Serum Formulation Adjustment for Lighter Texture

Based on your current serum formulation and feedback regarding its heavy, slow-absorbing, and sticky texture, here are some recommendations to achieve a lighter feel and faster absorption.

Your current formula contains several ingredients that can contribute to the texture and feel. The most likely contributors to the perceived thickness and slow absorption are:

• 4D Hyaluronic Acid (5%): This ingredient is known for creating a thick gel texture. While excellent for deep hydration, using it at 5% can result in a serum that feels substantial and takes time to absorb.
• Yerba Santa Protein (Natural Silicone) (5%): This provides a silicone-like slip and smooth feel. At 5%, it might contribute to a feeling of a coating on the skin or require more effort to spread and absorb.
• High total concentration of humectants and glycols: The combined percentage of ingredients like Dipropylene glycol Methyl Ether, Dipropylene glycol, MOIST24, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Allantoin, L-Carnitine, Ectoine, Prebio-care, Mild Preserved Eco™, and 4D Hyaluronic Acid is significant. While individually beneficial, their cumulative effect can increase viscosity and potentially lead to a sticky or slow-absorbing feel.

To create a lighter, faster-absorbing serum, focus on reducing the ingredients that most impact viscosity and feel.

Suggested Formulation Adjustments:

1. Reduce 4D Hyaluronic Acid: Lowering the concentration of 4D Hyaluronic Acid will directly decrease the gel thickness and improve absorption speed. Reduce it from 5% to 2-3%. This range still offers good hydration but with a noticeably lighter texture.
2. Reduce Yerba Santa Protein: Decreasing this percentage can reduce the silicone-like feel, making the serum feel less heavy and potentially absorb faster. Reduce it from 5% to 2-3%.
3. Adjust DI Water: Increase the percentage of DI Water to compensate for the reduction in other ingredients, keeping the total formula at 100%.

Example Revised Formula (reducing 4D HA to 3% and Yerba Santa Protein to 3%):

• Phase A
  • DI Water: 29.6%
  • Allantoin: 0.3%
  • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: 1%
  • Safe-B3™: 5%
  • GlucoBright™: 4%
  • Zinc PCA: 1%
  • Panthenol: 1%
  • L-Carnitine: 3%
  • Ectoine: 2%
  • Prebio-care: 3%
• Phase B
  • Dipropylene glycol Methyl Ether: 10%
  • Dipropylene glycol: 5%
  • MOIST24: 2%
  • 4D Hyaluronic Acid: 3% (Reduced)
• Phase C
  • 1,2-Hexanediol: 3%
  • Skin-mimic™ (Skin Barrier Restoration): 2%
  • Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu): 2%
  • Willow Bark Extract: 5%
  • Liquid Salicylic Acid (40% Active Salicylic): 3%
  • Yerba Santa Protein (Natural Silicone): 3% (Reduced)
  • Repair Activator™ Liquid (Bifida Ferment Lysate): 10%
  • Mild Preserved Eco™: 1%
• Phase D
  • Flora Solve™ Clear: 1%
  • Fragrance: 0.1%

This revised formula reduces the primary contributors to the heavy texture, aiming for a lighter feel that absorbs more quickly. You may need to test and adjust the exact percentages within the suggested range (2-3%) to find the texture that best meets your preference.