Formulation for Skin Tightening, Whitening, and Smoothing

Regarding your questions about using Sea Kelp Extract, DMAE, and Alpha Arbutin in a formulation for skin tightening, whitening, and smoothing:

1. Suitability of the Formula: Yes, this combination of ingredients is suitable for your goals. Sea Kelp Extract provides moisturizing, nourishing, and anti-aging benefits that help with smoothing and firmness. DMAE is well-known for its skin tightening and anti-wrinkle effects, contributing to a smoother and firmer appearance. Alpha Arbutin is an effective ingredient for skin brightening and achieving an even skin tone.

2. Need for Antioxidants: While Sea Kelp Extract and DMAE have some antioxidant properties, adding a dedicated antioxidant like Q10 can further enhance the formula's ability to protect the skin from free radical damage and support overall skin health and anti-aging benefits. It is not strictly necessary but would be beneficial if comprehensive anti-oxidation is a key objective.

3. Preservative: As previously advised by the staff, even if Sea Kelp Extract contains Phenoxyethanol, it is still necessary to add a preservative to your formula. You can consider using a lower concentration of the additional preservative, as some preservation is already provided by the Sea Kelp Extract, and other ingredients may not contain preservatives.

4. Need for Emulsifier: Since Sea Kelp Extract, DMAE, and Alpha Arbutin are all water-soluble and you plan to mix them into a water-based gel like Hyaluronic Gel, an emulsifier is generally not needed unless you are incorporating oil-based ingredients into your formulation.

5. Mixing DMAE and Triethanolamine: Based on the previous staff guidance, you can add DMAE and Triethanolamine sequentially into the water phase or gel base. Remember to check and adjust the final pH of your formula to be between 5.5 and 6.5.

6. Mixing into Hyaluronic Gel Base: Yes, you can directly add Sea Kelp Extract, DMAE, and Alpha Arbutin into the Hyaluronic Gel base and stir until all ingredients are well dispersed and combined. You do not need to add extra distilled water when using a pre-made gel base.