Introduction
A Vitamin C Brightening Body Serum offers lightweight moisturization and radiance-boosting effects, specially designed for larger areas of the body. Compared to facial products, body serums prioritize fast absorption, non-greasy texture, and long spreadability. This guide outlines a professional formulation approach for creating an effective, stable, and elegant brightening body serum.
Product Overview & Key Claims
- 🌟 Brightens dull body skin using two stable forms of Vitamin C
- 🍊 Infused with natural fruit extracts for radiance and freshness
- 💧 Non-sticky hydration with humectants and light emollients
- 👚 Silky finish and fast absorption through smart silicone and polymer systems
Ingredient Analysis & Recommended Usage
| INCI Name | Function | Suggested % w/w |
| Aqua | Solvent | q.s. to 100 |
| Liquid Paraffin | Occlusive emollient | 3.0 – 5.0 |
| Glycerin | Humectant | 3.0 – 6.0 |
| Ceteareth-25 | 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 | Co-emulsifier | 0.5 – 1.5 |
| Sodium Polyacrylate | Thickener/stabilizer | 0.2 – 0.5 |
| Dimethicone | Silicone emollient | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Cyclopentasiloxane | Volatile silicone for dry feel | 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 | Stable Vitamin C | 0.5 – 1.0 |
| 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | Brightening agent | 0.3 – 0.8 |
| Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Fruit Extract | Natural brightening extract | 0.2 – 0.5 |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer | Gelling agent | 0.1 – 0.3 |
| Perfume | Fragrance | 0.2 – 0.5 |
| Colorants | Aesthetic | q.s. (0.01 – 0.05) |
Lab-Scale Sample 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. | 69.32 |
| 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 | Colorant | 0.1 | 0.1 |
Manufacturing Process
- Phase A – Oil Phase
Heat all oil phase ingredients to 75–80°C until fully melted and uniform. - Phase B – Water Phase
Heat the water to 75°C, dissolve glycerin and polymers, and mix thoroughly. - Emulsification
Slowly add Phase B into Phase A under high-shear mixing (4,000–6,000 rpm) to create a smooth emulsion. - Cooling Phase
Cool mixture to below 40°C while stirring gently. - Add Phase C Ingredients
Add vitamin C derivatives, extract, preservative, fragrance, and colorant while maintaining gentle mixing. - Final Adjustments
Adjust pH to 5.5–6.5 as needed. Continue mixing until the product appears smooth and glossy. - Packaging
Fill into suitable packaging such as airless pumps or serum bottles.
Stability Testing Guidelines
| Test | Conditions | Time Points | Pass Criteria |
| Stability | RT, 40°C | 1, 3, 6 months | No phase separation |
| Freeze-Thaw | -5°C to 25°C, 3 cycles | After final cycle | No texture changes |
| Viscosity | Room Temperature | Monthly | ±10% variation |
| pH | Room Temperature | Monthly | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Microbiology | ISO 11930 | Initial | Pass preservative test |
Packaging Recommendations
- ✅ Use airless pumps or soft serum bottles with non-leaching inner linings
- ✅ Choose UV-protected containers to protect vitamin C derivatives
- ❌ Avoid clear packaging unless UV-blocking coated
Customization Tips
- ✅ Replace Liquid Paraffin with C15–19 Alkane for a natural emollient profile
- ✅ Add Niacinamide (2–5%) for extra brightening and pigmentation support
- ✅ Improve sensory with Isoamyl Laurate or Ethylhexyl Palmitate
- ✅ Add shimmer or pearl pigments for a glowing finish
Conclusion
This professionally designed formulation offers a balance of radiance, hydration, and elegance, suitable for the body. With stable vitamin C derivatives and lightweight emollients, it can be further tailored for different skin types, climates, and marketing claims. Adjust the actives and emulsifiers to suit your brand’s needs and regulatory targets.
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