Face Gel Formulation, Adding Oils, Texture, and Application Order with Vitamin C Serum
Question
I have a proposed face formulation based on Base Aloe Vera Gel with the following ingredients:
- Apple Stem Cell 3%
- Pepha-Tight 3%
- Metabiotics Resveratrol 5%
- Green Tea Extract 5%
- Sea Kelp Bioferment 10%
- Homeostatine 3%
- Willow Bark Extract 10%
- Natural Moisturiser Amino 3%
- Base Aloe Vera Gel 58%
I would like to know:
- Can I add Squalane, Rose Hip Oil, and Argan Oil directly into this formulation?
- What kind of texture can I expect from this formulation?
- Regarding the application order, which product should I apply first between this moisturizer and a Vitamin C serum (specifically the one with a silicone base)?
Answer
Subject: Regarding your Face Cream Formulation
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your face cream formulation and the conversation history. Let's review the points you raised:
Your Proposed Formulation (Revised):
- Apple Stem Cell 3%
- Pepha-Tight 3%
- Metabiotics Resveratrol 5%
- Green Tea Extract 5%
- Sea Kelp Bioferment 10%
- Homeostatine 3%
- Willow Bark Extract 10%
- Natural Moisturiser Amino 3%
- Base Aloe Vera Gel 58%
Based on the staff's feedback for combination skin, they recommended removing Sea Kelp Bioferment and Natural Moisturiser Amino Acids to avoid excessive hydration.
Adding Oils (Squalane, Rose Hip Oil, Argan Oil):
Since your base is an Aloe Vera Gel (water-based) and does not contain an emulsifier, you cannot directly add these oils to the formula and expect them to mix properly. They would separate. As you suggested, applying them separately as a final step is a suitable alternative if you wish to use them.
Texture of the Cream:
With 58% Base Aloe Vera Gel, the texture of the final product will likely be a gel. While the addition of various extracts might slightly increase its viscosity compared to a plain gel, it is unlikely to become a thick cream. It should remain relatively light, suitable for combination skin, especially if you follow the staff's advice to remove the two ingredients mentioned above.
Application Order (Moisturiser vs. Vit C in Silicone):
For the Vitamin C formula you mentioned (the one with Silicone Base), it is recommended to apply your Aloe Vera Gel-based moisturizer first. Allow it to absorb for a short period, and then apply the Vitamin C in silicone formula. This order helps prevent the silicone formula from pilling or creating a flaky texture on top of the moisturizer. If you were using a different type of Vitamin C serum (not in a silicone base), the order might be more flexible, but waiting between layers is still advisable.
Hope this clarifies your questions!