Formulation Advice for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Thank you for your questions regarding your new serum formulation. It's great to hear you had success with the previous acne gel formula.

Based on your list of ingredients and your skin type (oily, prone to clogged pores and inflammation), here is the information you requested:

Recommended Concentrations

The recommended usage concentrations for each ingredient are based on typical guidelines and aiming for effectiveness for oily, acne-prone skin:

• Alpha Arbutin (Switzerland): 1-2%, with 2% recommended for better whitening effect.
• Centella Asiatica Extract: 1-2%, with 1% recommended.
• Hi-EGCG™ (Green Tea Extract): 1-5%, with 2-3% recommended for antioxidant benefits.
• French Pine Bark Extract (Water Soluble, Proanthocyanidins 10%): 1-10%, with 1% recommended.
• Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker): 0.5-1%, depending on your desired gel thickness.
• Phenoxyethanol: 0.5-1.0% as a preservative.

The remainder of your formula will be the base, which should be distilled water.

Ingredient Compatibility

Yes, the ingredients you listed are compatible with each other in a water-based gel formulation.

Suitability for Desired Effects

This formula includes ingredients known for various benefits:

• Whitening: Alpha Arbutin is included for this purpose.
• Firming & Wrinkle Reduction: Centella Asiatica Extract is known for its skin-soothing and potential collagen-supporting properties.
• Antioxidant: Hi-EGCG™ (Green Tea Extract) and French Pine Bark Extract are strong antioxidants that help protect the skin.
• Anti-aging: The combination of antioxidant and skin-supporting ingredients contributes to anti-aging effects.

While this formula addresses several of your goals, particularly antioxidant and some anti-aging/firming benefits, the staff noted that the selection might be less comprehensive for achieving significant oil control and whitening compared to formulas specifically optimized for those concerns with a wider array of targeted ingredients.

Remember to follow good manufacturing practices when preparing your formulation to ensure stability and safety. Using distilled water as the base is correct.

Regarding the mixing order, since most ingredients are water-soluble, you can generally mix them into the water phase first before adding the gel maker (Pro Polymer™) as the final step to create the gel texture. Preservatives like Phenoxyethanol can typically be added either before or after gelling, depending on solubility and ease of incorporation, but ensuring even distribution is key.

For preservation, while refrigeration can slow microbial growth, it does not guarantee product stability or safety without a preservative, especially if the preparation environment is not sterile. Using a preservative like Phenoxyethanol at the recommended concentration is crucial for product safety and shelf-life, even with refrigeration.