Adding Whitening Ingredients to Gel Lotion Base: Stability and Texture Changes
Question
I want to add `Artocarpus Lakoocha Wood Extract (Oxyresveratrol 98%)` at 5% and `MSH White™ (Undecylenoyl phenylalanine)` at 4% to a clear gel lotion base. How should I mix these ingredients into the base? Will adding them affect the stability or clarity of the gel lotion? What kind of texture and appearance can I expect after adding these ingredients?
Answer
Adding Ingredients to a Gel Lotion Base
You can add Artocarpus Lakoocha Wood Extract and MSH White™ to your clear gel lotion base, but there are a few important points to consider, especially regarding the percentages and mixing methods.
- Artocarpus Lakoocha Wood Extract: The recommended usage rate for Artocarpus Lakoocha Wood Extract (Oxyresveratrol 98%) is typically 0.1-0.5%. Adding 5% is significantly higher than the recommended maximum. Using a concentration this high may affect the stability of the formula and might not provide additional benefits beyond the recommended range. It's generally best to stick to the recommended usage rate.
- MSH White™: The recommended usage rate for MSH White™ (Undecylenoyl phenylalanine) is 0.5-2%. Adding 4% is above the recommended maximum. While it might be possible to incorporate this amount depending on the base formula's emulsifying system, it increases the risk of instability and separation. Testing with a small batch is crucial.
Mixing Procedure for MSH White™
MSH White™ is oil-soluble and needs to be dissolved in an oil phase using heat. To add it to your gel lotion base:
- Measure the required amount of MSH White™.
- Dissolve the MSH White™ in a small amount of a suitable oil (if your base doesn't have a significant oil phase you can heat separately) by heating to around 80°C until it is completely clear.
- Once dissolved, carefully incorporate this oil mixture into your gel lotion base while mixing thoroughly. High shear mixing might be needed to ensure it stays emulsified and doesn't separate, especially at a 4% concentration.
Expected Changes
Adding these ingredients, particularly MSH White™ which is a powder dissolved in oil, will likely change the appearance of your clear gel lotion. As noted, it will probably become cloudy or white, resembling a cream rather than a clear gel.
It is highly recommended to perform a small test batch first to check for stability, appearance, and feel before making a larger quantity. Also, reconsider the percentages used, aiming closer to the recommended ranges for optimal results and stability.
