Formulation for Very Dry Skin

Based on the recommendation for very dry skin, here are the key ingredients and their benefits:

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs)

These ingredients help attract and retain moisture in the skin, similar to the natural compounds found in healthy skin:

• Double Hyaluron Liquid: Provides deep and surface hydration due to its different molecular sizes. For very dry skin, a usage rate of 10-20% is recommended.
• Urea: An excellent moisturizer that helps balance moisture in the skin. It is recommended for dry, dehydrated skin. High purity forms like Urea (High Purity, Cosmetics, Powder) or HYDRO-UREA® Liquid can be used. A usage rate of 5% is suggested for moisturizing very dry skin. Note that Urea may require stabilization in formulations.
• Sodium Lactate: A humectant that helps the skin retain moisture and reduces water loss. It is suitable for dry and cracked skin. Forms like Sodium Lactate (60% Liquid, Natural) or Sodium Lactate Plus can be used. A usage rate of 5% is recommended.
• Sodium PCA: A natural component of the skin's NMF, it helps balance moisture, prevent water loss, and strengthen the skin. Sodium PCA 50% is a common form. A usage rate of 5-10% is suggested.

Skin Conditioning and Repair

These ingredients help improve the skin's overall health and ability to repair itself:

• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Converts to Vitamin B5 in the skin, acting as a humectant and supporting the skin barrier. It helps prevent moisture loss, softens skin, reduces inflammation and redness, and aids wound healing. Panthenol (Vitamin B5, DL-Panthenol, Powder) or D-Panthenol Care (Pro-Vitamin B5, 100% Liquid) are available forms. A usage rate of 5% is suggested.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Beneficial for reducing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and increasing moisture by stimulating collagen and ceramide production. It also strengthens the skin barrier and can help reduce oiliness. High purity options like Safe-B3™ or Extreme-B3™ are available. A usage rate of 4% is suggested.

These ingredients work together to provide intense hydration and support the skin's natural functions, which is beneficial for very dry skin, especially in challenging conditions like winter. As always, it is recommended to perform a patch test before using any new formulation.