Introduction
Vitamin C body lotions combine hydration with skin-brightening properties, making them popular in daily skincare routines. Compared to serums, body lotions typically have a higher viscosity, smoother glide, and provide prolonged moisturization. This guide outlines a professional approach to formulate a Vitamin C brightening body lotion that delivers both functional skin benefits and a pleasant sensory experience.
Product Overview & Key Claims
- 🍊 Dual Vitamin C Complex (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate + 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) for enhanced brightness
- 🌻 Sunflower Oil and emollients for deep nourishment
- 🌬️ Silky, non-greasy finish achieved through silicones and emulsion stabilizers
- 🌿 Infused with Yuzu Extract for a fresh and radiant skin tone
Ingredient Analysis & Recommended Usage
| INCI Name | Function | Suggested % w/w |
| Aqua | Solvent | q.s. to 100 |
| Liquid Paraffin | Emollient | 3.0 – 5.0 |
| Glycerin | Humectant | 3.0 – 6.0 |
| Ceteareth-25 | Primary emulsifier | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Cetyl Alcohol | Co-emulsifier, thickener | 0.5 – 1.0 |
| Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride | Lightweight emollient | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Glyceryl Isostearate | Emulsifier | 0.5 – 1.5 |
| Sodium Polyacrylate | Stabilizer, thickener | 0.2 – 0.5 |
| Dimethicone | Silicone emollient | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Cyclopentasiloxane | Volatile silicone | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Trideceth-6 | Silicone-compatible emulsifier | 0.5 – 1.5 |
| PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone | Emulsifier & humectant | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Glyceryl Stearate | Co-emulsifier | 0.5 – 1.5 |
| Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil | Natural emollient | 1.0 – 3.0 |
| Phenoxyethanol | Preservative | 0.8 – 1.0 |
| Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Vitamin C derivative | 0.5 – 1.0 |
| 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | Potent skin brightener | 0.3 – 0.8 |
| Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Fruit Extract | Brightening extract | 0.2 – 0.5 |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer | Rheology modifier | 0.1 – 0.3 |
| Perfume | Fragrance | 0.2 – 0.5 |
| Color | Aesthetic agent | q.s. (0.01–0.05) |
Lab-Scale Formula (100g Batch)
| Phase | Ingredient | % | Weight (g) |
| A | Liquid Paraffin | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| A | Dimethicone | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| A | Cyclopentasiloxane | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| A | Trideceth-6 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| A | PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| A | Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| A | Ceteareth-25 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| A | Glyceryl Isostearate | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| A | Glyceryl Stearate | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| A | Cetyl Alcohol | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| B | Aqua | q.s. | 68.32 |
| B | Glycerin | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| B | Sodium Polyacrylate | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| B | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| C | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| C | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| C | Citrus Junos Fruit Extract | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| C | Phenoxyethanol | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| C | Perfume | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| C | Color | 0.1 | 0.1 |
Manufacturing Process
- Phase A (Oil Phase)
- Combine all Phase A ingredients.
- Heat to 75–80°C with stirring until uniform and melted.
- Phase B (Water Phase)
- Heat water to 75°C.
- Dissolve glycerin and polymers; mix well.
- Emulsification
- Slowly add Phase B into Phase A under high shear mixing (approx. 6000 rpm) for 5–10 minutes to form an emulsion.
- Cooling
- Cool the emulsion to 40°C.
- Addition of Phase C
- Add Phase C ingredients one by one with gentle stirring to avoid degradation.
- Final Checks
- Adjust pH to 5.5–6.5 if necessary.
- Check viscosity and ensure homogeneity.
- Filling
- Fill into pump bottles or flip-top tubes at 30–35°C.
Stability & Compatibility Testing
| Test | Conditions | Duration | Criteria |
| Accelerated Stability | 40°C / 75% RH | 3–6 months | No phase separation or color change |
| Freeze-Thaw Cycles | 3 cycles (-5°C to 25°C) | 3 days/cycle | No viscosity loss or texture change |
| Packaging Compatibility | HDPE, PET | 1 month | No leaching or color migration |
| Microbiological Testing | ISO 11930 | 28 days | Preservative efficacy pass |
Packaging Advice
- 🌞 Use opaque HDPE or PE bottles for optimal Vitamin C stability
- 🚫 Avoid transparent or clear PET bottles unless UV-coated
- 💡 Consider flip-top caps or pumps for ease of application and reduced contamination
Customization Ideas
- Add Niacinamide (2–3%) for synergistic brightening and enhanced tone correction
- Substitute Dimethicone with natural silicone alternatives (e.g., C13-15 Alkane) for natural product claims
- Use plant-based emulsifiers for clean/natural positioning
- Incorporate Alpha-Arbutin (1%) to promote even skin tone and reduce pigmentation
Conclusion
This Vitamin C Brightening Body Lotion formulation provides a balanced, creamy emulsion suitable for daily application. It delivers brightening, moisturizing, and sensory benefits while maintaining stability and compatibility with typical packaging. The formula serves as a solid foundation that can be customized to fit brand identity, target audience preferences, or regulatory requirements.
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