Adding Whitening Agents to Sunscreen/Cream Formula
Question
I want to add a whitening agent, Activated Resorcinol™, to my sunscreen formula (which is a cream base). How can I add it? Are there other whitening agents I could use in a cream base, and what are their properties (solubility, usage rate)?
Answer
Adding Whitening Agents to Your Sunscreen Formula
Yes, you can add Activated Resorcinol™ (4-Butyl Resorcinol) to your sunscreen formula. Based on the advice you received, you can dissolve it directly in the formula by blending or stirring. If you don't have a blender, you can pre-dissolve the Activated Resorcinol™ in a small amount of LipidSoft (around 3%) before adding it to the main mixture. The recommended usage rate for Activated Resorcinol™ in leave-on products like cream is typically not more than 1.0%.
It is crucial to remember, as also advised, that using any whitening agent requires diligent sun protection. Sunscreen helps, but avoiding direct sun exposure is the most effective way to prevent pigmentation and ensure the whitening agent works effectively.
Besides Activated Resorcinol™, several other whitening agents can be incorporated into a cream base like your sunscreen formula. Here are some options with their typical usage rates and solubility:
- NanoRes™ (Liposome 4-Butyl Resorcinol, Nano Size): This is an encapsulated version of 4-Butyl Resorcinol that is water-soluble, making it easy to add to the water phase of your formula. It is used at a rate of 1.0-10.0%.
- Hexylresorcinol AF: A water-soluble form of 4-Hexylresorcinol, effective for reducing dark spots and overall skin whitening. It can be added to the water phase at a usage rate of 1-3%.
- Phenylethyl Resorcinol: Soluble in oil, this ingredient can be added to the oil phase or directly into the cream in the final step. The recommended usage rate is 0.1-1.0% (commonly 0.5%).
- Tranexamic Acid: A water-soluble ingredient effective for brightening and reducing blemishes. It should be mixed into the water phase at a usage rate of up to 3%.
- CosmoWhite™ (1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide): This water-soluble ingredient can be dissolved in water and added to the water phase. It is typically used at 0.1-1.5%.
- Z-White™ (Zinc Glycinate): A water-soluble powder that can be dissolved in water and added to the water phase. The recommended usage rate is 0.1-3% (commonly 1%).
- SclareoWhite™ (Sclareolide, Pure): Soluble in oil, glycol, and alcohol, this can be added to the oil phase. The usage rate is 0.1-0.2%.
- GlyciWhite™ (Glycinamide HCL): A water-soluble ingredient that should be mixed into the water phase, avoiding heat above 60°C. The recommended usage rate is 3-10% (commonly 5%).
- MelaninTerminate™ (Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein): This water-soluble ingredient should be mixed into the water phase and not exposed to heat. The usage rate is 0.01-0.1%.
- HR-White™ (4-Hexylresorcinol): Soluble in Glycol, this ingredient needs to be dissolved in Glycol first before adding to the formula. The usage rate is 0.1-1%.
- ChromaWhite™ (Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate): Soluble in oil, this should be added in the last step of the formula, avoiding heat. The usage rate is 0.1-0.5%.
- AEPWhite™ (Aminoethylphosphinic Acid): A water-soluble ingredient to be mixed into the water phase, avoiding heat above 60°C. The recommended usage rate is 0.1-1.0% (commonly 0.5%).
When adding any new ingredient, it is advisable to start with a small test batch to ensure compatibility and desired results in your specific formula.
Related Products Mentioned
Tranexamic Acid (Trans-White™)
CosmoWhite™ (1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide)
Z-White™
SclareoWhite™ (Sclareolide, Pure)
GlyciWhite™
MelaninTerminate™