Comparing Serum Formulas: Compatibility and Stickiness

Question

I would like to compare two serum formulations I am considering. Please advise on their compatibility and which one would be less sticky for my skin type.

Formula 1:

Double Hyaluron Liquid 10%
Ectoin 2%
Niacinamide 5%
Glycosaminoglycans Complex 3%
Copper Peptide 3%
Adenosine Liposome 3%
Pure-EGCG™ (Green Tea Extract, 98% EGCG) 1%
Squalane 10%
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (aka. Pitera) 30% (I'm concerned using more might feel sticky)
Alpha Arbutin (Switzerland) 2%
Zinc PCA 1%
Laurocapram (Water Soluble penetration enhancer) 2%
Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker) 0.5%
Ethoxydiglycol 2%
น้ำกลั่น 25.5%

Formula 2:

HydroAlgae 2%
Sodium Lactate Plus 5%
Palmaria Palmata Extract 5%
Glycosaminoglycans Complex 3%
Plankton GP4G™ 2%
Creatine 100 1%
Niacinamide 5%
Ectoin 2%
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (aka. Pitera) 30% (I'm concerned using more might feel sticky)
Adenosine Liposome 3%
Zinc PCA 1%
Laurocapram (Water Soluble penetration enhancer) 2%
Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker) 0.5%
Ethoxydiglycol 2%
น้ำกลั่น 35.5%

Questions:

Can these two formulas be mixed together?
Which formula will be less sticky?

My Skin Type: Combination skin, some acne near the eyebrows, slightly enlarged pores. I want to protect and strengthen my skin.

Also, if I order from the website, can you mix it for me?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Hello! Regarding the two formulations you asked about, they can be mixed. Most of the ingredients are generally compatible. However, there are some minor considerations regarding the compatibility of certain ingredients, especially concerning pH.

Formula Compatibility:

Most ingredients in both formulas can be combined.
Caution: In Formula 1, there is a potential pH compatibility issue with Alpha Arbutin (2%), Niacinamide (5%), and potentially acidic ingredients like Pure-EGCG™ (Green Tea Extract) (1%) and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (30%). Alpha Arbutin is most effective and stable in the pH range of 6-7, while EGCG is acidic, and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate may also have a relatively low pH. Combining these could lower the overall pH, potentially affecting the stability and efficacy of Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide.
Formula 2 does not contain Alpha Arbutin, thus avoiding this specific pH compatibility concern.

In summary, most ingredients are compatible, but in Formula 1, caution should be exercised regarding the pH which might affect Alpha Arbutin.

Formula Stickiness:

Both formulas contain a high amount of moisturizing and conditioning ingredients. These ingredients (such as Hyaluron, Glycosaminoglycans, Galactomyces, Sodium Lactate Plus, Ectoin, various extracts) can contribute to a sticky feel, especially when used at high concentrations.
Difference: Formula 1 contains 10% Squalane, which is a fast-absorbing oil that provides a smooth skin feel and helps reduce the stickiness from water-soluble ingredients.
Formula 2 does not contain a significant amount of oil like Squalane and has a wider variety of water-soluble humectant/conditioning ingredients (e.g., HydroAlgae, Sodium Lactate Plus, Plankton GP4G, Creatine). This might make it feel slightly stickier than Formula 1.

Therefore, Formula 1 is likely to be less sticky than Formula 2 due to the inclusion of Squalane which helps improve the texture.

For your skin type (combination skin, some acne, slightly enlarged pores, focusing on skin protection and strengthening), both formulas contain good and interesting ingredients. For example, Niacinamide and Zinc PCA are beneficial for acne, pores, and barrier support, while Ectoin, Galactomyces, and various extracts help nourish and protect the skin.

Ordering Custom Mixing from the Website:

Regarding ordering custom mixing services from the website, this information is beyond the capabilities of the tool I am currently using. I recommend contacting the website directly to confirm if they offer custom formulation mixing services.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!