Feedback on Your Formulations

Here is feedback on your two formulations, incorporating the discussion points:

Formula 1: Anti-Aging Serum (Face)

• Ingredients: Alovala Base (65%), DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid (20%), Vitamin B3, Niacinamide (Safe-B3™) (5%), Pep®-Coll (Syn-Coll) (3%), Vitamin B5 (5%), L-Tyrosine (2%), Mild Preserved™ (Ethylhexylglycerin) (1%).
• Vitamin B5: Yes, you can add 5% Vitamin B5 (Panthenol). This will be beneficial for addressing dryness, especially for skin aged 40+. However, be aware that higher concentrations of Vitamin B5 can sometimes contribute to a slightly sticky texture, which might compound the texture issues already present in this formula.
• Preservative: Mild Preserved™ (Ethylhexylglycerin) at 1% is within the typical usage range (0.3-1.0%). However, Ethylhexylglycerin is generally used as a booster or co-preservative and is not effective as a standalone preservative. It also does not dissolve well in plain water. You will need to combine it with another broad-spectrum preservative to ensure the formula is adequately preserved against microbial growth.
• Texture: As noted in the discussion, this formula will likely be quite thin due to the high percentage of DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid and the inclusion of L-Tyrosine, both of which can reduce the viscosity of gel bases like Alovala Base. The high concentration of DMAE may also cause tackiness. To thicken the formula and improve texture, you can add a suitable thickener like ThixoGel™ or increase the amount of the Pro Polymer already present in the Alovala Base. To counteract the tackiness from DMAE, consider adding Cyclomethicone or SiliSilk.

Formula 2: Under Eye Serum (Dark Circles)

• Ingredients: Alovala Base (65%), Orange Peel Extract (5%), Vitamin B3, Niacinamide (Safe-B3™) (5%), Vitamin B5 (5%), Mild Preserved™ (Ethylhexylglycerin) (1%).
• Efficacy: This combination of Orange Peel Extract and Vitamin B3, Niacinamide (Safe-B3™) is well-suited for addressing dark circles caused by poor blood circulation, as these ingredients are known to help stimulate blood flow in the area. Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) will provide good hydration for the delicate under-eye skin.
• Preservative: Similar to the first formula, Mild Preserved™ (Ethylhexylglycerin) at 1% needs to be used in combination with another broad-spectrum preservative for effective preservation.
• Texture: While perhaps less prone to thinning than the first formula, this one may also be on the thinner side due to the high percentage of water-based actives in the Alovala Base. You might consider adding a small amount of thickener if you prefer a more viscous texture.
• Note: Orange Peel Extract can sometimes cause a warming sensation around the eyes due to its blood flow stimulating properties. This is generally normal but adjust the concentration if it's uncomfortable.

Summary Recommendations:

• Always use Ethylhexylglycerin in combination with another broad-spectrum preservative.
• For both formulas, be prepared to adjust the viscosity by adding a suitable thickener if the texture is too thin.
• For the first formula, consider adding Cyclomethicone or SiliSilk to improve the feel and reduce tackiness from the high DMAE concentration.