Eye Cream Formulation: Adjusting Texture and Ingredients
Question
I have an eye cream formulation with the following key ingredients and percentages:
- Ethoxydiglycol 10%
- Pro Polymer 3%
- Argireline
- Apple Stem Cell
- Repair Activator
- Matrixyl 3000
- Regu-Age
I would like feedback on this formula, especially regarding the high percentages of Ethoxydiglycol and Pro Polymer. Are these concentrations suitable for the sensitive eye area? What are the potential issues with this formulation, such as texture or irritation? Are there any recommended ingredients I could add for concerns like dark circles or dryness?
Answer
Based on the discussion, here's a summary of the feedback on your eye cream formulation:
- Suitability for Eye Area: The base formula is considered good and uses high-quality ingredients. However, some adjustments are recommended for the sensitive eye area.
- Ethoxydiglycol (10%): It is strongly recommended to remove Ethoxydiglycol at this concentration for the eye area due to potential heat and irritation. It's not considered necessary as other ingredients like Pro Polymer can help with penetration.
- Pro Polymer (3%): Reduce the concentration of Pro Polymer to no more than 1.0% (<= 1.0%). Using 3% will result in a very thick, pudding-like texture. 1% is sufficient for a normal gel texture.
- Active Ingredient Percentages: There was a suggestion to reduce active ingredients by half for the eye area, except for Regu-Age. However, another perspective is that the current percentages for the actives (Argireline, Apple Stem Cell, Repair Activator, Matrixyl 3000) are acceptable if they are within the manufacturer's recommended limits and do not cause irritation around the eyes. It's important to check the manufacturer's maximum recommended usage for the eye area for each specific active ingredient. If within limits and tolerated, the current levels might be okay, but reducing them (except Regu-Age) is a common practice for the sensitive eye area.
- Suggested Additions:
- Consider adding Beta Glucan if the skin around the eyes is dry or prone to irritation.
- Cucumber Extract is also a good addition for eye area benefits.
- If addressing dark circles is a goal, adding Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) at 2% is recommended as it works well with Regu-Age.
- Bisabolol: While suggested as an alternative carrier, switching from Ethoxydiglycol to Bisabolol (which is oil-soluble) might require an emulsifier, which complicates the formula. Given the advice that Ethoxydiglycol isn't needed, removing it seems the simpler approach.
- Mixing: It's advisable to start by mixing a small quantity to test the texture and feel before making a larger batch. If you make too much, the formula can also be used on the face.
In summary, the key recommended adjustments are removing Ethoxydiglycol and reducing Pro Polymer to 1% or less. Review the manufacturer's guidelines for the maximum eye-area usage percentage for each active ingredient and consider adding Beta Glucan, Cucumber Extract, or Vitamin B3 based on desired benefits.