Formula Check - Tester Formula

Subject: Formula Check - Tester Formula

Regarding the formula you provided:

• Pure Aloe Vera Gel (Base)
• Alpha Arbutin 2%
• Tranexamic Acid 3%
• Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria Japonica Bud Extract) 1%
• Centella Asiatica Extract (Madecassoside) 1.5%
• Pep-Coll (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5) 3%
• Marine Plankton 2%

Compatibility:
Based on the staff's reply, these ingredients can be mixed together without issues.

Suitability:
This formula combines several active ingredients targeting pigmentation (melasma) and signs of aging. The percentages of Alpha Arbutin (2%), Tranexamic Acid (3%), Pep-Coll (3%), Japanese Cedar (1%), Centella (1.5%), and Marine Plankton (2%) are generally within typical recommended usage levels for cosmetic formulations.

However, as the staff mentioned, combining Alpha Arbutin and Tranexamic Acid can potentially increase skin irritation, especially if you have not used Tranexamic Acid before.

Recommendation:
Given your history of melasma and the potential for irritation, the staff's recommendation to perform a patch test for Tranexamic Acid is highly advisable if you decide to include it in the formula.

Your plan to start by using only Alpha Arbutin first is a very good and cautious approach. It allows you to see how your skin reacts to one active ingredient before introducing others. If your skin tolerates Alpha Arbutin well, you can then consider gradually adding other ingredients like Tranexamic Acid or the anti-aging actives, observing your skin's response at each step.

The Aloe Vera Gel base is suitable for incorporating these water-soluble active ingredients.