DIY Soothing Serum Formulation for Irritated Skin (BHA/Differin users)

Question

I am formulating a soothing serum to reduce irritation, as I am currently using BHA and Differin. Based on the recommended ingredients (Allantoin, Aloe Vera 200:1, Beta Glucan, Glucosamine, Vitamin B3, Hyaluronic Acid Nano), how should I mix them? I want detailed steps for a 100ml product. How do I calculate the quantity from the percentage (W/W)? For example, if I use Allantoin 0.5%, Aloe 0.5%, Beta Glucan 2%, Glucosamine 4%, Vitamin B3 4%, EGCG 3%, DMAE 4%, totaling 18g, do I add this to 82ml of water for a 100ml product? Do I need a precise scale for measuring powders? Is there a specific order for mixing ingredients, and do I need to adjust the pH? Can I use regular drinking water instead of distilled water from a pump?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Soothing Serum Formulation for Irritated Skin (100g)

To help reduce irritation while using BHA and Differin, a soothing and hydrating serum is recommended. Based on your initial list and staff recommendations, the following formula focuses on key ingredients for this purpose.

Here is a suggested formula for a 100g batch:

Allantoin: 0.5 g
Aloe Vera Extract: 0.5 g
Beta Glucan (Oat Extract): 2 g
GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine): 4 g
Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide): 4 g
Hyaluronic Acid (Nano Molecule, 800daltons): 0.3 g
Water (drinking water is acceptable): 84.7 g (or 84.7 ml, as 1g of water is approximately 1ml)

Total weight: 0.5 + 0.5 + 2 + 4 + 4 + 0.3 + 84.7 = 100 g

Your understanding of W/W (weight by weight) percentage is correct. For a 100g batch, 0.5% Allantoin means 0.5g of Allantoin, 2% Beta Glucan means 2g of Beta Glucan, and so on. To accurately measure these small amounts, you will need a precise scale that can measure in grams, preferably to two decimal places.

Detailed Mixing Steps (for 100g batch)

Prepare Water: Measure 84.7 g (or 84.7 ml) of clean drinking water into a container.
Weigh Ingredients: Using a precise scale, weigh out each powdered ingredient according to the amounts listed above: 0.5 g Allantoin, 0.5 g Aloe Vera Extract, 2 g Beta Glucan (Oat Extract), 4 g GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine), 4 g Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide), and 0.3 g Hyaluronic Acid (Nano Molecule, 800daltons).
Combine Ingredients: Add all the weighed powdered ingredients into the water.
Mix: Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the powders are completely dissolved. Since these ingredients are water-soluble, you can add them together and mix.
pH Adjustment: Based on the staff's advice, pH adjustment is not necessary for this specific combination of ingredients as their natural pH is generally within a suitable range (around 6-7).
Storage: Store the finished product in a clean container. Some ingredients like Beta Glucan and Hyaluronic Acid are best stored in the refrigerator long-term to maintain their quality.

Using drinking water is acceptable, as confirmed by the staff. You do not need to use distilled water from a pump if you are concerned about cleanliness; clean drinking water is sufficient for this formulation.