Hair Growth Serum Formulation and Mixing Procedure
Question
I have a formulation for a hair growth serum and would like to know the mixing procedure and compatibility of the ingredients. The formulation is as follows:
- DI Water: 69.5%
- Ethyl Alcohol: 20%
- Melatonin Forte: 1%
- Zinc PCA: 1%
- Safe B3 (Niacinamide): 2%
- Biotin Express: 1%
- Flora Solve Clear: 2%
- Fragrance: 0.5%
- Preservative: 1%
- สารสกัด (Extract): 2%
Could you please provide a general mixing procedure for these ingredients and confirm their compatibility? Specifically, how should the "สารสกัด" (Extract) be incorporated, as its type is not specified?
Answer
Based on the ingredients and percentages you provided for the hair growth serum formulation, here is an analysis and a general mixing procedure.
Formulation Analysis:
This formulation appears to be a water-alcohol based serum designed to deliver several active ingredients known for their potential benefits in hair growth and scalp health.
- DI Water (69.5%): The primary solvent, forming the base of the serum.
- Ethyl Alcohol (20%): Acts as a co-solvent, helping to dissolve ingredients that may not be fully soluble in water alone, and can also aid in penetration into the scalp.
- Melatonin Forte (1%): Melatonin is being studied for its potential role in stimulating hair growth.
- Zinc PCA (1%): Often used for its anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties, which can contribute to a healthier scalp environment for hair growth.
- Safe B3 (Niacinamide) (2%): Vitamin B3 is known to improve blood circulation in the scalp and has been linked to improved hair growth and thickness.
- Biotin Express (1%): Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a well-known vitamin essential for keratin structure, the main protein in hair.
- Flora Solve Clear (2%): Likely acts as a solubilizer, helping to disperse the fragrance and potentially other ingredients that are not easily soluble in the water-alcohol base.
- Fragrance (0.5%): Added for scent.
- Preservative (1%): Essential to prevent microbial contamination and ensure the product's safety and shelf life.
- สารสกัด (Extract) (2%): This ingredient is currently unknown. Its specific function and properties depend entirely on what type of extract it is. Without knowing the specific extract, its role in the formula and how to best incorporate it cannot be fully determined.
Mixing Procedure (General for Known Ingredients):
This is a general procedure. Always follow specific instructions provided with each raw material if available, especially for temperature sensitivity or specific dissolution methods.
- Combine the DI Water and Ethyl Alcohol in a beaker.
- Add the water-soluble ingredients: Melatonin Forte, Zinc PCA, Safe B3 (Niacinamide), and Biotin Express to the water/alcohol mixture. Stir gently until all powders are completely dissolved and the solution is clear.
- In a separate small container, combine Flora Solve Clear and the Fragrance. Mix until the fragrance is fully dispersed and the mixture is clear.
- Slowly add the Flora Solve Clear/Fragrance mixture from step 3 into the main water/alcohol phase (from step 2) while stirring continuously. Stir until the solution is uniform.
- Add the Preservative and mix until fully incorporated.
- For the "สารสกัด" (Extract): The method for adding the extract depends on its type (e.g., water-soluble, oil-soluble, liquid, powder).
- If it's a water-soluble liquid or powder, it can likely be added in step 2 with the other water-soluble ingredients.
- If it's oil-soluble or requires solubilization, it might need to be pre-mixed with Flora Solve Clear in step 3, or added at a different stage.
- Without knowing the specific extract, it's difficult to provide an exact step. You would need to determine the best way to incorporate it based on its properties.
- Once all ingredients are added (including the extract, using an appropriate method), mix the final serum thoroughly until homogeneous.
- Check the pH of the final product if necessary and adjust if required for stability or efficacy (though no pH adjusters are listed in the formula).
Remember to use appropriate laboratory practices, including weighing ingredients accurately and using clean equipment.
Related Products Mentioned
Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide)
Zinc PCA
Purified Water, TDS Limit 1PPM)
Melatonin Forte™