Understanding Your Cream Formulation

You are planning to make 100 grams of cream with the following ingredients:

• Water: 97%
• MSH: 3%

In cosmetic formulations, percentages are typically given by weight, not volume.

1. Calculating by Weight: For a 100-gram batch, 3% MSH means you need 3 grams of MSH (3% of 100g = 3g).
2. Weight vs. Volume: Grams measure weight, while milliliters measure volume. These are not interchangeable unless the ingredient has a density of exactly 1 g/ml (like pure water). Most cosmetic ingredients have densities different from water.
3. Using Your MSH Syringe: You have MSH in a 5ml syringe, which is a measure of volume. To get 3% by weight in your 100g formulation, you must measure out 3 grams of the MSH product using a precise scale. You cannot assume that 3 grams is equal to 3 milliliters.

Therefore, you should use a scale to weigh out 3 grams of the MSH product from the syringe for your 100g cream batch.

Important Notes on MSH White™

Based on the product information for MSH White™ (Undecylenoyl phenylalanine):

• The recommended usage rate is 0.5-2%. Your proposed 3% is slightly above the recommended maximum. While you can experiment, it's generally best to start within the recommended range for optimal results and safety.
• MSH White™ is a powder that needs to be dissolved. The instructions state it must be dissolved in oil or the oil part of the formula (oil phase) using heat (at least 60°C, preferably 80°C) until clear before adding it to the rest of the formulation. Since your formula is 97% water, you will need to incorporate an oil phase and an emulsifier to create a cream texture, and the MSH White™ should be dissolved in that oil phase first.

In summary, measure 3 grams of MSH White™ by weight using a scale, not 3 ml by volume. Also, consider the recommended usage rate and the specific mixing instructions for MSH White™ which requires dissolving in an oil phase with heat.