The Formulation Challenge
The brand wanted a brightening serum with a visible Vitamin C effect, but their earlier sample from another source turned yellow-brown within weeks and caused mild stinging on sensitive skin. They also had a fixed launch date tied to a festive-season campaign, so there was little room for repeated trials. The brief was clear: a stable, lightweight, fragrance-light serum that feels good on Indian skin in humid weather and stays consistent from the first bottle to the last.
Jack Cosmetics Solution & Innovation
Our R&D team started by fixing the base. We chose a stabilised Vitamin C derivative, balanced the pH for comfort, and paired it with niacinamide and a gentle antioxidant system to slow oxidation. Three small prototype batches were tested for texture, absorption and colour. We also checked how the formula behaved with airless pump packaging, since air exposure is the biggest enemy of Vitamin C. Every trial was logged, so the brand could see exactly why each change was made. The final batch was produced under our ISO- and GMP-aligned processes, with in-process checks at each stage.
Market Impact & Production Results
The brand launched on schedule and its first batch sold through within the launch campaign window. Customers described the serum as light and non-sticky, and the brand reported no colour-change complaints in its first months. With a stable formula in hand, they have since asked us to develop a matching sunscreen gel and a night serum for their next phase.
“We had already been let down once on a Vitamin C product, so we were nervous. The Jack Cosmetics team explained every trial in plain language and never promised more than the formula could deliver. Our serum reached us on time and has stayed stable since.”
Launching a Vitamin C product looks simple on paper, but it is one of the hardest formulations to get right. This case study shows how our team in Sanand, Ahmedabad worked with a growing D2C brand to turn a failed first sample into a stable, market-ready serum, step by step.
Our process at a glance (for a timeline block)
- Week 1: Brief review, ingredient selection and base formula design
- Week 2: Three prototype batches, with texture and colour checks
- Week 3: Accelerated stability and packaging compatibility testing
- Week 4: Approved batch, filling and dispatch documentation
Key takeaways
- Stability should be tested before launch, not after complaints arrive.
- Packaging choice affects Vitamin C performance as much as the formula does.
- Transparent trial records help founders make confident decisions.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to develop a custom serum?
- For most serums, 3 to 5 weeks from brief to first batch, depending on the number of trials and testing needed.
2. Do you offer low minimum order quantities?
- Yes. Minimums depend on the product type. Share your requirement and our team will confirm.
3. Can you work with my own formula?
- Yes. We can manufacture your formula, or develop a new one from your brief.
4. Which certifications does Jack Cosmetics hold?
- We operate with ISO and GMP-aligned processes. Please check our certificates page for the current documents.
Call to action
Planning a skincare launch of your own? Talk to our formulation team and get a clear timeline and quote for your product. Contact Jack Cosmetics