DIY Gel Serum Formula Review and Mixing Steps for Oily Skin and Dark Spots

Subject: Re: Inquiry + Formula Review

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your gel formulation and skin concerns. It's great that you are trying to mix your own skincare!

Based on your skin problems (large pores, oily T-zone, dark spots from acne), the ingredients you've chosen are suitable and can help address these issues:

• Safe-B3 (Niacinamide): Excellent for reducing pore size, controlling oil, and fading dark spots.
• GlucoBright (N-Acetyl Glucosamine): Works well with Niacinamide to improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
• Snail Secretion: Known for its skin repairing properties, hydration, and helping to reduce marks.
• Vitamin B6: Can help regulate sebum production, beneficial for oily skin.

The ingredients you selected are generally compatible with each other in a water-based gel formulation.

As the staff correctly advised, it is crucial to add a preservative to your formula, especially when using Xanthan Gum, which can support microbial growth. Adding Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus, Product ID 928) at 1% is a good recommendation to prevent spoilage and ensure the safety of your product.

With the addition of the preservative, your adjusted formula percentages would be:

• Water: 87%
• Safe-B3 (Niacinamide): 2%
• GlucoBright (N-Acetyl Glucosamine): 4%
• Snail Secretion: 3%
• Vitamin B6: 2%
• Xanthan Gum: 1%
• Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus): 1%
• Total: 100%

Here are the mixing steps and necessary equipment:

Mixing Steps:

1. Prepare: Ensure all your equipment and containers are clean and sanitized.
2. Weigh Ingredients: Accurately weigh each ingredient according to the percentages for your desired batch size.
3. Combine Water Phase: In a clean beaker or container, add the water (87%). Then add the water-soluble ingredients: Safe-B3 (2%), GlucoBright (4%), Snail Secretion (3%), Vitamin B6 (2%), and Phenoxyethanol SA (1%).
4. Mix Water Phase: Stir or mix well until all powders are completely dissolved and the liquids are evenly dispersed.
5. Add Thickener: Slowly sprinkle the Xanthan Gum (1%) onto the surface of the water phase while continuously stirring or mixing. This helps prevent clumps.
6. Form Gel: Continue mixing thoroughly. Xanthan Gum takes time to hydrate and thicken. Mix until the gel is smooth and uniform, with no visible clumps of powder. Using a small mixer (like a handheld milk frother or a magnetic stirrer) can help achieve a smoother gel faster than manual stirring.
7. Final Check: Once the gel is formed, you can transfer it to your final product container.

Necessary Equipment:

• Accurate Digital Scale: Essential for precise measurement of ingredients.
• Beakers or Mixing Containers: Clean containers to hold and mix your ingredients.
• Stirring Tool: Glass rod, spatula, or a small mixer (recommended for Xanthan Gum).
• Clean Storage Containers: For the finished gel.
• Gloves: For hygiene and safety.

Remember to store the finished product in a cool, dark place.

Good luck with your first DIY formulation!