Thickening the Vitamin C E Ferulic Serum Base (Low pH)
Question
# Thickening the `Vitamin C E Ferulic (ID: 70)` Serum Base
I have purchased the `Vitamin C E Ferulic (ID: 70)` product. I need clarification on two points:
1. Is this product a complete formulation that can be used directly on the face without adding any other ingredients?
2. Is it possible to add a thickener to this serum base to increase its viscosity? If so, what specific thickeners are recommended for this base, considering it contains 15% Ascorbic Acid, 1% Vitamin E, and 0.5% Ferulic Acid, resulting in a highly acidic (low pH) environment?
Answer
The Vitamin C E Ferulic (ID: 70) product is a complete serum formulation and can be used directly on your face without any further additions. It contains 15% Ascorbic Acid, 1% Vitamin E, and 0.5% Ferulic Acid, which are effective concentrations for a Vitamin C serum.
Regarding your question about adding a thickener, yes, it is possible to increase the viscosity of the serum base. Since the Vitamin C E Ferulic serum contains a high concentration of Ascorbic Acid, it has a very low pH (acidic). Therefore, you must choose a thickener that is stable and effective in an acidic environment.
We recommend the following thickeners for low-pH formulas:
CreamMaker Acid™ (ID: 125248):
- This product is specifically developed for acid-based formulations (low pH).
- Usage Rate: 0.5-5%.
- How to Mix: It is typically mixed in the oil phase, but since this is a water-based serum, you would need to test its dispersion and thickening capability directly in the serum base.
Sepimax Zen (ID: 31858):
- This is a highly versatile thickener that is tolerant of both high salt and low pH conditions.
- Usage Rate: 0.5-2%.
- How to Mix: Sprinkle the powder over the liquid (the serum base) and blend until the desired gel texture is achieved.
Important Note: When adding any ingredient to a pre-made base, always start with a small amount and test the stability, clarity, and texture of the final product to ensure the active ingredients remain effective.
