Home Mixing and Steps

Yes, this formula can be mixed at home, but it requires careful measurement and hygiene. It's primarily a water-based serum.

The general steps for mixing this type of formula are:

1. Prepare the Water Phase: Measure the water accurately.
2. Dissolve Powders: Add the powder ingredients, Safe B3 (Niacinamide) and Tranexamic Acid, to the water. Stir or mix until they are completely dissolved. Gentle warming (below 40°C) can help dissolution if needed, but ensure it cools down before proceeding.
3. Add Liquid Actives: Once the powders are dissolved and the mixture is at room temperature (or below 40°C), add the liquid ingredients: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Repair Activator, and Licorice Extract. Mix thoroughly.
4. Add Butylene Glycol (Optional, see below): If you decide to add additional Butylene Glycol (beyond what's in the base ingredients), you can add it here.
5. Add Preservative: This is a crucial step for water-based formulas (see below). Add your chosen preservative at the recommended usage rate and mix well.
6. Final Check: Ensure everything is fully dissolved and uniformly mixed. Package in clean containers.

Butylene Glycol

Your formula includes Repair Activator and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, both of which contain Butylene Glycol as part of their base or preservation system. Butylene Glycol is a solvent and humectant.

The powder ingredients (Safe B3 and Tranexamic Acid) are water-soluble. The amount of liquid base (Water, Galactomyces, Repair Activator, Licorice Extract) in your formula should be sufficient to dissolve these powders.

Therefore, you do not necessarily need to add additional pure Butylene Glycol (like the standalone Butylene Glycol product) for the powders to dissolve or for the formula to work. Adding more would primarily affect the texture and feel of the final product.

Preservative

Yes, you absolutely need to add a preservative to this formula.

Your formula is largely water-based and contains ingredients like ferment filtrates and extracts, which are prone to microbial growth (bacteria, mold, yeast). While Repair Activator contains some preservatives, the concentration in the final 100ml formula might not be sufficient to protect the entire product, especially since Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (ID 357) description mentions it can develop odor over time due to fermentation if not stored properly, and both ferments require refrigeration for long-term storage.

Without a proper broad-spectrum preservative system, your homemade serum could become contaminated, which can be harmful to your skin.

Choose a broad-spectrum preservative that is suitable for water-based formulas and effective within the pH range of your final product (Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid work best between pH 3-8). There are many options available, such as Mild Preserved™ COS or NaturePreserve™ Ultra. Follow the supplier's recommended usage rate for the preservative you choose.

Remember to maintain good hygiene during the mixing process and use clean, sterilized equipment and containers to minimize initial microbial contamination. Storing the final product in the refrigerator can also help extend its shelf life, but it is not a substitute for using a preservative.