Cream Formulation with Light Cream Maker, Lactic Acid, and Acetyl L-Carnitine: Thickness and pH

Asked by: sasiwan21.m On: November 24, 2013 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I am formulating a cream with the following composition:

  • Water phase: 75%
    • Lactic Acid (AHA 88%): 10%
    • Acetyl L-Carnitine: 3%
  • Oil phase: 20%
  • Light Cream Maker™: 5%

Will using 5% Light Cream Maker™ make the cream too thick and difficult to apply, considering the other ingredients in the formula?

Answer

Cream Formulation Advice

Regarding your proposed cream formulation with 75% water phase, 20% oil phase, and 5% Light Cream Maker™, along with 10% Lactic Acid (AHA 88%) and 3% Acetyl L-Carnitine in the water phase:

Based on the typical usage rate for Light Cream Maker™, which is recommended between 0.5-3%, using 5% is likely to result in a cream that is significantly thicker than intended and potentially difficult to apply.

The presence of Lactic Acid, which is an electrolyte, can indeed reduce the viscosity of creams made with Light Cream Maker™. The product description notes that in formulas containing electrolytes, the amount of Light Cream Maker™ may need to be increased, perhaps from a normal 1% to 2-3%, to achieve the desired thickness. However, 5% is still considerably higher than this suggested adjustment range.

Using too high a concentration of Light Cream Maker™ can make the cream excessively thick.

Therefore, the staff's recommendation to start with a lower percentage of Light Cream Maker™, such as 2%, and gradually increase it until you achieve your desired consistency is a very good approach. This allows you to control the thickness effectively, especially considering the presence of Lactic Acid.

Also, as the staff advised, it is crucial to measure and adjust the pH of your water phase (and the final product) due to the Lactic Acid. Ensure the pH does not drop below 3.5, adjusting with triethanolamine if necessary, to maintain the stability of the formulation and safety for the skin.

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