Adjusting Serum Formula for Daytime Dryness and Tightness

Question

I have a serum formula with the following ingredients and percentages: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera) 44%, ID water 44%, Rosa Hybrid Cell Extract (Rose Stem Cell) 2.2%, B3 1%, GlucoBright 1%, Hya 1%, Nano White 2.3%, Sulfora White 2.2%, Ethoxydiglycol 1.7%, Xanthan Gum 0.5%, Pe9010 0.8%. When using this serum during the day, my cheekbones feel dry and tight, but it's fine at night because I follow with a moisturizer cream. What ingredients should I add or adjust to make the skin feel more comfortable during the day?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Suggested Modifications to Your Serum Formula

To improve the skin feel and hydration for daytime use, consider adding ingredients that boost moisture and support the skin barrier.

Option 1: Add a Light Emollient

Adding a small percentage of a light, skin-compatible oil can help provide a more comfortable feel and reduce moisture loss without making the serum heavy.

Add Squalane (Olive): Include Squalane at a concentration of 1-3%. Squalane is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that is naturally found in the skin's sebum. It helps to moisturize and improve skin suppleness. It is well-tolerated by most skin types, including acne-prone skin.

Option 2: Enhance Barrier Support with Ceramides

Strengthening the skin barrier can significantly reduce dryness and tightness by preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Add Ceracare™ Liposome-3: Include Ceracare™ Liposome-3 at a concentration of 1-3%. This is a liposomal complex containing ceramides (Ceramide NP, AP, EOP), phospholipids, and phytosterols. It is designed to mimic the skin's natural lipid structure, helping to repair the barrier, enhance hydration, and soothe sensitive skin.

Option 3: Combine Emollient and Ceramide Support

For a more comprehensive approach, you could add both a light emollient and a ceramide complex.

Add Squalane (Olive): 1-2%
Add Ceracare™ Liposome-3: 1-2%

You would need to slightly reduce the percentage of water or Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate to accommodate the addition of these ingredients while keeping the total percentage at 100%.

Example Adjustment (using Option 3, adding 1% Squalane and 1% Ceracare™ Liposome-3):

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera) 43% (reduced from 44%)
Water 43% (reduced from 44%)
Rosa Hybrid Cell Extract (Rose Stem Cell) 2.2%
B3 (Niacinamide) 1%
GlucoBright (Acetyl Glucosamine) 1%
Hya (Hyaluronic Acid) 1%
Nano White 2.3%
Sulfora White 2.2%
Ethoxydiglycol 1.7%
Xanthan Gum 0.5%
PE9010 0.8%
Squalane (Olive) 1%
Ceracare™ Liposome-3 1%
(Total: 100.7% - remember to adjust slightly to reach exactly 100%)*

These additions should help to provide more comfort and reduce the feeling of dryness and tightness during the day by enhancing the serum's moisturizing and barrier-supporting properties.