Formulation Review: Whitening and Oil Control Gel

Based on your proposed formulation using the Aloe Vera Gel base, the combination of ingredients is suitable for achieving both skin whitening and oil control benefits.

Here is a breakdown of the ingredients and their roles in your formulation:

• WhiteCumin™ 2x (Tetrahydrocurcuminoids) 5%: This ingredient is effective for reducing skin pigmentation and provides antioxidant benefits. It contributes to skin brightening and anti-aging. While the recommended usage rate is typically 1-4% (2.5-3.0% for whitening), using 5% is slightly above this range. Please monitor your skin for any sensitivity.
• Alpha Arbutin 2%: A key whitening agent that works by reducing melanin production. Your usage rate of 2% is at the maximum recommended level for effective skin brightening.
• Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) 4%: This multi-functional ingredient helps reduce hyperpigmentation (dark spots), adds moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and is effective in reducing facial oiliness and helping with acne. Your usage rate of 4% is within the recommended range (1-10%) and close to the typically recommended 5%.
• Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A) 0.5%: As you noted, this extract is primarily used to reduce skin inflammation, redness, irritation, and control facial oil. It is not a whitening agent. Your usage rate of 0.5% is within the recommended range (0.5-3%) for oil control.
• GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine) 4%: This ingredient aids in whitening, helps remove dark spots, provides gentle exfoliation, and boosts skin hydration by stimulating hyaluronic acid production. It works synergistically with Niacinamide for enhanced whitening effects. Your usage rate of 4% is within the recommended range (1-8%) and is the recommended concentration when combined with Niacinamide.
• Phenoxyethanol 0.5%: This is included as a preservative to prevent microbial growth in the formulation. Your usage rate of 0.5% is within the recommended range (0.5-1.0%).
• Aloe Vera Gel (Heavy) 84%: This serves as the base for your gel, providing moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it suitable for sensitive and oily/dehydrated skin.

Mixing Instructions:

To prepare the gel, you can mix all the active ingredients (which are water-soluble powders or liquids) directly into the Aloe Vera Gel base at room temperature. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all powdered ingredients are completely dissolved and the mixture is homogeneous. For powdered ingredients, stirring for 3-5 minutes, letting it sit for 15-30 minutes, and stirring again can help ensure full dissolution.

Important Considerations:

• pH Level: For optimal stability and efficacy of ingredients like Alpha Arbutin and Licorice Extract, the final pH of your formulation should ideally be within the range of 3.5-6.5. Niacinamide and Acetyl Glucosamine are also stable within this range. You may need to check and adjust the pH if necessary.
• WhiteCumin™ 2x Concentration: While 5% is used, the typical recommended range for whitening is 2.5-3.0%. Observe your skin for tolerance.
• Preservation: Phenoxyethanol at 0.5% provides preservation, but performing a challenge test is recommended if you plan to produce this for sale to ensure adequate preservation for your specific formula.

Overall, this formulation combines several effective ingredients to target both skin whitening and oil control, using a suitable base for sensitive skin.