Formulation Review and Recommendations

1. Ease of Mixing

Yes, these ingredients can generally be mixed easily by simple stirring without needing a blender. Most of the ingredients are either liquids or water-soluble powders that will dissolve or disperse in the water-based Witch Hazel Plus Allantoin base. Using a blender is not necessary and could potentially introduce unwanted air bubbles or excessive heat, which should be avoided for some sensitive ingredients like Encapsulated Retinol and Wrinkle Lax.

Follow the mixing instructions for each ingredient, paying attention to temperature requirements. It's best to mix the water-soluble powders (Wrinkle Fill, Wrinkle Lax) into the base liquid first, ensuring they are fully dissolved. Then add the gels (4D Hyaluronic Acid), followed by the sensitive liquids (Matrixyl 3000, DMAE, Encapsulated Retinol) once the mixture is below 40°C.

2. Recommended Adjustments or Improvements

Your formulation includes a good selection of anti-aging and skin-benefiting ingredients. Here are some recommendations for improvement:

• Add a Preservative: This is the most critical missing component. Your formulation is water-based and contains multiple ingredients, making it highly susceptible to microbial growth. A broad-spectrum preservative system is essential to ensure the safety and shelf life of your product. Choose a preservative that is suitable for cosmetic use and compatible with your ingredients and target pH range.
• Adjust Ingredient Concentrations: Based on the recommended usage rates for optimal efficacy and safety:
  • Matrixyl 3000: Your current concentration is approximately 6.67% (10g in 150g total). The recommended usage rate is 3-5% (with 3% often recommended). Consider reducing this to within the 3-5% range.
  • Wrinkle Lax: Your current concentration is approximately 0.67% (1g in 150g total). The recommended usage rate is 0.3-0.5%. Reduce this to within the recommended range.
  • Encapsulated Retinol: Your current concentration is approximately 1.33% (2g in 150g total). The recommended usage rate is 1-2%, with 2% often recommended for better results. You could consider slightly increasing this to 2% if desired, while staying within the recommended range.
  • 4D Hyaluronic Acid: Your current concentration is approximately 6.67% (10g in 150g total). This concentration is suitable for dry skin or if you desire a slightly thicker essence. If you prefer a very light, watery essence, you might consider reducing this to the 2-5% range recommended for normal skin.
• Check and Adjust pH: The combination of Witch Hazel Plus Allantoin (pH 3.8-4.5) and Wrinkle Fill (acidic) might result in a relatively low pH. While 4D Hyaluronic Acid works in pH 3-9, Encapsulated Retinol is more stable at a slightly acidic to neutral pH (ideally around 5.5-6.5). After adding all ingredients (including the preservative), check the final pH of your essence and adjust it if necessary to a range that supports Retinol stability and is suitable for skin application (typically 5.0-6.5).
• Mixing Order and Temperature: Pay close attention to the mixing instructions provided for each ingredient. Ensure the temperature is below 40°C when adding heat-sensitive ingredients like Matrixyl 3000, DMAE, and Encapsulated Retinol. Wrinkle Lax should also avoid heat over 60°C.

By incorporating a preservative and adjusting the concentrations of Matrixyl 3000 and Wrinkle Lax to their recommended levels, you will create a safer and potentially more effective water essence. Checking and adjusting the pH will also help maintain the stability and efficacy of the Encapsulated Retinol.