Analysis of a Serum Formula for Combination/Sensitive Skin: Texture and Feel Over Time

Asked by: omasign On: July 02, 2014 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have formulated a serum with the following key ingredients: Argireline, Matrixyl 3000, Niacinamide 5%, Green Tea, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Calendula, Licorice, Sea Kelp Bioferment, MOIST72, Glucosamine, LipidSoft CC 10%, and Pro Polymer. My skin is combination, sensitive, rough, lacking nourishment, and has wrinkles. My lifestyle involves daily activities with sun exposure, heat, and humidity.

Could you please analyze this formula, including its potential pros and cons for my skin type and lifestyle? Specifically, I would like to know:

  • What kind of texture/viscosity should I expect (e.g., how viscous)?
  • After it absorbs and 4-7 hours pass, how heavy or sticky (เหนอะ, หนักผิวหน้า) might it feel on my face, especially considering heat, humidity, and activity?

Answer

Based on the formula you provided and your skin type (combination, sensitive, rough, lacking nourishment, wrinkles) and lifestyle, here is an analysis of its potential pros, cons, texture, usage considerations, and how it might feel on your skin over time:

Analysis of the Formula:

This formula is packed with a high concentration of active ingredients targeting multiple concerns, including anti-aging (peptides), soothing and anti-inflammatory effects (Niacinamide, Green Tea, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Calendula, Licorice), hydration (Sea Kelp, MOIST72, Glucosamine), and barrier support (Niacinamide, Glucosamine). It also contains a significant amount of emollient (LipidSoft CC) and thickener (Pro Polymer, Sea Kelp).

จุดเด่น (Pros):

  • Powerful Anti-Aging: High levels of Argireline and Matrixyl 3000 are included to target expression lines and stimulate collagen production, addressing your concern about wrinkles.
  • Excellent Soothing & Anti-inflammatory: The formula contains multiple ingredients known for their calming properties (Niacinamide, Green Tea, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Calendula, Licorice). This is highly beneficial for sensitive and easily irritated skin, helping to reduce redness and discomfort.
  • Supports Skin Barrier: Ingredients like Niacinamide and Glucosamine help strengthen the skin's natural barrier function, which is crucial for sensitive and rough skin lacking nourishment.
  • Hydrating: Sea Kelp Bioferment, MOIST72, and Glucosamine provide hydration, helping to improve the "roughness" aspect.
  • Antioxidant Protection: Green Tea and Licorice offer antioxidant benefits, protecting the skin from environmental stressors relevant to your lifestyle with sun exposure.

จุดด้อย (Cons):

  • Potential for Heaviness/Stickiness: The inclusion of 10% LipidSoft™ CC, while providing a smooth feel, is a high concentration of emollient for a serum, especially for combination skin. This is the most likely factor that could make the product feel heavy or potentially slightly sticky/greasy on the skin, particularly in warm/humid conditions or on oilier areas.
  • Potential Niacinamide Sensitivity: While 5% Niacinamide is beneficial, some individuals with sensitive skin can still experience temporary flushing or mild irritation. Although the formula contains many soothing ingredients to counteract this, individual reactions vary.
  • Complexity: A high number of active ingredients means there's a slightly higher chance of individual sensitivity or reaction compared to simpler formulas.

ข้อควรใส่ใจในการใช้ รวมถึงการระคายเคือง (Usage Considerations & Potential Irritation):

  • Patch Test: Given your sensitive skin, it is highly recommended to perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of skin before applying it to your entire face.
  • Introduce Gradually: If you are new to using products with high concentrations of peptides or Niacinamide, consider starting with applying the serum every other day or using a smaller amount to allow your skin to adjust.
  • Monitor for Sensitivity: Pay attention to how your skin reacts. While the formula is designed to be soothing, if you experience persistent redness, itching, or burning, discontinue use.
  • Amount Used: For combination skin, using a small amount might be key to avoiding a heavy or greasy feeling, especially in warmer weather or during the day.

เนื้อหนืด หนืดประมาณไหนครับ (Texture/Viscosity):

Based on the ingredients, particularly Pro Polymer (thickener), Sea Kelp Bioferment (can add viscosity), and 10% LipidSoft™ CC (emollient), the texture will likely be a gel-serum or a light, cushiony serum.

  • It will definitely be thicker than a watery serum.
  • It will likely have a smooth, spreadable feel due to the LipidSoft CC, somewhat similar to the slip provided by silicones, but without the dry-silky finish of volatile silicones. It will feel more soft and substantial rather than purely liquid.
  • Yes, it is likely formulated to be more viscous than a simple liquid to make it easier to handle and apply, similar to how silicones are used in some serums for texture enhancement, though the feel will be different.

เมื่อซึมเข้าสู่ผิวแล้ว เมื่อเวลาผ่านไป 4-7 ชั่วโมง ... จะส่งผลให้รู้สึกเหนอะ หนักผิวหน้ามากน้อยอย่างไร (Skin Feel Over Time in Varying Conditions):

This is where the 10% LipidSoft™ CC is the main factor influencing the feel, especially on combination skin and with varying environmental exposure:

  • Initial Feel: Upon application and initial absorption, it might feel substantial or "present" on the skin due to the thickeners and emollient, but likely not immediately greasy.
  • After 4-7 Hours in Varying Conditions (Heat, Humidity, Activity): When exposed to warmth, humidity, and physical activity (like your daily routine), your combination skin will naturally produce more oil and sweat. The 10% LipidSoft CC, combined with your skin's natural oils and sweat, is likely to make the product feel more noticeable on the skin.
  • It could potentially feel slightly เหนอะ (sticky/tacky) or หนักผิวหน้า (heavy on the face), particularly in the oilier areas (T-zone) and during or after periods of heat and activity.
  • In cooler, drier conditions (like an air-conditioned office), the formula's hydrating and emollient properties will likely feel more comfortable and less heavy.
  • The feeling of heaviness or stickiness will depend on the amount of product applied, your individual skin's oil production, and the severity of the heat/humidity/activity.

In summary, the formula is a potent blend for anti-aging and soothing sensitive skin. Its main drawback for combination skin in a dynamic environment is the potential for the texture to feel heavy or slightly sticky after several hours, primarily due to the high emollient content.