Dissolving Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin B3 Powders in Gel Base

Asked by: noochupnew On: August 19, 2013 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Regarding the formulation using a 94% gel base with 2% Alpha Arbutin and 4% Vitamin B3, I would like to ask if the Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin B3 powders can be added directly into the gel base, or if they need to be dissolved in water first before mixing with the gel?

Answer

Hello,

Regarding your questions about using Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C together, and mixing ingredients into your gel:

  • Can Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C be used together? Yes, according to the staff's reply, they can be used together, especially since the Vitamin C you are using is Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP), which does not have acidity issues like some other forms of Vitamin C.
  • Mixing Alpha Arbutin into the Aloe Vera Gel: You can mix Alpha Arbutin into your Aloe Vera gel. However, the staff mentioned that this specific gel likely uses Carbopol/Carbomer as a gelling agent. Alpha Arbutin is acidic, and adding it might lower the pH of the gel below 5, which can cause the gel texture to break down and become liquid. The staff recommended testing with a small amount first or checking the pH if you have a pH meter.
  • Does mixing affect efficacy? The staff confirmed that the change in texture (if the gel thins) does not affect the efficacy of the ingredients.
  • Layering Products: Applying the Vitamin C serum first, followed by the Aloe Vera gel mixed with Alpha Arbutin, is an acceptable way to use these products together, based on the compatibility mentioned by the staff.
  • Adding Vitamin B3: The previous replies did not cover adding Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) to this specific mixture or the proposed concentration.
  • Dissolving Powders: Regarding mixing Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin B3 powders into the gel, the staff advised that dissolving them in water first will help them dissolve faster. However, you can add them directly to the gel as it contains water. If adding directly, it will take longer to dissolve, and it might be harder to see if the powders are fully dissolved. The staff recommended allowing several hours for complete dissolution if adding directly.

In summary, using your Vitamin C serum (MAP) and the Alpha Arbutin/Aloe Vera gel mix together is fine. Be aware that adding Alpha Arbutin might affect the texture of your specific gel, but this does not impact the effectiveness of the Alpha Arbutin. The previous information did not cover adding Vitamin B3. When mixing powders, dissolving in water first is quicker, but direct addition to the gel is possible with more time needed for dissolution.

Tags

Active Ingredient Gel Gel Base Mixing Procedure Solubility