How do you formulate the ultimate radiance product?

Questions and Answers

How do you formulate the ultimate radiance product?

A:

The Q+A lineup just got even brighter with the launch of our new Vitamin C Radiance Face Cream! This jar of goodness is packed with carefully selected ingredients that work together to deliver radiant, hydrated, luminous skin every day. But how did we manage to squeeze the ultimate glow into one single jar?

To dig deeper into the science behind this glow-boosting formula, I sat down with Joanna, our Senior Development Chemist, to uncover the secrets that make this product a must-have in your skincare routine. 

Q: We’re so excited to launch the new Vitamin C Radiance Cream! How did the formulation process work?

A: The formulation process took around 10 months from start to finish, and after 15 rounds of testing and tweaking, we finally landed on the perfect formulation. We recognised a gap in our range—a daily moisturiser specifically designed to give skin a natural radiance. Vitamin C is such a beloved ingredient among Q+A customers for its brightening and collagen-boosting properties, so it was clear that this powerhouse ingredient had to be at the heart of our new creation. The challenge was ensuring the Vitamin C remained stable while combining it with a hydrating, fast-absorbing base. After numerous tests and adjustments, we developed the perfect blend that not only brightens but hydrates and primes the skin for a healthy glow all day long.

Q: Why is Vitamin C such a good ingredient for the skin?

A: Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient because of its ability to boost collagen production, brighten skin tone and improve the appearance of pigmentation. It’s a fantastic antioxidant that protects your skin by fighting the damaging effects of environmental aggressors, helping your skin look healthier and more youthful. With consistent use, Vitamin C also works to help fade dark spots and even out skin tone, giving the skin a brighter and more radiant appearance!

Q: How do you keep the Vitamin C in this formula stable?

A: Vitamin C, particularly Ascorbic Acid, is incredibly effective but known for its instability. It can easily degrade when exposed to sunlight, air, or water – this degradation can cause product discolouration and decrease the effectiveness of the ingredient. It’s one of the reasons Vitamin C products often have a shorter PAO (period after opening). 

To tackle this, we use a specialised smart bio-shell delivery system using Volcanic Soil to stabilise the pure ascorbic. This not only keeps Vitamin C stable and potent for longer but also ensures that your skin receives the full benefits of this powerful active ingredient throughout the life of the product. To further stabilise the formula and enhance its performance, we also included antioxidants like Vitamin E which you’ll see as Tocopherol on the ingredients list.

Q: Oxidisation is a big issue with Vitamin C products. How do you prevent this formula from oxidising?

A: We use Sodium Gluconate, a naturally derived and biodegradable chelating (binding) agent. Its role is to bind metal ions which can cause oxidisation. By chelating these metal ions, the product remains more stable, minimising the likelihood of discolouration or oxidation and ensuring a longer life span for the product. In addition to that, we’ve packed the formula with antioxidants like Vitamin E (Tocopherol), and extracts from Dragon Fruit and Passion Fruit. These are naturally loaded with antioxidants, which not only protect the skin but also help to neutralise free radicals that could cause the product to degrade over time.

Q: How will it make my skin radiant without using shimmer or glitter?

A: Glitter is considered a microplastic, defined as small plastic particles of 5mm or less in size. These contaminating particles have been found everywhere: in the oceans, in Arctic ice, and even on top of Mount Everest. So, glitter was a no-go in our formula.

Instead of relying on shimmer or glitter particles, we’ve chosen ingredients to enhance your skin’s natural radiance. Vitamin C promotes glow by enhancing cell turnover, boosting collagen, evening skin tone, and smoothing uneven texture. This results in a more reflective, natural glow from within. The antioxidant properties of the formula also protect against environmental pollution, which reduces dullness and improves overall skin vitality. So, the radiance you see comes from a healthier, more vibrant complexion – it’s a ‘glow from within’ rather than a surface shimmer.

Q: Why is the Vitamin C Radiance Cream also a great primer for makeup?

A: On the ingredients list, you’ll spot an ingredient called Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, otherwise known as a Hydrogel. This naturally derived ingredient has ‘high slip’, meaning it glides smoothly over the skin without tugging or causing friction. This ‘slip’ allows other products to glide seamlessly on top, perfect for priming your skin before makeup application.

When formulating the product, I selected hydrating ingredients that still had a comfortable and lightweight texture when applied to the skin. The collagen-boosting properties found in this formula help to smooth the skin surface, and added humectant ingredients, plus Hyaluronic Acid boosting Cica, promote moisture retention, ensuring your makeup looks fresher for longer throughout the day.

So, there you have it. Our Vitamin C Radiance Cream is packed with the science and ingredients needed to achieve a natural, healthy glow. Whether you're using it to brighten your complexion, prime your skin for makeup, or just enjoy the hydrating and antioxidant benefits, this product is formulated to give your skin the perfect daily dose of radiance. And the best part? The glow you see is 100% you!

Click here to shop the new Vitamin C Radiance Face Cream and let your skin experience the ultimate boost in brightness and hydration.

Until next time,

Charlee and Joanna @ Team Q+A

Charlee Grimson
E-commerce & Digital Marketing Coordinator

Joanna Bishop
Senior Development Chemist