fractionated Coconut Oil (ID: 169), which is a non-comedogenic oil suitable for hair care, here is a sample ratio:

Sample Formula (Total 100%):

Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (ID: 1107): 35% (Primary surfactant)
Poly-Conditioner Eco (ID: 1080): 2% (For hair softness and detangling)
Fractionated Coconut Oil (ID: 169): 0.5% (Nourishing oil Note: Use a small amount to avoid reducing foam)
Water (Distilled/Clean Water): 61.5% (Balance to 100%)
Preservative: 1% (As recommended by the manufacturer)
Citric Acid (ID: 30693): q.s. (Small amount to adjust pH)

Calculation for a 1,000g (1kg) Batch:

Sulfate Free Shampoo Base: 1,000 x 35% = 350g
Poly-Conditioner Eco: 1,000 x 2% = 20g
Fractionated Coconut Oil: 1,000 x 0.5% = 5g
Preservative: 1,000 x 1% = 10g
Water: 1,000 - (350 + 20 + 5 + 10) = 615g

Additional Tips:

Mixing: Mix the water, conditioners, and preservatives first, then add the Sulfate Free Shampoo Base. Stir gently to avoid creating excessive bubbles.
Viscosity: If you want a thicker shampoo, you can add 0.5-1.5% salt (Sodium Chloride) after the pH adjustment is complete.