Hair Serum for Hair Loss Prevention

To create a hair serum targeting hair loss and promoting hair growth, we can adjust the concentrations of certain active ingredients and include components that improve the feel and absorption of the serum on a normal scalp.

Key Ingredients and Recommended Adjustments:

• Biotin: Biotin is known to strengthen hair roots and accelerate hair growth. While your initial formula included 1% Biotin, the Pure-Biotin powder is typically used at 0.1-0.2% and requires Urea for better absorption. For potentially faster and more effective results in a serum, consider using ActiveRelease Biotin at 5% (which offers better absorption at scalp-friendly pH) or Biotinyl-GHK at 3% (a peptide that directly targets hair proteins). Increasing Pure-Biotin beyond 0.2% is not recommended for efficacy and solubility reasons without the proper carrier.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Vitamin B3 helps increase blood circulation in the scalp, which can nourish hair follicles and support growth. Your initial 3% is within the effective range. For potentially faster results, you can increase Safe-B3 or Extreme-B3 (high purity types that minimize flushing) up to 5% or even 10%.
• Caffeine: Caffeine is also known to stimulate hair growth by counteracting hormones that contribute to hair loss. Your initial 3% is already at the maximum recommended usage rate for the scalp. Increasing it further is not advised. Keep Encapsulated Caffeine at 3%.
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Panthenol helps moisturize and strengthen hair. As noted in the previous reply, using Panthenol Extralite at 1% might feel sticky on a normal scalp in a serum formulation. To improve the feel, it is recommended to reduce the concentration to 0.1-0.2% for a normal scalp. Increasing it would likely worsen stickiness without significantly boosting hair growth benefits.
• Rhamnose: Rhamnose is primarily known for its benefits related to skin barrier function, anti-inflammatory properties, and odor control. As mentioned previously, it may not be necessary for a hair loss serum unless you have issues with scalp odor. It does not directly contribute to hair growth stimulation. You can omit it or keep it at 1% if desired for other scalp health benefits, but increasing it won't speed up hair growth.
• 1,2-Hexanediol & Butylene Glycol: These are useful solvents and penetration enhancers. Your proposed concentrations (3% each) are suitable and do not need to be increased for hair growth benefits.
• Ethyl Alcohol: To help the serum dry faster and feel less sticky on the scalp, adding Ethyl Alcohol at 5-10% is recommended, especially for a serum formulation.

Revised Sample Formula:

Here is a sample formula incorporating the recommendations for potentially faster results and better feel for a normal scalp serum:

• ActiveRelease Biotin: 5% (or Biotinyl-GHK 3%)
• Safe-B3 (Vitamin B3): 5% (can increase up to 10% using Safe-B3 or Extreme-B3)
• Encapsulated Caffeine: 3%
• 1,2-Hexanediol: 3%
• Butylene Glycol: 3%
• Ethyl Alcohol: 5-10%
• Panthenol Extralite: 0.1-0.2%
• Rhamnose: 0% (Optional, include at 1% if scalp odor is a concern)
• Water: Balance to 100%

Mixing Method:

1. Combine Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Alcohol, Safe-B3 (or Extreme-B3), Panthenol, and Rhamnose (if using) in a beaker. Stir until all powders are dissolved. Gentle heating (up to 60°C) can help dissolve ActiveRelease Biotin faster if using.
2. Add ActiveRelease Biotin (or Biotinyl-GHK) and Encapsulated Caffeine. Stir until fully dissolved or dispersed.
3. Check the pH and adjust if necessary to the optimal range for the ingredients (generally between 4.0-7.0 for Vitamin B3 and Panthenol).
4. Add any remaining ingredients (e.g., fragrance, preservative if needed, though 1,2-Hexanediol helps).
5. Stir well and package.

Applying this serum regularly to the scalp can help nourish hair follicles and reduce hair loss over time. Consistency is key for best results.