Antioxidants for Water-Based Serums with Natural Extracts

For a water-based serum formulation containing natural extracts as the main actives, preventing oxidation is crucial for stability. Here are some ingredients that can help stabilize the serum and minimize oxidation:

• Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: This is a highly stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative. It acts as an effective antioxidant and can be easily incorporated into water-based formulas. It is recommended to include 0.2% Disodium EDTA in the formula when using water as an ingredient to help chelate metal ions that can cause degradation.
• Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G): Another stable Vitamin C derivative that is water-soluble and functions as an antioxidant. It requires the formula pH to be adjusted to the range of 6.5-6.8 for optimal stability. Avoid using it with ingredients like Safe-B3 or Zinc PCA.
• Glutathione (L-Glutathione) (Extrasol): A high-efficiency antioxidant that is water-soluble. It is sensitive to heat above 40°C and pH outside the 3-6 range. It can also help increase the stability of L-Ascorbic Acid if used in the formula.
• ActiveProtec™ OX: A blend of high-performance antioxidants specifically designed to prevent oxidation and discoloration in formulations, including those with Vitamin C and other sensitive actives. It is water-soluble but sensitive to electrolytes and requires the formula pH to be above 4.
• Hydroxyacetophenone: This ingredient acts as an antioxidant to help maintain the quality of other ingredients in the formula. It needs to be dissolved in glycols, glycerin, or ethanol with gentle heat (below 60°C) before adding to the water phase.
• Coenzyme Q10 (10%, Encapsulate Powder, Water-Soluble): A water-dispersible antioxidant effective for anti-aging and fighting free radicals. For long-term stability, it is recommended to use it alongside ActiveProtec™ UV and ActiveProtec™ OX, and mix it at temperatures below 40°C.
• Astaxanthin (2.0% Algae Extract, Water Dispersed Powder): A powerful antioxidant that is water-dispersible. Similar to Coenzyme Q10, using ActiveProtec OX and ActiveProtec UV is recommended for better stability, and it should be mixed at temperatures below 40°C.

These antioxidants help protect the natural extracts and other components in your water-based serum from degrading due to oxidation, thereby extending the shelf life and maintaining the efficacy of the product.