Assessment of Whitening Cream Formula: Irritation and Stability

Question

I have developed a whitening cream formula and would like an assessment regarding its effectiveness, potential for irritation, and stability. My skin is mixed, dark, has minor rashes, uneven tone, and is not easily irritated.

Here is the formula:

Niacinamide: 5%
Gluco Bright: 4%
Tranexamic Acid: 3%
Glycolic Acid: 5% (pH 4)
Luxury Cream Maker: 0.5%

My goal is to achieve skin whitening without causing irritation.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Assessment of Whitening Cream Formula

Based on the formula you provided and your skin condition (mixed, dark, minor rash, uneven tone, not easily irritated) and goal (whitening without irritation), here is an assessment:

Whitening Potential and Ingredient Recommendations:
- Your formula includes several effective whitening ingredients: Niacinamide (5%), Gluco Bright (4%), and Tranexamic Acid (3%). Glycolic Acid (5%) also contributes to whitening by promoting skin cell turnover. This combination has good potential to improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
- However, you mentioned wanting to avoid irritation. Glycolic Acid and Tranexamic Acid, while effective, can potentially cause irritation, especially on skin with existing minor rashes.
- Recommendation: If irritation is a concern, you might consider reducing the concentration of or temporarily removing Glycolic Acid and Tranexamic Acid, particularly while the minor rash is present.
- To enhance whitening without increasing irritation, you could consider adding other gentle whitening agents like MSH White Absorb or WhiteCumin 2x, as suggested by the staff.
- Also, please note the staff's comment about the Luxury Cream Maker concentration (0.5%). It might be too low for formula stability, especially with Glycolic Acid. You may need to increase it to at least 3% or add another thickener like Pro Polymer or Satin Cream Maker.
Glycolic Acid 5% at pH 4 Exfoliation:
- At pH 4, 5% Glycolic Acid will have a significant exfoliating effect. While a lower pH would result in more free acid and thus stronger exfoliation, pH 4 is still acidic enough to promote cell turnover effectively.
- The degree of exfoliation and potential for irritation will depend on your individual skin sensitivity. Given your mention of minor rashes, it's important to observe your skin's reaction carefully when using this formula.

Overall, the formula has good whitening potential. To align better with your goal of "no irritation," especially with existing minor rashes, you may need to adjust the Glycolic Acid and Tranexamic Acid content and ensure formula stability by adjusting the cream maker.