Comparison of Nanowhite and Vitamin C Powder for Skin Whitening

Regarding your questions about using Nanowhite and Vitamin C powder in a skin whitening lotion, here is a comparison based on the information available:

Whitening Efficacy

Nanowhite is a blend containing several ingredients, including Arbutin, Ascorbyl Palmitate (a type of Vitamin C ester), and Glutathione. Vitamin C powder typically refers to L-Ascorbic Acid.

Pure forms of Vitamin C, such as L-Ascorbic Acid or stabilized derivatives like Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G), are generally considered to have higher efficacy in skin whitening and inhibiting melanin production compared to Vitamin C esters like Ascorbyl Palmitate, which is one component of Nanowhite.

Mixing the Two Ingredients

Nanowhite and L-Ascorbic Acid are different types of ingredients with varying properties and formulation requirements. L-Ascorbic Acid, for instance, is known for its instability, especially in water, and requires specific pH conditions (typically acidic, pH 2.0-4.0, but FDA recommends pH 3.5 or higher for leave-on products) and potentially chelating agents like Disodium EDTA for stability. Other Vitamin C derivatives like Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G) require a pH range of 6.5-6.8 for stability, while Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) are stable at pH 7-9. Perfect-C™ (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) is oil-soluble and stable at pH 5.0-5.5.

Mixing these ingredients directly into a pre-made lotion base or mixing Nanowhite with L-Ascorbic Acid without proper formulation knowledge and pH control is generally not recommended. It can lead to instability, reduced efficacy, or potential skin irritation.

Direct Addition to Lotion Base

Adding L-Ascorbic Acid powder directly to a lotion base is usually not advisable. L-Ascorbic Acid is unstable when dissolved in water and requires careful formulation, including pH adjustment and potentially other stabilizers, to remain effective. The descriptions for L-Ascorbic Acid products specify mixing methods and required pH ranges (e.g., pH 2.0-4.0, ideally 3.5-4.0 for leave-on products).

Other forms of Vitamin C, such as Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G), Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP), and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), are more stable and easier to incorporate into water-based formulas, but still have specific pH requirements for optimal stability and efficacy. Perfect-C™ is oil-soluble and mixed into the oil phase.

Nanowhite, being a blend, also requires proper incorporation into a formula to ensure the stability and efficacy of its components.

For best results, it is recommended to formulate a lotion base specifically designed to incorporate these active ingredients, ensuring the correct pH and stability.

Recommended Usage Percentages

The recommended usage percentage varies depending on the specific type of Vitamin C and the desired effect. For L-Ascorbic Acid, the typical usage rate for whitening is 3-15%. For other forms:

• Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G): 2-10%
• Perfect-C™ (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate): 1-10% (recommended 5%)
• Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: 1-10% (recommended 3%)
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP): 0.5-10% (recommended 3%)
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP): 0.5-10% (recommended 3%)

The usage rate for Nanowhite would depend on the specific product blend and manufacturer's recommendations.

Always refer to the specific product's instructions and recommended usage rates for accurate formulation.