Whitening Brightening Gel – Complete Commercial Formulation & Manufacturing SOP

Whitening / Brightening Gel is a modern, water-based cosmetic formulation designed to enhance skin radiance, improve uneven skin tone, and visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. This complete commercial formulation guide provides in-depth knowledge of professional-grade ingredients, accurate percentages, ingredient functions, and a step-by-step manufacturing SOP suitable for cosmetic laboratories, startups, and private-label skincare brands.

The formulation focuses on safe, non-bleaching skin brightening actives such as Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Dipalmitate, and Licorice Root Extract, which work synergistically to suppress melanin overproduction, improve clarity, and support long-term skin luminosity. The gel texture is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-comedogenic, making it ideal for oily, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types.

This guide is crafted for cosmetic chemists, skincare manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and beauty brands looking to develop export-quality whitening gel products. It includes professional formulation tables, manufacturing workflow, pH control guidance, stability considerations, and regulatory-friendly cosmetic claims. Whether you are launching a new skincare brand or upgrading an existing product line, this formulation serves as a reliable blueprint for high-performance skin brightening gels.

Product Description

Whitening Gel is a lightweight, fast-absorbing cosmetic gel designed to brighten dull skin, even skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and enhance natural radiance. The non-greasy, water-based texture makes it ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Suitable for daily use and all skin types.

Uses

• Improves dull and uneven skin tone
• Helps fade the appearance of dark spots & pigmentation
• Enhances skin brightness and clarity
• Hydrates and soothes the skin
• Ideal for face, neck, hands, and targeted dark areas

Key Benefits

• 🌟 Visible skin brightening effect
• 🌟 Lightweight gel texture (non-sticky)
• 🌟 Suitable for oily & sensitive skin
• 🌟 Improves skin smoothness and hydration
• 🌟 Supports long-term skin clarity with regular use

Commercial Whitening Gel Formulation (100 kg Batch Example)

Phase A – Gel Base

Ingredient	Percentage (%)	Weight (kg)	Function
Purified / DM Water	74.20	74.20	Base solvent
Glycerin	4.00	4.00	Humectant, hydration
Propylene Glycol	3.00	3.00	Solvent, penetration enhancer
Carbomer (Carbopol 940)	0.60	0.60	Gel former
Disodium EDTA	0.10	0.10	Chelating agent

Phase B – Active Brightening Complex

Ingredient	Percentage (%)	Weight (kg)	Function
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)	4.00	4.00	Skin brightening, tone evening
Alpha Arbutin	2.00	2.00	Reduces dark spots appearance
Kojic Dipalmitate	1.50	1.50	Long-term brightening
Licorice Root Extract	1.00	1.00	Skin lightening & soothing
Aloe Vera Extract	3.00	3.00	Hydration & calming

Phase C – Stabilizers & Preservatives

Ingredient	Percentage (%)	Weight (kg)	Function
Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin	1.00	1.00	Broad-spectrum preservative
Triethanolamine (TEA)	0.50	0.50	pH adjuster & gel neutralizer
Fragrance (Skin-safe)	0.10	0.10	Product aesthetics

Total: 100.00% = 100.00 kg

Target Product Specifications

• Appearance: Clear to slightly translucent gel
• pH: 5.5 – 6.2
• Texture: Smooth, non-sticky gel
• Skin Type: All skin types
• Shelf Life: 24 months (recommended stability testing)

Detailed Manufacturing SOP (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preparation

• Clean and sanitize all equipment, vessels, and tools
• Wear PPE (gloves, mask, hair cover)
• Ensure purified water quality meets cosmetic standards

Step 2: Phase A – Gel Base Formation

1. Add Purified Water into the main manufacturing vessel
2. Start slow agitation (300–400 RPM)
3. Add Disodium EDTA and mix until dissolved
4. Add Glycerin and Propylene Glycol, mix until uniform
5. Slowly sprinkle Carbomer into the vortex
6. Mix for 20–30 minutes until carbomer is fully hydrated

Step 3: Phase B – Active Preparation

1. In a separate vessel, add a small amount of water
2. Dissolve Niacinamide completely
3. Add Alpha Arbutin and mix gently
4. Warm slightly (≤40°C) and dissolve Kojic Dipalmitate
5. Add Licorice Root Extract and Aloe Vera Extract
6. Mix until a clear, uniform solution forms

Step 4: Combining Phases

1. Slowly add Phase B into Phase A
2. Maintain gentle mixing to avoid air entrapment
3. Mix for 20 minutes until homogeneous

Step 5: Neutralization & pH Adjustment

1. Slowly add Triethanolamine (TEA)
2. Observe gel formation and viscosity increase
3. Check pH and adjust to 5.5 – 6.2

Step 6: Final Additives

1. Add Preservative system
2. Add Fragrance (optional)
3. Mix for 10–15 minutes

Step 7: Quality Control

• Check pH
• Check viscosity and clarity
• Conduct microbial testing
• Perform stability testing (heat, cold, centrifuge)

Step 8: Filling & Packaging

• Transfer gel into sterilized filling machine
• Fill into airless pumps or gel tubes
• Seal, label, and batch code
• Store at room temperature (below 30°C)

Regulatory & Marketing Notes

• Use the term “Whitening / Brightening” for cosmetic positioning
• Avoid medical or bleaching claims
• Suitable for export-quality cosmetic brands
• Can be marketed as Daily Brightening Gel / Dark Spot Correcting Gel