Adjusting Lotion Formula for Whitening and Texture (Sun-Exposed Skin)

Question

I am formulating a lotion for normal skin that is frequently exposed to the sun and has become darkened. The goal is to provide general moisturization and whitening.

My proposed formula includes:

Shea Butter: 2%
Mixed Oils (Sweet Almond, Coconut, Olive): 10%
Light Cream Maker: 3%
Amino acid: 2%
TreMoisture (Trehalose): 2%
Aloe Vera Extract (10:1): 2%
Vit B3 (Niacinamide): 3%
Glucosamine (N-Acetyl Glucosamine): 4%
Activated Resorcinol: 0.1%
Distilled Water: Balance to 100%

I want the cream to have a noticeable texture (ดูมีสัมผัส) but still be easily absorbed (ซึมซับง่าย). I plan to use it both day and night.

Based on the expert's feedback:

Is it correct that the formula is not designed for sun protection and is mainly for moisturizing and whitening?
Is 3% of Light Cream Maker too much? What percentage is recommended for a thinner or slightly thicker lotion?
To achieve the desired texture (noticeable but easily absorbed), should I switch from Light Cream Maker to Luxury Cream Maker at 3-4%?
Is 0.1% of Activated Resorcinol too low for visible results? What concentration is recommended?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Advice on Lotion Formulation for Sun-Exposed, Darkened Skin

Thank you for consulting with us regarding your lotion formulation for nourishing and improving the tone of your normal, sun-exposed, and darkened skin.

Your proposed formula includes a good mix of moisturizing oils and butters (Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil), humectants (Amino Acid, Trehalose), soothing extract (Aloe Vera), and whitening agents (Vitamin B3, Glucosamine, Activated Resorcinol).

You mentioned wanting a cream with a noticeable texture that is still easily absorbed, and you plan to use it both day and night.

Based on the staff's expert advice (C7), here are some points to consider for your formulation:

Sun Protection: As noted by the staff, this formula focuses on moisturizing and whitening. Since your skin is frequently exposed to the sun, incorporating SPF would be crucial for preventing further darkening and damage during the day. This formula is suitable for night use or day use if combined with a separate SPF product.
Emulsifier (Light Cream Maker): The staff suggests that 3% of Light Cream Maker might be too high for a lotion texture. They recommend using 1.5-2.0% for a slightly thicker lotion or 1.0-1.2% for a thinner lotion.
Texture (Light Cream Maker vs. Luxury Cream Maker): To achieve the desired "noticeable texture" while remaining easily absorbed, the staff recommends switching from Light Cream Maker to Luxury Cream Maker at a concentration of 3-4%. Luxury Cream Maker is designed to create creams with a richer feel but good absorption.
Activated Resorcinol: For better visible results in skin tone improvement, the staff recommends increasing the concentration of Activated Resorcinol from 0.1% to at least 0.5%.

Revised Formulation Considerations (incorporating staff advice):

Oil Phase:
- Shea Butter: 2% (as proposed)
- Mixed Oils (Sweet Almond, Coconut, Olive): 10% (as proposed)
- Luxury Cream Maker: 3-4% (instead of Light Cream Maker at 3%)
Water Phase:
- Amino acid: 2% (as proposed)
- TreMoisture (Trehalose): 2% (as proposed)
- Aloe Vera Extract (10:1): 2% (as proposed)
- Vit B3 (Niacinamide): 3% (as proposed)
- Glucosamine (N-Acetyl Glucosamine): 4% (as proposed)
- Activated Resorcinol: at least 0.5% (increased from 0.1%)
- Distilled Water: Adjust percentage to reach 100% total.

Remember to include a preservative in your formulation (not listed in your proposal but essential for water-based products).

This revised approach, particularly using Luxury Cream Maker and increasing Activated Resorcinol, should help you achieve the desired texture and improve the effectiveness of the whitening components for your sun-exposed skin. For daytime use, always follow with adequate sun protection.

We hope this helps!