Adjusting pH of Stabilized Vitamin C Serum for FDA Compliance

Asked by: sunjaylesnow On: September 12, 2016 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

How to increase the pH of Stabilized Vitamin C (Natural-C Glycol™) Serum (original pH 2-3) to meet the FDA requirement of pH 3.5 or higher?

Answer

Yes, the pH of Stabilized Vitamin C (Natural-C Glycol™) Serum can be increased.

To increase the pH, you can add Triethanolamine 99% to your formulation. Add it gradually in small amounts while mixing well. Use a Digital pH meter to measure the pH as you go.

The target pH for ready-made cosmetic products containing this type of Vitamin C should be adjusted to at least 3.5, according to FDA regulations. The Stabilized Vitamin C (Natural-C Glycol™) Serum itself has a pH in the range of 2-3.

When using Triethanolamine, the recommended usage rate is 0.1-2.5%. Do not exceed 2.5%. Avoid direct skin contact with Triethanolamine.

Please note that the product description for Stabilized Vitamin C (Natural-C Glycol™) Serum advises that it is suitable for use as a finished product and not typically for mixing additional ingredients without consulting the R&D team, except for fragrance and coloring. However, based on the staff's reply, adjusting the pH with Triethanolamine for regulatory compliance appears to be an acceptable modification.