Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid at a glance

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a yellowish powder that dissolves in alcohol and in water-alcohol solutions. It is a small fatty acid that contains sulfur and occurs naturally in every cell of the body. It is often called an universal antioxidant because it works in both watery and fatty environments. In cosmetics it is used in antioxidant serums and creams for a radiant, smoother-looking complexion. Confirm purity on the supplier CoA and follow the data sheet for the recommended level.

A versatile antioxidant

Most antioxidants work either in water or in oil. Vitamin C is water-soluble, vitamin E is oil-soluble. Alpha lipoic acid sits between the two, which makes it a flexible partner in antioxidant blends. It is also known for helping other antioxidants stay active, which supports a strong antioxidant story.

Product formats

Antioxidant serums

Hydro-alcoholic or glycol-based serums are a simple format.

Creams

Day and night creams with an antioxidant package for mature skin.

Radiance products

Products for a brighter, more radiant look.

Eye care

Light eye creams with antioxidants.

Processing

Dissolve the powder in ethanol, propylene glycol or a water-alcohol mix with gentle stirring. Add the solution to the formula during cool-down. Alpha lipoic acid has a natural sulfur odor and is sensitive to heat and light, so keep processing temperatures low, use opaque packaging and add a fragrance or masking agent if needed.

Good partners

IO Brightening Antioxidant Active Liquid adds vitamin C, and IO Antioxidant Active Powder adds an oil-soluble antioxidant. Coenzyme Q10 powder completes a classic antioxidant trio. Browse more in the actives catalog.

Testing

Check color and odor over time in a warm cabinet and in light. A panel can rate radiance and smoothness after several weeks.

Claims

Antioxidant care; skin looks more radiant and smoother; helps protect from the visible effects of environmental stress.

Characteristics

Form: yellowish powder. Solubility: in alcohol and water-alcohol solutions. Type: sulfur-containing fatty acid, antioxidant. Grade and level: supplier data sheet and CoA.

Original recipe: antioxidant radiance serum, 100 g

Distilled water 74.30 g, ethanol 10.00 g, propylene glycol 8.00 g, alpha lipoic acid 0.50 g, glycerin 3.00 g, sodium hyaluronate 0.20 g, panthenol 1.00 g, hydroxyethylcellulose 1.00 g, phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin 1.00 g, fragrance 1.00 g. Dissolve alpha lipoic acid in ethanol and propylene glycol, prepare the gel with water, cellulose, glycerin and hyaluronate, combine, then add panthenol, fragrance and the preservative.

Managing odor and color

Sulfur compounds have a characteristic smell, and alpha lipoic acid can turn a product slightly yellow. A light fragrance or a masking agent handles the odor, while opaque packaging and antioxidants slow color changes. Mention the natural color on the label so shoppers are not surprised.

Range ideas

An antioxidant serum, a radiance cream and an eye cream can share alpha lipoic acid and an universal-antioxidant story.

Lot records

Keep each CoA with the batch file and note the lot used.

Combining with vitamin C

Alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C are a popular pair in antioxidant serums. Vitamin C works in the water phase and alpha lipoic acid bridges water and oil. Use a stable vitamin C derivative and keep the pH within the range both ingredients tolerate. Adding vitamin E in the oil phase completes a three-part antioxidant system that covers water, oil and the space between them.

Storage

Store closed in a cool place away from light. Close the container after use.