Formula Review for Moisturizing Body Milk Lotion (Whitening & Hydration)

Question

Could you please review and provide suggestions for a formulation of a Moisturizing Body Milk Lotion that is not too greasy? The main goals are whitening, moisture, reducing dark spots, and addressing dryness. My body skin is generally normal to oily, prone to oiliness/acne on the back, but elbows/knees/friction areas are quite dry and dark. I spend most of my time in an air-conditioned room. I would like to achieve a light but moisturizing milky lotion texture. Please advise on any adjustments needed.

Here is the proposed formulation:

LipidSoft™ Lite 6%
MSH White Absorb 5%
Safe B3 5%
Water-Capsule™ 4%
ODA-White Plus™ 2%
B5 ExtraLite 1%
Activated Resorcinol™ 1%
Sym-White™ 0.5%
Light Cream Maker 1%
Glycerin (Vegetable) 99.5% 5%
Disodium EDTA 0.2%
Water 69.3%

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Feedback on Moisturizing Body Milk Lotion Formulation

Thank you for sharing your proposed formulation for a Moisturizing Body Milk Lotion. Your goal of achieving whitening, moisture, reducing dark spots, and addressing dryness with a non-greasy, light texture is well-addressed by the ingredients you've selected.

Here's a review and some suggestions:

Whitening and Dark Spots: You have included a powerful combination of whitening agents (MSH White Absorb, Safe B3, ODA-White Plus™, Activated Resorcinol™, Sym-White™). This blend targets multiple pathways for reducing dark spots and improving skin tone, which should be effective for your concerns on elbows and knees. However, the total concentration, especially Activated Resorcinol at 1%, is quite high. While potent, this high level might cause irritation, particularly on sensitive areas or your acne-prone back.
- Suggestion: If you experience irritation, consider reducing the concentration of Activated Resorcinol or MSH White Absorb. Alternatively, you could use this formulation specifically on drier, darker areas like elbows and knees and a milder lotion on your back. Safe B3 (Niacinamide) at 5% is excellent for overall skin health, barrier function, and has a synergistic whitening effect with other ingredients, so keeping it at 5% is beneficial.
Moisturizing and Dryness: The inclusion of LipidSoft™ Lite, Safe B3, B5 ExtraLite, and Glycerin provides a good balance of emollients and humectants to address dryness and provide moisture without feeling overly heavy.
Texture (Milky Lotion): You've chosen LipidSoft™ Lite as a light emollient and a combination of Water-Capsule™ and Light Cream Maker as emulsifiers. This selection, along with the high water percentage, is intended to create a light texture. Achieving a specific "milky lotion" consistency (low viscosity O/W emulsion) depends heavily on the interaction and optimal ratio of your chosen emulsifiers. While this combination might work, sometimes a simpler O/W emulsifier system specifically designed for low-viscosity lotions can more reliably produce a milky texture. If the current blend doesn't give you the desired feel, you might need to experiment with the emulsifier ratio or consider an alternative O/W emulsifier suitable for light lotions.
Overall: The formulation is comprehensive for your goals. The main point to monitor is potential irritation from the high concentration of whitening actives, especially on your back.

Recommendation: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the lotion extensively, especially given the potent active ingredients.

This formulation has the potential to be very effective for whitening and moisturizing, provided your skin tolerates the active concentrations.