Formulation Check: Gel/Serum with Peptides and DMAE
Question
Can a serum/gel formula consisting of 84% Aloe Vera Gel, 10% Argireline, 3% Pep Coll, and 3% DMAE be mixed? What are the considerations regarding compatibility, usage rates, potential irritation, and pH stability for this formulation?
Answer
Formulation Review
Regarding the formulation you provided:
- Aloe Vera Gel Heavy: 84%
- Argireline: 10%
- Pep Coll: 3%
- DMAE: 3%
Based on the information available for these ingredients:
- Compatibility: The active ingredients (Argireline, Pep Coll, and DMAE) are water-soluble liquids and can generally be mixed into a water-based gel like Aloe Vera Gel. They should be added in the final phase of mixing, ensuring the temperature is below 40°C.
- Usage Rates: The concentrations you propose (10% Argireline, 3% Pep Coll, 3% DMAE) are within the recommended usage ranges for these specific ingredients.
- Potential Irritation: While DMAE at 3% is within the recommended range, it's noted that concentrations above 5% may cause irritation, and even at 3%, it might not be suitable for thin or sensitive skin. Consider your skin type and potentially add ingredients that help reduce irritation if needed.
- pH Consideration: Argireline requires the final formulation pH to be within the range of 3.5-6.5 for optimal stability and efficacy. You would need to check and adjust the pH of your final mixture to ensure it falls within this range.
Important Considerations:
While the ingredients appear compatible based on their general properties and recommended mixing instructions, creating a stable and effective cosmetic product requires careful formulation and testing. Factors like long-term stability, preservation, and skin feel should also be considered.
It is recommended to perform small-scale tests first to check for stability, appearance, and skin reaction before making a larger batch.
Related Products Mentioned
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (eq Argireline)
Pep®-Coll (Palmitoyl tripeptide-5)
Aloe Vera Gel (Heavy)