Formulating a Stable 20% L-Ascorbic Acid Body Lotion
Question
I am interested in creating a body lotion that contains 20% L-ascorbic acid. I understand that L-ascorbic acid is generally unstable, especially in water-based formulations like lotions.
Could you please advise on the challenges and specific requirements for formulating a stable body lotion with such a high concentration? Are there alternative approaches or ingredients (like Vitamin C derivatives) that would be easier or more suitable for a lotion base?
Answer
Subject: Re: Want to make a body lotion with 20% Vitamin C
Thank you for your interest in making a body lotion with 20% L-ascorbic acid.
As the staff mentioned, L-ascorbic acid is quite unstable, especially in water-based formulations like lotions. Achieving a stable 20% concentration requires specific formulation techniques and ingredients to prevent oxidation and degradation.
For a beginner, formulating a stable 20% L-ascorbic acid product can be challenging. The example formula for "Vitamin C E Ferulic" shared by the staff is a good illustration of a stable L-ascorbic acid serum, but it uses specific co-ingredients (Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid) and might not be a simple lotion base.
Instead of starting with a complex 20% L-ascorbic acid lotion, you might consider:
- Using a lower concentration of L-ascorbic acid in a simpler base to gain experience.
- Exploring more stable derivatives of Vitamin C (like Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, or Ascorbyl Glucoside) which are easier to formulate into lotions.
Creating a stable and effective 20% L-ascorbic acid product requires careful pH control, specific antioxidants, and appropriate packaging, which is often beyond a beginner's level.
We recommend starting with simpler formulations or more stable ingredients first.
Related Products Mentioned
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) (Ultra-Fine)
