Active Ingredients for Anti-Wrinkle Gel

Based on your interest in creating an anti-wrinkle gel with a tightening feel, and considering your age group (30+), here are some active ingredients that are effective and suitable for a gel base:

• DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid: This ingredient is known for its skin-tightening effect and can help improve firmness. Results are often visible after about 10 days of consistent use. It can be used in gel formulations at a recommended rate of around 3%, though it can be used up to 10% (be aware that higher concentrations might cause irritation or stickiness). DMAE works well with peptides.

• Peptides: Peptides are excellent for general anti-aging and wrinkle reduction. Several types are suitable for gel formulations and can enhance the effects of DMAE:

  • Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (eq. SNAP-8): This peptide is particularly effective for reducing wrinkles caused by muscle contractions (like expression lines). It can be used at a rate of 3-10% in gels.
  • Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu, Copper Tripeptide-1): Known for helping with wrinkles, scars, and nourishing the skin. It can be used in gels at a rate of 1-3%.
  • Pep®-Synthe6 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38): Research supports its effectiveness in reducing wrinkles. It is typically used at 2% and can be incorporated into formulations like gels.
  • Pep®-PP4 (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, C-Peptide 500ppm): Studies show this peptide significantly reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and barrier function. It is recommended at 5% (usage rate 1-7%) and is suitable for water-based formulas like gels.

For a gel base, these water-soluble active ingredients are ideal. As discussed previously, oils like Rose Hip Oil and Argan Oil are not compatible with a simple gel formulation and would require an emulsifier to create a cream or lotion instead.

To achieve both a tightening feel and significant wrinkle reduction, you could consider combining DMAE with one or more of the recommended peptides in your gel formulation, following the recommended usage rates for each ingredient.