Key Ingredients Private Label Manufacturers Use in Serums & Oils For High-Performance Skincare

From a brand’s perspective, introducing serums and oils is a strategic move. These products not only enhance a skincare line’s credibility but also allow brands to position themselves as experts in targeted solutions, whether it’s hydration, anti-aging, acne control, or skin brightening. However, the true success of these formulations lies in one critical factor: the ingredients used.

For private label manufacturers like us, ingredient selection is not just a technical decision but also a market-driven process. We must carefully choose ingredients that not only perform well on the skin but also align with what consumers are actively seeking. Clean beauty, plant-based formulations, and science-backed actives dominate the demand, and it’s our responsibility to merge tradition with innovation.

Understanding Serums & Oils in Skincare

Serums and oils are often described as “high-performance skincare”, and rightly so. They are concentrated formulations designed to deliver results with fewer ingredients but higher potency. Unlike creams, which typically contain a heavier base to lock in moisture, serums are water-based or lightweight gels that penetrate deeper into the skin. Oils, on the other hand, are lipid-based and provide nourishment, barrier protection, and repair.

What makes them stand apart is their targeted approach. For example:

• A hydrating serum with plant-based hyaluronic acid is specifically designed for dryness and fine lines.
• A glycolic acid serum addresses dullness and pigmentation.
• Oils infused with rosehip seed oil or vitamin E focus on barrier repair and anti-aging.

Consumers prefer serums and oils because they want customized skincare routines. Instead of using one “all-purpose” cream, they layer products that target their individual needs. This shift in consumer behavior has made serums and oils not just add-ons but essential staples in skincare lines.

For private label brands, this means serums and oils often become hero products, the ones that attract the most attention, generate repeat purchases, and build customer loyalty. And as manufacturers, our responsibility lies in ensuring that these products are not just trendy but also scientifically formulated, safe, and effective.

Why Ingredient Selection Matters in Private Label Formulation

When developing serums and oils, ingredient selection plays a pivotal role in product performance and brand identity. A formulation is only as strong as the ingredients that make it up, and in today’s competitive skincare market, brands cannot afford to compromise.

First, ingredient choice ties directly into consumer trust. Today’s skincare buyers are highly informed; they research labels, compare brands, and actively avoid harmful chemicals. Words like “paraben-free, plant-based, non-toxic, and cruelty-free” influence purchasing decisions as much as the product itself. As manufacturers, this means we must source raw materials that align with these values while still maintaining efficacy.

Second, the plant-based vs synthetic debate plays a key role. While synthetic ingredients often mimic natural results at a lower cost, consumer loyalty lies with natural or naturally-derived actives. For example, instead of synthetic hyaluronic acid, most brands now request fermentation-based, plant-derived hyaluronic acid for a cleaner label appeal.

Third, the role of manufacturers goes beyond sourcing. We ensure that ingredients are high-quality, ethically obtained, and tested for safety. This includes microbial testing, purity verification, and compliance with international regulations such as the FDA (US), MOCRA, the EU Cosmetics Regulation, and others.

Finally, a good formulation strikes a balance between traditional botanicals and modern science. Consumers appreciate trusted herbs like aloe vera or gotu kola, but also expect cutting-edge actives like peptides and niacinamide. As manufacturers, our expertise lies in marrying these two worlds to create innovative, market-ready solutions.

Plant-Based Hyaluronic Acid – Hydration & Plumping

Hyaluronic acid is arguably the most trending ingredient in skincare today. Its claim to fame is its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it the ultimate hydration booster. When included in serums, it provides instant plumpness, reduces fine lines, and leaves skin feeling supple.

However, modern consumers prefer plant-based or fermentation-derived hyaluronic acid over synthetic forms. This allows brands to position their products as part of the clean beauty movement while maintaining efficacy.

As manufacturers, we use hyaluronic acid in varying molecular weights for maximum results:

• High molecular weight stays on the skin surface to lock in moisture.
• Low molecular weight penetrates deeper to hydrate from within.

The combination ensures both instant and long-lasting hydration. For brands, hyaluronic acid serums are often best-selling flagship products, making this ingredient a must-have in private label offerings.

Vitamin E – Antioxidant & Stability Enhancer

Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants used in skincare. It protects skin from free radicals, repairs damaged skin, and improves overall elasticity.

But beyond skincare benefits, it also plays a crucial role in formulation stability.

From a manufacturer’s perspective, Vitamin E is often used as a natural preservative booster. It helps extend the shelf life of oils and serums by preventing oxidation, which is especially important for formulations rich in plant oils that can go rancid over time.

Additionally, Vitamin E pairs beautifully with other ingredients:

• Vitamin C enhances antioxidant power.
• Rosehip Oil supports barrier repair.
• In oils, it prevents dryness and improves skin softness.

Consumers recognize Vitamin E as a “skin vitamin,” making it both a functional and marketable ingredient for private label products.

Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) – Ayurvedic Collagen Booster

Gotu kola, also known as Centella Asiatica, is an Ayurvedic herb that has now entered the global skincare spotlight, thanks to K-beauty formulations. It is rich in compounds such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, which stimulate collagen production and enhance skin elasticity.

As a manufacturer, we see Gotu kola as a bridge between tradition and modern science. It appeals to consumers who value herbal skincare while still offering scientifically proven results. Brands often request this ingredient for serums that target anti-aging, scar healing, and barrier repair.

Key benefits include:

• Boosts collagen synthesis, reducing fine lines.
• Speeds up wound healing and reduces scarring.
• Calms irritation and strengthens the skin barrier.

Gotu kola also positions products in the Ayurveda-inspired or holistic skincare category, which is highly trending in global markets.

Witch Hazel – Oil Control & Acne Care

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that has long been used in skincare to control oil production and reduce inflammation. It’s particularly popular in formulations for acne-prone and oily skin types.

From a manufacturing perspective, witch hazel is an excellent alternative to harsh alcohol-based toners. It tightens pores, balances sebum production, and calms irritation, all without stripping the skin. This makes it a staple in anti-acne serums and lightweight facial oils.

Brands often market witch hazel-based products to younger demographics and teenage skincare ranges, as it provides visible results without aggressive chemicals. Its natural positioning also adds credibility to “clean beauty” claims.

Glycolic Acid – Exfoliation & Brightening

Glycolic acid is one of the most effective alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) used in modern skincare. Known for its exfoliating properties, it helps remove dead skin cells, speed up cell turnover, and reveal brighter, fresher skin.

Manufacturers design glycolic acid serums in different concentrations:

• 2–5% for daily exfoliation serums suitable for beginners.
• 5–10% for advanced formulations targeting pigmentation and scars.

Glycolic acid is a high-demand ingredient because consumers are shifting from harsh physical scrubs to gentle chemical exfoliants. Brands that launch glycolic acid serums or oils often see strong engagement, especially when marketed as glow-boosting or anti-aging solutions.

Trending Plant-Based Ingredients in Serums and Oils

While Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Gotu Kola, Witch Hazel, and Glycolic Acid are the foundational ingredients in most formulations, modern consumers are looking for next-generation plant-based actives that deliver strong results without synthetic intervention. As a private label manufacturer, it’s our responsibility to keep brands ahead of the curve by including these trending, clean, and effective ingredients in serums and oils.

Bakuchiol (Natural Retinol Alternative)

• Derived from: Seeds of the Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia) plant.
• Why It’s Trending: Bakuchiol offers similar benefits to retinol, reducing fine lines, evening out skin tone, and supporting collagen, without the irritation or dryness that lab-synthesized retinol can cause.
• Manufacturer Insight: Bakuchiol is highly stable in oil-based serums and pairs beautifully with plant oils like Rosehip or Squalane, making it perfect for night serums and anti-aging blends.

Plant-Derived Peptides

• Derived from: Grains, legumes, and seeds (like soy, rice, pea protein).
• Why It’s Trending: Consumers love peptides for their collagen-boosting and skin-firming benefits. Plant-based peptides are extracted through enzymatic processes from natural sources, offering a sustainable and vegan alternative to synthetic lab peptides.
• Manufacturer Insight: These peptides are water-soluble, so they integrate well into lightweight serums for hydration, elasticity, and skin barrier repair.

Niacinamide Alternatives – Plant-Derived Vitamin B Complex

• Derived from: Brewer’s yeast, spirulina, oats, and sunflower seeds.
• Why It’s Trending: Niacinamide is popular for oil control, pore minimization, and brightening, but consumers seeking “lab-free” skincare prefer B-complex blends from natural sources. These plant-derived vitamins mimic niacinamide’s benefits by improving barrier function, balancing sebum, and brightening dull skin.
• Manufacturer Insight: When formulating serums for acne-prone or oily skin, we recommend combining plant-derived B vitamins with Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera for a complete, gentle solution.

Plant-Based Ceramides

• Derived from: Wheat, rice, and sweet potatoes.
• Why It’s Trending: Ceramides are crucial for strengthening the skin barrier and retaining moisture. Instead of lab-made ceramides, plant-derived options are winning consumer trust for their clean-label appeal.
• Manufacturer Insight: They work wonderfully in both oil and water-based systems, ideal for barrier-repair serums and protective face oils.

Centella Asiatica Extract (Cica)

• Derived from: Gotu Kola leaves.
• Why It’s Trending: Known for soothing, calming, and repairing damaged skin, Centella has become a staple in K-beauty and is now globally demanded.
• Manufacturer Insight: As manufacturers, we combine Cica with Aloe Vera or Hyaluronic Acid for calming, hydrating formulations suitable for sensitive or post-treatment skin.

Rosehip Oil

• Derived from: Seeds of Rosa Canina fruit.
• Why It’s Trending: Packed with Vitamin A, C, and essential fatty acids, it promotes regeneration, reduces scars, and brightens skin naturally.
• Manufacturer Insight: Rosehip oil is an excellent carrier oil for actives like Bakuchiol, making it a bestseller in anti-aging and brightening serums.

Licorice Root Extract

• Derived from: Glycyrrhiza glabra plant root.
• Why It’s Trending: Known for its natural skin-brightening and pigmentation-reducing properties, it is a favorite substitute for synthetic brightening agents.
• Manufacturer Insight: Works well in water-based brightening serums, especially when paired with Aloe Vera or Hyaluronic Acid.

Squalane (Plant-Derived)

• Derived from: Olives and sugarcane.
• Why It’s Trending: Acts as a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that mimics the skin’s natural sebum, helping improve hydration and skin barrier function.
• Manufacturer Insight: A perfect emollient for facial oils and multipurpose serums. Stable, versatile, and consumer-friendly.

Why These Plant-Based Ingredients Matter for Private Label Brands

As a private label manufacturer, the ingredient story is just as important as product performance. Consumers today want clean, transparent, vegan, and sustainable formulations, and plant-derived actives allow brands to confidently market products as 100% natural while still offering scientifically proven results.

Formulating with these trending ingredients not only ensures product efficacy but also positions your brand as modern, trustworthy, and innovative in a competitive skincare market.

Conclusion

From time-tested Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to trending stars like Bakuchiol, Plant-Derived Peptides, and Rosehip Oil, the demand for plant-based serums and oils is stronger than ever. As a private label skincare manufacturer, our role is to help brands strike the balance between heritage botanicals and new-generation actives, delivering products that are safe, sustainable, and effective.

By choosing plant-based alternatives over synthetic or lab-created ingredients, you’re not just meeting consumer demand; you’re building long-term trust, sustainability, and innovation into your skincare line.