How to formulate a restoring Vitamin C face serum

The use of natural plant oils in skincare dates back millennia and is deeply rooted in various cultures around the world. Many ancient civilisations recognised the benefits of plant oils for their skincare and medicinal properties. They used various natural oils such as jojoba, castor, olive, and sesame seed oils, and many others which would have been produced by a basic, cold-pressing technique.

The application of oils as a final step (or on its own) in the skincare routine helps improve the moisture content of the skin by creating an occlusive barrier to lock in moisture and thereby keep the skin hydrated. Many natural plant oils contain essential nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that are beneficial for the skin. These nutrients contribute to skin health by providing nourishment and supporting the skin’s natural functions.

The application of vitamin C at certain concentrations on the skin has many effects, that have been proven over the years. Vitamin C’s effects on skin texture, collagen synthesis, and keratinocytes contribute to a healthier, more radiant appearance. Regular use of vitamin C-containing skincare products can help address issues like uneven skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, and a lackluster complexion.

Vitamin C in skincare products can be present in different forms. Since L-ascorbic (the chemical name of vitamin C) acid is naturally water soluble, vitamin C used in oil-based formulations must be processed to be oil-soluble so as not to give rise to stability issues. Advanced forms of vitamin C derivatives have been developed and we cover several, along with other important aspects of formulating with the vitamin, in these blog posts:

Best forms of vitamin C in skincare
4 vitamin C skincare myths every formulator should know

Oil solubility brings the advantage of adding vitamin C into completely waterless formulations, which offers the prospect of a new concept of cosmetic formulations able to include forms of vitamin C without the need to use an emulsifier.

Vitamin C serum: key ingredients

Sesame seed oil is a yellowish liquid with a distinctive scent typical of sesame. It is frequently used in skincare for its moisturising, antibacterial, purifying, and reparative properties.

Cotton seed oil brings a touch of luxury and uniqueness, and is known for its nourishing and skin-protecting properties.

Ascorbyl tetraizopalmitate is an oil-soluble form of vitamin C, that helps protect the skin from free radicals caused by UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental stressors. This antioxidant action can help mitigate the signs of premature skin ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation or sunspots. It also has a key role in collagen synthesis.

Green coffee oil is rich in antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid and tocopherols (vitamin E), which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. This can contribute to a more vibrant and radiant complexion.

Evening primrose oil contains fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. Applying evening primrose oil topically can help moisturise the skin and prevent dryness.

Marigold CO₂ extract is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe and calm irritated skin, making it suitable for sensitive or inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and sunburn.

Tocopherol is an antioxidant, providing a protective effect for ingredients prone to oxidation.

Manuka essential oil is an essential oil with a honey-like, sweet scent, very popular in perfumery. It gives the formula an appealing, subtle fragrance.

Our formulation: vitamin C serum

Makes: recommended trial batch size: 100g.
Formulation: a cold process.
Time taken: 15 minutes.
Level: beginner-level formulation to personalise and adapt.

Equipment:

• Scales
• Glass beakers
• glass rods or stainless steel spoons
• Pipettes
• Suitable container – pipette/dropper bottle ideal

Formulation notes

This is a simple oil-based formula, full of modern and highly-efficient actives. When formulating with natural plant oils and oil-soluble compounds that are prone to oxidation, always use an antioxidant. You can use tocopherol or rosemary extract to prevent oxidation. Since this is a waterless formula, we do not need to add a preservative.

Suggested suppliers

Many of the suppliers below ship internationally. We have given their home country base.

Aromazone (EU). – stocks manuka essential oil, marigold CO2 extract and sesame seed oil.
Aromantic (UK)
Alexmo Cosmetics (EU) – stocks Ascorbyl tetraizopalmitate.
Manske (EU)
Soap Kitchen (UK)
Elemental (EU)
Lotioncrafter (USA)
Essential Wholesale (USA)
O&3 – the Oil Family (UK/EU)
Go Native (New Zealand)
Naturally Balmy (UK)
Soap & More (Canada)
Mystic Moments (UK) – stocks green coffee oil.