IO Hydration Serum Active Liquid

About this ingredient

IO Hydration Serum Active Liquid is a liquid active presented on our card as a hydration-focused ingredient. It dissolves in water and goes into the water phase of a formula. The card gives a broad working pH range, from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline, which covers almost every leave-on skin care product. The full INCI and the recommended level are confirmed on the supplier CoA for each lot.

Hydration as a category

Hydration is one of the steadiest themes in skin care. Shoppers of all ages want skin that feels comfortable, looks plump and smooth, and does not feel tight after washing. Hydrating serums and gel creams sell year round, and they suit every skin type. A named active helps a brand stand apart from products built only on glycerin.

Formats

Hydrating serums

A clear serum with this ingredient, hyaluronic acid and glycerin is the simplest product. It layers under any moisturizer and is easy to explain.

Gel creams

Gel creams have a fresh, light feel that suits warm weather and combination skin. The water-soluble active fits the large water phase of these products.

Masks

Sheet mask essences and rinse-off cream masks both work. A mask gives a quick, visible plumping-look result, which is good for marketing.

Moisturizing creams

In a richer cream, combine the active with barrier lipids such as ceramides or plant oils, so the water-binding part and the protective part work together.

Processing

Add this ingredient to the water phase below 40 °C and stir until uniform. Check the final pH and keep it within the range from the card. Follow the CoA for the level.

Partners

Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, betaine and Natural Moisturizing Factor build a full hydration story. Polysaccharide Gel gives serums a smooth, cushiony texture. Our actives catalog lists more options for the same category.

Testing

Measure skin hydration with a corneometer if you can, or run a panel that rates skin comfort and softness after one and four weeks. Check stability in warm and cold conditions. Watch the viscosity of gel products, since some thickeners react to added salts.

Claims

Keep claims about how skin looks and feels: more hydrated, plumper-looking, smoother, comfortable all day. Results from instrument tests can support stronger wording if you run them.

A simple routine

A hydrating toner, serum and gel cream with the same active form a routine that is easy to sell as a set. Each product can carry a different texture, so shoppers can choose the steps they like best.

Characteristics

Form: liquid. Solubility: water. Focus: hydration. Typical products: serums, gel creams, masks, moisturizing creams. Addition point: water phase during cool-down. INCI and level: supplier CoA.

Original recipe: hydrating gel serum, 100 g

Distilled water 84.90 g, glycerin 4.00 g, betaine 2.00 g, sodium hyaluronate 0.30 g, IO Hydration Serum Active Liquid 3.00 g, natural moisturizing factor 3.00 g, panthenol 1.50 g, preservative 1.00 g, citric acid solution to target pH 0.30 g. Hydrate hyaluronate in water with glycerin, then add the rest below 40 °C.

Choosing textures

Hydration products sell on texture as much as on ingredients. Oily skin types often prefer a watery essence or a light gel, while dry and mature skin prefers a cushiony cream. Making the same active available in two or three textures lets one hero ingredient cover many shoppers. Test each texture with a small panel and note how quickly it absorbs, whether it pills under makeup, and how the skin feels an hour later.

Record the lot number in your batch log so every production run can be traced back to its certificate of analysis. Retain a small sample of each lot for at least the shelf life of the finished product, since it makes later quality questions much easier to answer.

Storage

Store closed in a cool place away from light. Keep the cap clean and close it after use.