Serum Texture Recommendations

To achieve a liquid, easy-to-spread, fast-absorbing, non-sticky serum with your list of active ingredients, you will need to carefully select thickeners and texture enhancers.

Thickeners for a Lightweight Serum

For a liquid serum texture, you should use a thickener at a low concentration. Consider these options:

• Sepimax Zen: This is a highly tolerant thickener that works well across a wide pH range and with electrolytes, which is beneficial with many active ingredients. It creates a clear gel and is easy to use by sprinkling into the water phase. Start with a low usage rate, perhaps around 0.5%, and adjust as needed to get the desired liquid viscosity.
• Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer: Another effective thickener that works without heat and is compatible with oils and a wide pH range. Similar to Sepimax Zen, use a low percentage, perhaps 0.5-1%, to maintain a liquid consistency.

Avoid using too much thickener, as this will result in a gel rather than a liquid serum.

Texture Enhancers for Feel

To improve spreadability, absorption, and reduce stickiness, incorporate texture enhancers:

• Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky): This ingredient significantly enhances the feel of the serum, making it soft, smooth, light, and non-sticky. It improves spreadability and leaves a silky finish. It can be used at various concentrations depending on the desired feel.
• Dimethicone (Very Light/2, Volatile): This light, volatile silicone provides a slippery feel during application and evaporates quickly, contributing to fast absorption and a non-greasy finish. Using a small percentage can greatly improve the serum's texture and reduce tackiness.

Formulation Tips

Combine a suitable thickener at a low percentage with one or both of the recommended texture enhancers. The exact percentages will require testing to achieve the perfect balance of viscosity, spreadability, and feel with your specific combination of active ingredients. Ensure all ingredients are compatible and properly dispersed or dissolved according to their instructions.