Incorporating MSH White™ in a Water-Based Formula

You're looking to combine MSH White™ (oil-soluble) with Safe-B3™ and GlucoBright™ (water-soluble) in a water-based formula. This presents a solubility challenge for MSH White™.

How to Incorporate MSH White™

Since MSH White™ is oil-soluble, it cannot be directly dissolved in water. You need to dissolve it in a suitable oil or solvent phase first, using heat (around 80°C) until it is clear. This oil/solvent phase then needs to be incorporated into your water phase.

Penetration Enhancers

• Laurocapram (Water Soluble): This is suitable for enhancing the penetration of water-soluble ingredients like Safe-B3™ and GlucoBright™. It will not help with MSH White™.
• Laurocapram (Oil Soluble): This is designed for oil-soluble ingredients. Using this would typically require formulating an emulsion with a significant oil phase, which might not align with a purely water-based formula goal.
• Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI): DMI is a versatile solvent that can dissolve in water and various oils/solvents. It can help dissolve MSH White™ and enhance the penetration of both oil and water-soluble actives, including Niacinamide (Safe-B3™). While effective, you mentioned disliking its smell. If you can manage the odor (e.g., with a masking agent), DMI is a strong option for bridging the solubility gap and enhancing penetration of all three ingredients in a water-based system.

Recommended Approach for a Water-Based Formula

To successfully incorporate MSH White™ into your water-based formula alongside Safe-B3™ and GlucoBright™, while also considering penetration enhancement:

1. Dissolve MSH White™: Dissolve MSH White™ in a small amount of a suitable solvent that is miscible with water, such as Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) or a polysorbate (like Polysorbate 20 or 80), using heat (around 80°C) until fully dissolved and clear.
2. Prepare Water Phase: Dissolve Safe-B3™ and GlucoBright™ in your water phase. You can also add Laurocapram (Water Soluble) to this phase if desired for the water-soluble actives.
3. Combine Phases: Slowly add the heated MSH White™/solvent mixture to the water phase while mixing. Depending on the amount of solvent/oil used, you might need a small amount of emulsifier to ensure a stable dispersion or a very fine emulsion.
4. Cooling and Final Additions: Cool the mixture and add any remaining ingredients, such as preservatives, fragrance (if needed to mask DMI smell), etc.

This method allows the oil-soluble MSH White™ to be dispersed within the water-based system. DMI is particularly useful here as it acts as both a solvent for MSH White™ and a penetration enhancer for all ingredients, but the smell needs to be addressed. If avoiding DMI, using a polysorbate to dissolve MSH White™ and emulsifying it into the water phase is an alternative, though penetration enhancement for MSH White™ might be less pronounced without a dedicated oil-soluble enhancer or DMI.

Mixing Steps Summary

1. Heat a small amount of DMI or suitable solvent/oil to ~80°C and dissolve MSH White™ until clear.
2. In a separate container, dissolve Safe-B3™ and GlucoBright™ in the water phase. Add Laurocapram (Water Soluble) here if using.
3. Slowly add the heated MSH White™ mixture to the water phase with continuous mixing. If needed, add a small amount of emulsifier.
4. Cool the mixture.
5. Add remaining ingredients (preservative, fragrance, etc.).