DIY Skincare Formulation Advice: Toner, Body Cream, Face Cream/Serum (Whitening & Anti-aging)

Hello! I understand you're interested in making your own skincare products, focusing on whitening, and you've found some initial formulations. The staff has provided advice, and I'd like to summarize and add some details based on their responses.

Overall, the staff indicated that the formulations you found are generally "ok" to follow. However, there are important considerations and recommendations from the staff for better efficacy and stability.

1. Vitamin C Toner

• This formula focuses on Vitamin C for whitening, which is a good ingredient.
• Caution: As the staff mentioned, Vitamin C powder mixed with water is prone to oxidation and degrades quickly, losing its whitening efficacy. It is essential to use it up within 1 week as stated in the original formula.
• Choosing Vitamin C: There are various types of Vitamin C, each with different stability and solubility. Pure Vitamin C powder (L-Ascorbic Acid) is generally the least stable in water. If you need more stability, you might consider other Vitamin C derivatives, which the shop offers. (You can find more information about different Vitamin C types in other threads or articles from the shop).
• Regarding Oxidation: The degradation of Vitamin C in water is the oxidation process. Not including other antioxidants like Vitamin E or Ferulic Acid in a formula with Vitamin C powder and water will cause the Vitamin C to degrade faster. This is why this formula has a very short shelf life.

2. Whitening Body Cream

• This formula uses Beeswax as an emulsifier and includes various carrier oils, Vitamin E, Glycerin, and Alpha Arbutin 2%, which is a whitening ingredient.
• Beeswax: The staff initially mentioned they didn't carry it, but the shop now sells Beeswax Cera Bellina (Polyglycerol-3 Beeswax), which is modified for easier use and better emulsification than regular Beeswax. Alternatively, you can use Sepiplus 400 as initially recommended by the staff. It's easier to use (no heat required) and provides a non-sticky texture suitable for hot climates. You can choose based on your preference.
• Preservative: The staff recommended that if you are not refrigerating it constantly and plan to store it for a longer period, you should add a preservative to prevent microbial growth.
• Enhancing Whitening: The staff suggested adding Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and N-Acetyl Glucosamine to the formula. These two ingredients work well together to improve skin tone, and N-Acetyl Glucosamine is also affordable. Alpha Arbutin 2% already in your formula is also a good whitening agent.

3. Face Cream/Serum

• This formula includes Vitamin B3 4%, Hyaluronic Acid (nano and standard), 2-3 Peptides, and distilled water, focusing on whitening (from B3), hydration/plumping (from Hyaluronic Acid), and anti-aging/collagen stimulation (from Peptides).
• Preservative: Similar to the body cream, if you are not refrigerating it constantly, you should add a preservative. (The staff mentioned it might last 6 months refrigerated without a preservative, but for safety, using a preservative helps extend shelf life and prevent contamination).
• Enhancing Whitening: The staff recommended adding N-Acetyl Glucosamine to complement Vitamin B3 for skin tone improvement and potentially adding Alpha Arbutin 2% for additional whitening.
• Choosing Peptides: For someone aged 19 without wrinkles but wanting to use peptides for prevention or general care, the staff recommended starting with Argireline. It's relatively affordable, and many users are satisfied with the results. If you prefer newer peptides that might offer higher efficacy, they are available but at a higher cost. You can choose based on your budget and goals.
• Hyaluronic Acid: The original formula specifies nano and standard types, which is good as it provides hydration at different skin levels.

Can I buy all the ingredients here?

Based on the staff's advice and the ingredients mentioned, such as Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Alpha Arbutin, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides (including Argireline), Sepiplus 400, and Beeswax Cera Bellina, the key ingredients mentioned and recommended are available at the shop.

In Summary: You can use the formulas you found as a base. However, you should consider adding a preservative to the cream and serum formulas (if not strictly refrigerated) and can add N-Acetyl Glucosamine and Alpha Arbutin to boost whitening efficacy. For peptides, Argireline is a good starting point. For the body cream, you can use Beeswax Cera Bellina or Sepiplus 400 instead of regular Beeswax.

Making your own cosmetics requires careful attention to cleanliness and correct proportions. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!