Adding Ceramide Complex and Alpha Arbutin to Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Question

I have a Hyaluronic Acid serum formula and would like to add Ceramide Complex and Alpha Arbutin. Are these ingredients compatible with a water-based serum? What is the recommended percentage and process for adding them? Also, is there anything that can be added to improve the texture, making it a slightly viscous gel?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Hello!

Based on your question and the information provided by jing.jing.jg and the MySkinRecipes staff, here is a summary:

You can indeed add Ceramide Complex 3% and Alpha Arbutin 2% to your original Hyaluronic Acid formula. Both ingredients are water-soluble, making them compatible with your water-based serum.

The staff also suggested adding Pro Polymer at 0.5% to improve the texture, making it a slightly viscous gel that is easier to use.

They also recommended reviewing basic formulation principles for a better understanding of DIY skincare.

Proposed Modified Formula (for 100ml):

Distilled or Filtered Water: Approx. 94ml (Adjust slightly to make total volume 100ml with other ingredients)
Hyaluronic Standard Molecule: 0.5 g
Hyaluronic Nano Molecule: 0.5 g
Ceramide Complex: 3 g (3%)
Alpha Arbutin: 2 g (2%)
Pro Polymer: 0.5 g (0.5%)
Phenoxyethanol (Preservative): 0.5 - 1.0 g (0.5-1.0%)

Modified Steps:

Measure approx. 94ml of distilled/filtered water (or calculate the exact amount needed to reach 100g/ml total).
Add 0.5g Hyaluronic Nano Molecule and 0.5g Hyaluronic Standard Molecule to the water. Close the lid and shake for about 3 minutes.
Refrigerate for 3-5 hours, or until the Hyaluronic Acid is fully dissolved and you get a clear gel.
In a separate container, dissolve 2g Alpha Arbutin in a small amount of water (taken from the total water amount). Stir until fully dissolved.
Disperse 0.5g Pro Polymer in a small amount of water (taken from the total water amount). Stir to disperse.
Once the Hyaluronic Acid is dissolved, slowly add the prepared Alpha Arbutin and Pro Polymer solutions. Stir or shake to combine.
Add 3g Ceramide Complex. Stir or shake to combine.
Finally, add 0.5 - 1.0g Phenoxyethanol (preservative). Stir or shake until well combined and clear again (it might become cloudy temporarily).

Important Notes:

Adjusting the water amount to make a total of 100ml with all ingredients is crucial.
Accurately weigh all ingredients.
Research the specific mixing instructions and precautions for each ingredient, especially Ceramide Complex and Alpha Arbutin, to achieve the best results.

Hope this information is helpful!