Should We Add Ferulic Acid to our Vitamin C Serum?

So... our 15% Vitamin C Serum is pretty popular, with many folks noting:
  • a reduction in dark spots and fine lines,
  • increased brightness, overall smoothness,
  • and even marked improvements for skin conditions like psoriasis.

If you've been with us a while, you'll know I (Steve) am a little skeptical with skincare claims, but Vitamin C serums with 10 - 20% L-Ascorbic acid seem to be a pretty safe bet in gaining the above mentioned benefits and in some cases this:


But here's the thing.  In my own use, I've noticed that I have be really careful to ensure it doesn't go bad (like storing it in the fridge before use). 

You'll know that it goes bad when it turns dark brown.



To offset the volatility, we've added Vitamin E (Tocopherol is the chemical name) & store it in black - opaque - bottles, but we're also considering the addition of ferulic acid, which is supposed to be the gold standard in preservation.

But Ferulic acid SMELLS BAD.  Like hotdog water.  And we don't think it's a good idea to add fragrances to 'mask' the odor.

So here's my question to you:

Has your etee serum gone bad and if so, how quickly?  NOTE: it's fine if it turns yellow to orange, but once it gets dark orange or brown, that means it's not effective.

Would you be willing to accept a hotdog water smell if it meant the serum lasted longer and absorbed better?

Let me know in the comments below...

And CLICK HERE if you'd like to learn more about our 15% V-C Serum.


← Older Post Newer Post →


Comments


  • I would not use it if it smells bad, so dark glass is my choice.

    Cyndi on
  • Stick to the black bottles.

    Maxine Malone on
  • I just returned from a long walk in a ravine by my home. It includes a short walk through a neighborhood. I could smell someone doing laundry in the area. The smell gives me an instant headache. My vote would be for no chemical perfume unless it’s perhaps natural?

    Heather on
  • How long until the Vitamin C Serum goes bad? 6 months? a year? more?
    That might be a good thing for the serum customers to know.
    Overall, though, I can’t think of one reason why I would want my face to smell like a hot dog.

    Linda Easley on
  • The bottle I got was maybe a trail size as it is approaching empty before the rest of the combo order.

    I think nothing needs to be added.

    If the regular one is larger then maybe. But then maybe offer a smaller one fragrance free or a larger one with the addition.

    Molly on
  • Stick with as simple as possible and assume we can understand the info
    Dark bottle is no different than the dark bottle protection afforded olive oil

    Annie Compton on
  • No! I don’t want to be smelling hotdog water aroma every day!😂. And no to fragrance to disguise the bad smell. Do what you can to keep the serum fresher longer, I.e. an opaque glass container. And tell the consumer what they should do to extend the life of the serum.

    Lynda McAllister on
  • Fewer ingredients seems to work well with most of your products. I vote to leave out the ferulic acid. Maintain your winning formula.

    Valerie Hubert on
  • keep the orig formula + opaque glass bottle.
    No to ferulic acid.

    Jimmy Gould on
  • keep the orig formula + opaque glass bottle.
    No to ferulic acid.

    Jimmy Gould on

  • 1
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8

Leave a comment