Vitamin C Brightening Serum Complete Formulation | Stable SAP Vitamin C Guide

Discover the complete professional formulation of Vitamin C Brightening Serum using Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP). This detailed guide covers ingredients, percentages, benefits, manufacturing SOP, pH control, and stability tips for creating a high-quality, acne-safe, and commercial skincare serum. Ideal for cosmetic formulators, private labels, and skincare brands.

Description

Vitamin C Brightening Serum is a lightweight, water-based antioxidant serum formulated with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), a highly stable Vitamin C derivative known for its brightening, anti-acne, and collagen-boosting properties. The formula helps reduce pigmentation, control breakouts, even skin tone, and enhance overall radiance, while remaining gentle and suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Enriched with Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, and Vitamin E, this serum delivers hydration, barrier repair, and visible glow without irritation.

Uses

• Daily Vitamin C serum for face and neck
• Brightening dull and uneven skin tone
• Reducing acne marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Supporting collagen production
• Antioxidant protection from environmental stress
• Oil-balancing and acne-friendly skincare

Key Benefits

• Stable Vitamin C (SAP) – non-irritating
• Brightens and clarifies skin
• Helps reduce acne-causing bacteria
• Improves skin texture and tone
• Hydrates and soothes skin
• Strengthens skin barrier
• Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin
• Non-sticky, fast-absorbing serum

Commercial Vitamin C Brightening Serum Formulation

Batch Size: 1000 g (1 kg)

Phase A – Water Phase

Ingredient	Percentage (%)	Weight (g)	Function
Deionized Water	66.10	661 g	Solvent, base
Glycerin	4.00	40 g	Humectant
Propanediol	4.00	40 g	Humectant, penetration enhancer
Disodium EDTA	0.10	1 g	Chelating agent

Phase B – Active Phase

Ingredient	Percentage (%)	Weight (g)	Function
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP)	3.00	30 g	Stable Vitamin C, brightening, anti-acne
Niacinamide	4.00	40 g	Tone correction, barrier support
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)	1.00	10 g	Soothing, moisturizing
Sodium Hyaluronate (LMW)	0.20	2 g	Deep hydration

Phase C – Texture, Antioxidant & Preservation

Ingredient	Percentage (%)	Weight (g)	Function
Hydroxyethylcellulose	0.80	8 g	Thickener, serum gel texture
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)	0.50	5 g	Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin	1.00	10 g	Broad-spectrum preservative
Fragrance (Optional)	0.20	2 g	Aesthetic scent

Phase D – pH Adjustment

Ingredient	Percentage (%)	Weight (g)	Function
Sodium Hydroxide / Citric Acid (q.s.)	0.00–0.30	As needed	pH adjustment

Final pH: 6.0 – 6.5 (Critical for SAP stability)
Total: 100% = 1000 g

Detailed Manufacturing SOP (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preparation & Hygiene

• Sanitize all equipment, containers, mixers, and utensils
• Wear gloves, mask, and hair cover
• Ensure clean, temperature-controlled environment
• Accurately weigh all ingredients

Step 2: Phase A – Water Phase

1. Add Deionized Water to the main vessel
2. Begin stirring at 300–500 RPM
3. Add Disodium EDTA, mix until fully dissolved
4. Add Glycerin and Propanediol
5. Mix until solution is clear and uniform

Step 3: Gel Formation (Hydroxyethylcellulose)

1. Slowly sprinkle Hydroxyethylcellulose into Phase A while stirring
2. Avoid dumping to prevent clumps
3. Continue mixing for 10–15 minutes
4. Allow hydration for 20–30 minutes
5. Mix again until a smooth gel forms

Step 4: Phase B – Active Ingredient Addition

1. In a separate beaker, dissolve Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) in a small amount of deionized water (room temperature or max 40°C)
2. Add SAP solution slowly to the main batch
3. Add Niacinamide, mix until fully dissolved
4. Add Panthenol
5. Pre-hydrate Sodium Hyaluronate and add slowly to avoid clumping

Step 5: Phase C – Final Additives

1. Add Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and mix thoroughly
2. Add Preservative system
3. Add fragrance (optional)
4. Mix gently for 10–15 minutes to ensure uniformity

Step 6: pH Adjustment (Very Important for SAP)

• Measure pH using a calibrated pH meter
• Adjust to pH 6.0 – 6.5
• Use Citric Acid to lower pH
• Use Sodium Hydroxide to raise pH
• Mix well after each adjustment

Step 7: Final Homogenization & Resting

• Mix at low speed for 10 minutes
• Remove air bubbles if needed
• Allow batch to rest for 12–24 hours for full stabilization

Step 8: Filling & Packaging

• Fill into airless pump bottles or opaque PET bottles
• Label with batch number, MFG date, and expiry
• Recommended shelf life: 18–24 months

Packaging Recommendation

• Airless pump bottles (30 ml / 50 ml)
• Opaque or UV-protected containers
• Store below 30°C, away from heat and sunlight

Commercial-Safe Marketing Claims

• Stable Vitamin C (SAP) Formula
• Brightens & Clarifies Skin
• Acne-Friendly Vitamin C Serum
• Gentle for Sensitive Skin
• Non-Comedogenic
• Dermatology-Inspired Formula