Understanding the Yellowing in Your Gel Formulation

The light yellowing observed in your gel formulation after just two days at room temperature (28-30°C) is likely due to a combination of factors related to the ingredients and storage conditions, rather than solely the degradation of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera).

Here's a breakdown:

• Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera): This ingredient can naturally range from colorless to light yellow, and its color can deepen slightly over time. While the product description mentions that changes in smell due to fermentation don't lower quality, color changes can sometimes occur as the ingredient ages or reacts within a complex formula.
• Tranexamic Acid: Formulations containing Tranexamic Acid can also be prone to discoloration over time, especially without the addition of stabilizing agents like antioxidants (e.g., ActiveProtec™ OX mentioned in the product description).
• Ingredient Interactions and Concentration: The high concentration of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (65%) combined with other active ingredients like Tranexamic Acid and Niacinamide in a complex aqueous system can lead to interactions or increased susceptibility to oxidation, resulting in color changes.
• Storage Temperature: Both Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate and Tranexamic Acid are recommended to be stored under refrigeration (4-8°C) for optimal long-term stability. Storing the final product at room temperature (28-30°C) significantly accelerates potential degradation and reactions that can cause discoloration.

Therefore, the yellowing is likely a sign of instability caused by the interaction of ingredients and storage at a temperature higher than recommended for key components.

Storage Recommendations

Yes, it is highly recommended to store this formula in the refrigerator after mixing. As mentioned in their product descriptions, both Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate and Tranexamic Acid benefit significantly from cold storage (4-8°C) to maintain their stability and prevent degradation and discoloration over time. Storing at room temperature, especially in warmer climates, will likely lead to faster changes in the product's appearance and potentially its efficacy.

Usability of the Yellowed Formula

The yellowing indicates that some chemical changes have occurred in the formula. While the description for Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate suggests that some changes don't affect quality, a color change can sometimes signal the degradation of active ingredients or the formation of by-products. To ensure the best efficacy and safety, it is generally recommended to discard cosmetic products that have undergone significant and unexpected color changes, especially if they occurred rapidly. For future batches, strict adherence to refrigerated storage is crucial.