Formulating Anti-Aging Serum with Multiple Peptides and Extracts

Asked by: jelektip On: September 22, 2021 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I want to formulate a serum using the following ingredients and percentages:

  1. Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) 73%
  2. beta glucan 5%
  3. Olive Extract 5%
  4. Madecassoside-80 1%
  5. Marine Plankton 2%
  6. Argireline 10%
  7. Pal-GHK, Pal-GQPR (Matrixyl 3000) 3%
  8. Nonapeptide-1 1%
    Can these ingredients be mixed directly? Should I increase or decrease the percentage of any ingredient? What is the correct order for adding the ingredients? Please provide guidance.

Answer

Based on the ingredients you've selected and their recommended usage rates, this formulation is generally compatible and uses effective concentrations of the active ingredients for an anti-wrinkle serum.

Here are a few points to consider:

  • The percentages you've chosen for Beta Glucan (5%), Olive Extract (5%), Marine Plankton (2%), Argireline (10%), Madecassoside (1%), Matrixyl 3000 (3%), and Nonapeptide-1 (1%) are all within or at the higher end of the recommended usage ranges for these specific products. This should result in a potent serum targeting multiple signs of aging.
  • Using Olive Extract at 5% might introduce a noticeable dark yellow-brown color and a natural odor to the final product, as mentioned in its description. If you prefer a clearer, less scented product, you could consider reducing the percentage of Olive Extract, although 5% is within the effective range for its antioxidant properties.
  • All the active ingredients are water-soluble or dispersible and can be added to the Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) base.
  • The pH compatibility of these ingredients is generally within the range of 4-6.5, which is suitable for skin application and the stability of the actives. You should check the pH of your final mixture and adjust it if necessary to be within this range.

Mixing Instructions:

Since the Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) is a pre-made base and none of the active ingredients require heating above 40°C, you can mix this formulation at room temperature.

  1. Start with the Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) base (73%).
  2. Add the liquid ingredients one by one, stirring gently until each is uniformly dispersed before adding the next:
    • Beta Glucan (5%)
    • Olive Extract (5%)
    • Marine Plankton (2%)
    • Argireline (10%)
    • Matrixyl 3000 (3%)
    • Nonapeptide-1 (1%)
  3. Add the powdered ingredient, Madecassoside (1%). Stir well for 3-5 minutes, then let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the powder to fully dissolve or disperse. Stir again until no powder particles are visible.
  4. Stir the final mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  5. Check the pH of the final product and adjust it to be between 4.0 and 6.5 for optimal stability and skin compatibility.

This formulation appears well-rounded for anti-aging benefits, combining peptides for wrinkle reduction and collagen stimulation with botanical extracts for soothing, antioxidant, and lifting effects.