Custom Moisturizing Formulations Manufacturer
Deliver intense hydration with scientifically backed ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Perfect for daily moisturizers, soothing creams, and hydrating masks across global skin types and climates.
What This Functional Formula Solves
Dryness, flaking, and dullness are among the most reported skincare concerns globally—especially for consumers living in cold climates, urban environments, or using exfoliating actives. Our moisturizing and hydration-boosting formulation is crafted to provide essential water-binding ingredients, barrier-supportive lipids, and anti-redness botanicals—helping brands create soothing, high-performance skincare across a wide range of formats.
Moisturizing and Hydration Boosters Formula
1. Peeling, Dry Skin → Deep Moisture Repair
Dehydrated skin often shows visible flakes and tight patches. Our formula provides humectants and skin lipids to restore hydration balance and smoothness.
2. Rough, Dull Texture → Radiance Reboot
Lack of hydration can make skin appear lifeless. This formula uses water-locking agents like hyaluronic acid and natural emollients to restore glow and softness.
3. Sensitive, Red-Prone Skin → Calmed & Hydrated
Skin sensitivity often worsens with dryness. With soothing plant-based ingredients and moisture barriers, the formula helps reduce redness and increase resilience.
Moisturizing Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
We combine multiple hydration mechanisms: humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
Our formulation draws on ingredients that deliver instant and long-lasting moisture while supporting the skin barrier. All ingredients listed are globally recognized and compliant with major cosmetic regulations, including EU and FDA standards.
Custom Moisturizing Formulations Key Ingredients
Ingredient | Function in Formula | Key Benefits | Typical Concentration | Compliance & Market Proof |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) | Powerful humectant that binds water to skin | Deep hydration, plumper texture, improved elasticity | 0.1% – 1% (commonly 0.5‑2%) (Typology Paris) | Wikipedia |
Glycerin | Universal humectant used in most moisturizing products | Attracts moisture, smooths rough patches, supports barrier | 2% – 10% | Wikipedia |
Betaine | Naturally derived osmoregulator | Maintains hydration under stress, improves skin softness | ~1% | In-Cosmetics |
Squalane (Plant-derived) | Lightweight emollient mimicking skin’s natural oils | Prevents TEWL (water loss), non-comedogenic, silky finish | 1% – 5% | Wikipedia |
Shea Butter | Rich occlusive and emollient | Locks in moisture, nourishes dry skin, improves suppleness | 3% – 10% | Wikipedia |
Ceramide NP | Skin-identical lipid used for barrier reinforcement | Restores lipid layer, reduces dryness and sensitivity | 0.2% – 1% (up to 2% clinical) (Flychem) | CosmeticsInfo |
Tremella Fuciformis Extract | Natural mushroom-based hyaluronic analog | Offers intense hydration with a lighter texture | 0.5% – 2% | PubMed |
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) | Pro-vitamin with moisture retention and soothing properties | Calms irritation, improves hydration, supports skin regeneration | 0.5% – 5% | Wikipedia |
Hyaluronic Acid — Customization Details for Moisturizing
1. INCI & CAS
INCI: Hyaluronic Acid (CAS 9004-61-9), Sodium Hyaluronate (CAS 9067-32-7), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (various). Water-soluble glycosaminoglycan; typically supplied as powders or aqueous concentrates. (Wikipedia, PubChem, European Commission)
2. Role in Moisturizing
Primary humectant/film-former that binds and retains water in the stratum corneum, improving surface hydration and the look of plumpness/softness; different molecular weights modulate feel and transient smoothing. (PMC, European Commission, Cosmetics Info)
3. Typical Use Levels (formulation custom guide)
Serums/Gels: 0.05–0.2% high-MW HA; 0.1–1% low/hydrolyzed HA.
Lotions/Creams/Eye: 0.05–0.3% total HA (blend weights for texture).
Sheet-mask essence: 0.05–0.2% (as solids) or 2–10% of a 1% HA stock.
Body lotions/mists: 0.05–0.2%.
Process: disperse powders well (pre-wet or 1% stock); add in cool-down (≤40–45 °C); typical systems pH ~5–7 (HA is most stable roughly pH 5–10; avoid very low/high pH and prolonged heat). (MakingCosmetics, CIR, MDPI)
4. Regulatory Sources & Global Compliance
EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — HA/hyaluronates are not listed with a specific max concentration in restriction annexes; use is subject to product-level safety assessment; verify INCI in CosIng. (Single market Economy, European Commission)
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) — Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, Sodium Acetylated HA: safe in present practices of use. (SAGE Journals, CIR)
EU REACH (ECHA) — registration/dossier information available for hyaluronates. (ECHA)
U.S. FDA (context) — Cosmetics are not pre-approved; claims must remain cosmetic (hydration, feel). A GRAS notice (food use) for sodium hyaluronate, GRN 976, was submitted but FDA ceased evaluation at notifier’s request (food context only; not a cosmetic approval). (FDA pages)
5. Clinical Evidence (moisturizing/skin quality)
Mechanism & overview: HA is a key skin GAG with exceptional water-binding capacity; topical forms act mainly on surface hydration. (PMC)
Efficacy (topical RCTs): 0.1% sodium hyaluronate creams of various MWs improved hydration and elasticity; low-MW groups also showed reduced wrinkle depth at 60 days vs placebo. (PubMed, jddonline)
Efficacy (topical RCT): Six HA types improved skin appearance vs placebo after 30 days in a double-blind study. (PMC)
Recent synthesis: 2022 review summarizing clinical data on topical HA for hydration and fine-line appearance. (Wiley)
6. Safety & Risk Assessment (toxicology highlights)
CIR concludes HA/hyaluronates are generally well-tolerated and safe as used in cosmetics; irritation/sensitization rates are low. High-MW species have limited penetration; hydrolyzed/LMW variants remain primarily surface-active at typical use levels. Consult CIR & ECHA dossiers for endpoints. (CIR)
7. Stability & Packaging
Best stability near neutral pH; extreme pH (<~4 or >~10–11) and high heat accelerate chain scission. Store cool and protect from microbial contamination; use robust preservation in water systems; airless/opaque packaging helps maintain aesthetics for HA solutions/gels. (MDPI, Chemical Pubs, MakingCosmetics)
8. Cost–Benefit
Pros: Strong consumer recognition, immediate hydration/smoothing, broad regulatory acceptance, versatile grade/weight options. Cons: results are transient/surface-level relative to actives that induce structural change; cost varies with molecular weight and specialty derivatives. (Cosmetics Info)
9. Claims Language (Do/Don’t)
✅ Helps hydrate and plump-looking skin.
✅ Helps smooth the look of fine lines caused by dryness.
✅ Supports a soft, supple feel to skin.
❌ Avoid drug-type or structure/function claims (e.g., “stimulates HA production in skin,” “repairs dermal matrix,” “treats eczema”).
Glycerin — Customization Details for Moisturizing
1. INCI & CAS
INCI: Glycerin (aka Glycerol) · CAS: 56-81-5 · Clear, viscous, water-soluble polyol; near-odorless. (European Commission, PubChem, Wikipedia)
2. Role in Moisturizing
Workhorse humectant/solvent that binds water in the stratum corneum, improving hydration, feel, and superficial suppleness; also supports barrier recovery and skin mechanical properties in vivo. (PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Single market Economy, Cosmetics Info)
3. Typical Use Levels (formulation custom guide)
Serums/Gels: 2–5%
Lotions/Creams/Eye: 2–5% (adjust for tack; blend with other humectants/emollients)
Sheet-mask essence: 1–3% (as solids) or 2–10% of a 1% stock
Cleansers/Body wash: 3–10% (higher levels common in rinse-off)
Process: add to water phase; pre-dissolve if needed; cool-down ≤40–45 °C; broad pH compatibility in typical cosmetic ranges. (MakingCosmetics, Lotioncrafter, Formula Botanica)
4. Regulatory Sources & Global Compliance
EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — glycerin is not listed with a specific max concentration in restriction annexes; use subject to product-level safety assessment; verify entry in CosIng. (European Commission, Single market Economy)
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) — Final Safety Assessment: glycerin is safe in present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics. (CIR, PubMed)
EU REACH (ECHA dossier) — registration dossier for glycerol (toxicology endpoints available). (ECHA)
U.S. FDA (context) — Cosmetics are regulated but not pre-approved; glycerin is GRAS for food use (21 CFR §182.1320). Note: GRAS is a food context, not cosmetic approval. (FDA site, LII)
5. Clinical Evidence (moisturizing/skin quality)
Mechanism & synthesis: glycerin improves SC hydration, barrier function, and skin mechanics; supports barrier repair after disruption. (PubMed)
Efficacy (in vivo): Topical glycerol accelerates barrier recovery and raises hydration vs. untreated or base-treated sites. (PubMed, medicaljournals.se)
Efficacy (24-h moisturization): formulation with HA + glycerin improved hydration and reduced TEWL up to 24 h after a single application in a randomized, assessor-blinded study. (PubMed, PMC)
Adjunct data: moisturizers containing niacinamide + glycerin outperformed comparators for xerosis improvement; polyol blends (glycerol + xylitol) reduced TEWL with longer use. (PubMed, medicaljournals.se)
6. Safety & Risk Assessment (toxicology highlights)
CIR: safe as used in cosmetics; irritation/sensitization rates are low. Reported acute oral LD₅₀ (rat) approx. 12.6 g/kg, indicating low acute toxicity. See CIR and REACH dossiers for endpoints. (CIR, PubChem, hpvchemicals.oecd.org)
7. Stability & Packaging
Chemically stable polyol; store tightly closed at ambient conditions; readily blends in water phase. For aqueous systems, ensure robust preservation and add in cool-down to minimize viscosity swings; airless/opaque packs help maintain aesthetics of high-humectant gels. (MakingCosmetics)
8. Cost–Benefit
Highly cost-effective, globally available, and evidence-backed for rapid hydration/barrier support; sensory tack can be managed with 2–5% use levels, co-humectants (e.g., propanediol), emollients, or film-formers. (Cosmetics Info)
9. Claims Language (Do/Don’t)
✅ Helps hydrate and plump-looking skin.
✅ Helps soften rough, dry patches and reduce the look of fine lines from dryness.
✅ Supports a healthier-feeling moisture barrier.
❌ Avoid drug-type claims (e.g., “treats eczema/dermatitis,” “heals cracks”) that can trigger drug classification in the U.S.
Squalane — Customization Details for Moisturizing
1. INCI & CAS
INCI: Squalane · CAS: 111-01-3 · Colorless, odorless, oil-soluble saturated hydrocarbon (hydrogenated squalene); highly oxidation-stable. (PubChem, Echa Europea )
2. Role in Moisturizing
Primary emollient/occlusive that softens skin, reduces TEWL, and improves suppleness; helps seal in humectant-derived water and supports barrier feel/comfort. Evidence from moisturizer/dermatology reviews and squalane-containing clinicals supports hydration and TEWL reduction. (PMC, Cosmoderma)
3. Typical Use Levels (formulation custom guide)
Serums/Oils: 5–20% (up to 100% in anhydrous facial oils).
Lotions/Creams/Eye: 2–10% (blend with humectants & light esters to dial sensorials).
Cleansers/Body oils: 5–20%; Cleansing oils/balms: 10–20%+.
Process: add to oil phase; pH-independent (oil); can be heated to typical hot-process temps (~70–80 °C); squalane is stable to heat/cold/oxidation. (MakingCosmetics, Lotioncrafter, Eastman, SpecialChem)
4. Regulatory Sources & Global Compliance
EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — squalane is not listed with a specific max concentration in restriction annexes; use subject to product-level safety assessment. (EUR-Lex, Public Health)
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) — Squalane & Squalene are safe in present practices of use and concentration (original assessment, re-review summaries). (CIR Safety)
EU REACH (ECHA dossier) — registration data and toxicology endpoints for squalane (CAS 111-01-3). (Echa Europea )
U.S. FDA (claims context) — Cosmetics are not pre-approved; avoid drug-type claims (structure/function or disease). (FDA)
China (reference): IECIC inventory lists SQUALANE among existing cosmetic ingredients. (CosmeticsBridge)
5. Clinical Evidence (moisturizing/skin quality)
Mechanism & overview: Emollients (incl. hydrocarbons like squalane) reduce TEWL and improve surface hydration/comfort. (PMC)
Topical clinicals: A squalane-containing face serum (with bakuchiol) in healthy adults significantly reduced TEWL over 7–28 days. (Cosmoderma)
Adjunct evidence: Randomized trials of moisturizers show meaningful improvements in hydration/TEWL on xerotic skin, supporting emollient-rich formulations. (PMC)
6. Safety & Risk Assessment (toxicology highlights)
CIR: Safe as used; low irritation/sensitization rates; high purity cosmetic grades show low acute toxicity in available dossiers. Consult CIR report and ECHA for endpoint tables (acute/repeat-dose, irritation, sensitization, ecotox). (CIR Safety, Echa Europea )
7. Stability & Packaging
Highly oxidation-stable (saturated hydrocarbon); broad thermal stability; compatible with most oils, esters, and silicones. Store sealed, limit headspace/oxygen for long-term aesthetics; use airless/opaque packs where marketing/UX warrants; validate per-SKU stability. (Lotioncrafter, MakingCosmetics, SpecialChem)
8. Cost–Benefit
Pros: Consumer-recognized, elegant slip, quick-absorbing, oxidation-stable, increasingly plant/biotech-derived (sugarcane/olive) for sustainability narratives. Cons: primarily occlusive/emollient (pair with humectants for maximal hydration); cost varies by source/purity. (Amyris, Cosmetics Info)
9. Claims Language (Do/Don’t)
✅ Helps soften and smooth skin.
✅ Helps lock in moisture and reduce the look of dryness.
✅ Leaves skin supple and comfortable-feeling.
❌ Avoid drug-type or structure/function claims (e.g., “repairs the skin barrier,” “treats eczema,” “stimulates collagen”).
Custom Product Applications
Hydrating skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. We develop versatile formulas that suit your target market’s needs—from lightweight serums to ultra-rich body butters, all customizable with key actives and textures your buyers demand.
Market Demand & Brand Positioning
Rising global demand for hydration skincare drives innovation. Brands gain loyalty by positioning with science-backed moisturizing formulas, targeting diverse consumers seeking long-lasting hydration and healthy skin glow
Market Overview
Regional Market Hotspots
Hydration-focused products are especially in demand in:
- North America (Canada, US winter skincare lines)
- Nordic countries (long heating seasons, dry indoor air)
- Japan & Korea (lightweight yet effective hydration layering)
- Australia (UV-exposed, dehydrated skin market)
Target Consumer Segments
Target Consumer Segments
- Consumers with dry or sensitive skin types
- Shoppers seeking repair-focused daily moisturizers
- Brands specializing in minimalist, derm-based, or seasonal care
Customization Options for Packaging & Branding
Explore flexible packaging options, bottle types, and private label services. From tube to jar, we match your brand’s tone and market position.
Cosmetic formulation development
Your formula is the soul of your brand. Whether you’re developing a gentle serum for sensitive skin, a high-efficacy anti-aging cream, or a scalp-purifying shampoo, our in-house chemists create custom cosmetic formulations tailored to your desired effect, skin type, region, and ingredient philosophy.
With over 5,000+ proven base formulas and full white-label development support, we help you build a product that meets your performance goals, brand values, and market trends.
Available Services:
Active ingredient sourcing & formulation balancing
Custom texture creation: gel, cream, balm, lotion, foam, oil
Ingredient selection for target concerns: anti-acne, brightening, anti-aging, hydration
Support for natural, vegan, EWG green-level formulations
Regional compliance: USA, EU, AU, JP standards
Custom Cosmetic Packaging Styles
Packaging plays a critical role in how your brand is perceived. Whether you need luxury glass droppers, airless pump bottles, eco-friendly refill pouches, or retail-friendly PET tubes, we provide 3000+ stock and customizable packaging options.
From minimalist matte finishes to glossy foil-stamped designs, our packaging engineers help you select the perfect form and material—whether for prestige skincare, professional haircare, or clean beauty positioning.
Available Options:
Glass, PET, PP, PCR, aluminum, bamboo, and more
Airless pumps, sprayers, jars, tubes, and dropper bottles
Color-matching, texture finishes, and custom mold services
Cosmetic Box, Label Design for skincare brands
Beyond the bottle, your visual identity sets your product apart. Our in-house design team creates custom label layouts, box designs, and full branding suites—including logo placement, font matching, and barcode compliance.
We also offer waterproof labels, UV spot gloss, embossing, foil stamping, and other premium finishes to ensure your packaging feels as high-end as your formula. Whether you’re building an Amazon FBA product or a salon-grade kit, we help make your product shelf-ready.
Design Services Include:
Free artwork design and dieline support
Amazon & retail barcode setup (FNSKU/UPC)
Custom printing on labels, boxes, pouches, and shrink wraps
Cosmetic Box Customization for Skincare Brands
Beyond the bottle, your outer packaging is your first impression. Our team provides custom cosmetic box solutions with tailored box styles, premium cardboard or specialty paper choices, and protective inserts in EVA, molded pulp, or PET.
We also offer specialty printing options, matte or glossy lamination, foil stamping, embossing, and spot UV to create a tactile, luxury feel. Whether for boutique retail, e‑commerce, or professional kits, we ensure your packaging enhances your brand story.
Customization Options Include:
Box style selection: tuck‑end, drawer, magnetic, or folding carton
Material choices: rigid board, kraft, coated paperboard
Insert options: EVA foam, molded pulp, PET, or cardboard
Cosmetic Box Logo Finishing for Premium Branding
Beyond structure, your logo finish defines your product’s luxury appeal. We offer custom cosmetic packaging logo treatments including emboss, gold foil printing, silver foil, glossy lamination, holographic effects, and spot UV for high-impact shelf presence.
From subtle debossed textures to striking holographic foil, each technique is chosen to enhance your brand story and match your target market positioning. Whether for upscale retail, e‑commerce, or professional use, our finishes help your product stand out.
Finishing Options Include:
Emboss & Deboss logo impressions
Gold, silver, and holographic foil stamping
Spot UV for selective gloss highlights
Glossy or matte lamination for surface protection
Make A Sample First?
If you have your own formula, packaging idea, logo artwork, or even just a concept, please share the details of your project requirements, including preferred product type, ingredients, scent, and customization needs. We’re excited to help you bring your personal care product ideas to life through our sample development process.
More Moisturizing product customization instructions and FAQs
Market Trends: Adequate hydration is the foundation of healthy skin, regardless of season or skin type. Our Moisturizing & Hydrating formulation service helps brands create products that deliver immediate and long-lasting moisture, relieving dryness and roughness. We custom-develop hydrating products of various textures — from refreshing gel moisturizers and nourishing creams to intensive overnight masks and body lotions — to meet different market and consumer needs, leaving skin soft, supple, and plump.
Effective Ingredients: We combine multiple hydrating agents to achieve a “triple hydration effect.” Hyaluronic acid (in multiple molecular weights) penetrates deeply and holds water, plumping the skin. Humectants like glycerin and propanediol draw moisture from the environment for instant hydration. Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids mimic skin barrier components to help repair the stratum corneum and lock in moisture. We also add panthenol (Vitamin B5) and allantoin to soothe any tightness or irritation from dryness. For richer formulations, we include natural oils such as shea butter, jojoba oil, and squalane to provide lasting nourishment, while ensuring the texture remains non-greasy and easily absorbed.
Our formulations: Our moisturizing formulations emphasize both immediate relief and long-lasting hydration. By carefully choosing emulsifiers and thickeners, we can create products with different sensory profiles: from gel-like fluids and emulsions to rich creams, suiting preferences from oily skin to very dry skin. We also account for environmental factors; for example, a formula for cold, dry climates will have more occlusives, whereas one for hot, humid regions will focus on being lightweight and non-comedogenic. Whatever the texture, we ensure the product absorbs quickly without greasy residue, while delivering all-day hydration.
Regulatory Compliance: All whitening agents and antioxidants we use comply with regulations in target markets (EU, USA, etc.). For EU products, for example, we avoid banned ingredients like hydroquinone and use safe alternatives. We provide necessary documentation such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA), and assist with required testing (e.g., stability, microbial challenge tests, even clinical efficacy trials through partners) to support your product claims.
Success Story: A U.S. brand, Dermapeutics, approached us for a 2 oz hyaluronic acid water gel cream with all ingredients meeting EU regulations. We developed a lightweight, oil-free hydrating gel-cream enriched with high-purity hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and Vitamin B5, designed to penetrate quickly and hydrate without clogging pores. We provided the necessary EU compliance documentation for ingredients and successfully produced and delivered 1,000 units. The client was very pleased with the moisturizer’s performance and regulatory compliance, and it has become a top-selling item in their online store.
Q: We want a moisturizer that feels rich but not greasy. How can you achieve that?
A: It’s all about formulation balance. We use lightweight oils (like jojoba or sweet almond oil) and fast-absorbing esters so the product nourishes without heaviness. We also incorporate a touch of silicone (e.g., cyclomethicone) or natural starch powders to reduce greasiness and give a silky finish. By fine-tuning the oil-water ratio and emulsification, we can achieve a texture that is both rich in moisture and non-greasy.
Q: Can you customize moisturizing formulas for different climates (e.g., dry winter vs humid summer)?
A: Absolutely. We adjust formulations based on the target climate. For cold, arid climates, we increase occlusive components in the oil phase (adding heavy-duty moisturizers like petrolatum or extra squalane) to ensure skin stays hydrated even in harsh winter conditions. Conversely, for hot and humid areas, we favor gel or light lotion formats with reduced heavy oils, using more humectants and light polymers to avoid stickiness. If needed, we can develop two versions of a product to cater to consumers in different regions.
Q: What are the best active ingredients for moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier?
A: We recommend a multi-layered approach using glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, phytosterols, and squalane. These ingredients hydrate, lock in moisture, and reinforce the skin barrier—ideal for dry or sensitive skin formulations.
Q: Can I customize the texture of moisturizing products for different climate regions?
A: Absolutely. We can adjust the product texture based on your target region’s climate. Cream-based formulas suit colder regions like Canada or Scandinavia, while gel or lotion textures work well in humid or Asian markets. Sprays and serums are also available.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) and sampling process for moisturizing products?
A: We offer flexible MOQs—typically starting at 500–1000 units for moisturizing products. Sample development takes 1–2 weeks, and we can deliver bulk production within 3–4 weeks after approval. Custom samples based on your ideas or inspirations are also welcome.