Formulation Advice for Hada Labo with Actives

Yes, you can directly mix Tego Pep4-17 into your Hada Labo product according to the manufacturer's recommended usage rate for Tego Pep4-17 (typically 1-7%, with 5% being a common recommendation). Tego Pep4-17, also known as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, is beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin texture and elasticity, which can help with the forehead wrinkles you mentioned.

To address your concerns about dryness, uneven skin tone, and dark spots from acne, and to enhance moisture and brightening, adding the following ingredients is recommended:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Add at a concentration of 4%. Niacinamide helps to improve skin hydration by strengthening the skin barrier, reduce redness and dark spots (hyperpigmentation), and can also help with oil control and the appearance of wrinkles. It works well with Acetyl Glucosamine for brightening.
• Acetyl Glucosamine: Add at a concentration of 4%. Acetyl Glucosamine works synergistically with Niacinamide to reduce dark spots and improve skin tone. It also helps stimulate the skin's natural production of Hyaluronic Acid, contributing to better moisture and a reduction in fine lines.
• Alpha Arbutin: If you need additional brightening and help with dark spots, you can add Alpha Arbutin at a concentration of 2%. Alpha Arbutin is a well-known skin brightening agent that helps reduce melanin production, effectively targeting dark spots and promoting a more even complexion.

These ingredients are water-soluble and can typically be mixed into a water-based product like Hada Labo lotion or serum. Ensure the final mixture has a suitable pH (generally between 3.5-7.0 for these ingredients to be effective and stable, though Niacinamide is stable up to pH 8, Alpha Arbutin should be below pH 8). Mix them thoroughly until fully dissolved.

Start with the recommended percentages and observe your skin's response. You can adjust the concentrations within the recommended ranges if needed, but always follow the maximum usage rates for each ingredient.

Let us know how your skin responds after trying this combination!