Formula Review: Stability, Pregnancy Use, and Whitening Efficacy

Asked by: natom_za On: December 09, 2018 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I would like to inquire about the following formula:

  1. Activated Resorcinol™ 1%
  2. Aloe Vera Oil (Infused) 5%
  3. Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) 5%
  4. GlucoBright™ (Acetyl glucosamine) 4%
  5. German Chamomile Extract (Natural Bisabolol) 1%
  6. Mild Preserved Eco™ (Preservative-Free) 1%
  7. Satin Cream Maker™ 1%
  8. Disodium EDTA 0.2%
  9. Light Cream Maker™ 1.5%
  10. Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) 3%
  11. Distilled Water 77.3%
  • Will this formula have stability issues? Specifically, will Activated Resorcinol™ cause phase separation in the long term?
  • Is this formula safe for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals to use?
  • If I add Tranexamic Acid 3% to this formula, will it help improve efficacy in addressing skin darkening caused by sun exposure?

Answer

Formula Review and Feedback

Based on the provided formula and the staff's feedback, here is a summary:

Stability Issue

The staff noted a potential stability issue with the formula, specifically that Activated Resorcinol™ (4-Butylresorcinol) may cause separation over time. To improve stability, the staff recommends adding either:

  • Xanthan Gum (ID: 216)
  • ClayThick™ (ID: 1132)

Suitability for Pregnant/Breastfeeding Individuals

The staff indicated that this formula is generally safe for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals because the cosmetic ingredients are not expected to absorb deeply into the bloodstream. However, Tranexamic Acid (ID: 1140) should be avoided on mucous membranes.

Efficacy of Adding Tranexamic Acid

Regarding the addition of 3% Tranexamic Acid (ID: 1140) to improve efficacy against sun-induced hyperpigmentation, the staff stated that this would not be effective if the skin is continuously exposed to the sun without protection. Consistent use of sunscreen is crucial for addressing sun-induced pigmentation.

Other Ingredients

The staff mentioned that the other ingredients in the formula do not pose significant issues.

Note: Always perform a patch test before using any new skincare product, especially if you have sensitive skin or existing inflammation, as noted in your original requirements.