Homemade Serum Formulation: Stickiness, Shelf Life, Oily Skin Suitability, and Bottle Reuse

Asked by: noir_oz On: January 31, 2014 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have made a homemade serum formulation and have some questions regarding its properties, shelf life, suitability for different skin types, and packaging reuse.

Here are my specific questions:

  1. Stickiness/Heaviness: My serum feels sticky or heavy. Is this likely due to the concentration of Centella Asiatica Extract (Madecassoside) and Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5)? If I reduce the percentage of Calendula Extract and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) (e.g., to 3% each), will it help reduce the stickiness?
  2. Mixing Order: Can all the water-soluble ingredients in my current formula be mixed together at once, or is there a specific order I should follow?
  3. Shelf Life: What is the typical shelf life of this formula if I include Phenoxyethanol? If I choose not to include Phenoxyethanol and store it in the refrigerator with very clean practices, how long can it potentially last? How can I tell if the formula has gone bad?
  4. Suitability for Oily Skin: Is my current formula suitable for someone with very oily skin, large pores, blackheads, and whiteheads (like my sister)? What specific ingredients are recommended for managing oil and breakouts in such a case (e.g., Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Pure MSM™, Zinc PCA, L-Carnitine, Licorice Extract)? Would using a toner with BHA or Azelaic Acid be beneficial?
  5. Reusing Bottles: Is my method of cleaning plastic bottles (washing with soap, drying, and then rinsing with rubbing alcohol) sufficient for reusing them, especially for cleaning the pump mechanism?

Answer

Response to Your Formulation Questions

Thank you for the update on your formulation! It's great to hear that the adjusted formula is showing positive results for your skin condition, reducing fine lines, dryness, and improving texture and clarity.

Let's address your questions:

Regarding Your Current Formula

  1. Stickiness/Heaviness: The feeling of stickiness or heaviness in your formula is likely due to the concentration of ingredients like Centella Asiatica Extract (Madecassoside) and Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5). As previously advised, if you find it too sticky, you can try reducing the percentage of these specific ingredients, perhaps starting by lowering them to 3% each, as you suggested for Calendula and B3. Reducing Calendula Extract and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) might slightly affect the overall feel but are less likely to be the primary contributors to stickiness compared to Centella and Panthenol.

  2. Mixing Order: Yes, all the ingredients in your current formula are water-soluble and can be mixed together at once. It is recommended to stir gently rather than shaking vigorously to avoid creating excessive foam.

  3. Shelf Life: With the addition of Phenoxyethanol, the formula will have a significantly extended shelf life, typically up to 1-2 years if stored properly away from light and heat. If you choose not to include Phenoxyethanol and store it in the refrigerator with very clean practices, it is possible for it to last up to a month, but this is not guaranteed due to the risk of microbial contamination over time. Observing changes in appearance, smell, or texture is a good indicator that it should be discarded.

Formula for Oily Skin (Sister)

  1. Suitability for Oily Skin: As mentioned previously, your current formula is not specifically designed for very oily skin. For skin that is very oily, has large pores, blackheads, and whiteheads, it is better to focus on ingredients known to help control oil production and address these specific concerns. Recommended ingredients include Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Pure MSM™, Zinc PCA, L-Carnitine, and Licorice Extract. Additionally, using a toner containing BHA or Azelaic Acid can be beneficial for managing oil and breakouts.

Reusing Bottles

  1. Cleaning Plastic Bottles: Your method of washing plastic bottles with soap, drying, and then rinsing with rubbing alcohol is a good practice for cleaning them for reuse. It helps to reduce microbial contamination. Remember to pay extra attention to cleaning the pump mechanism thoroughly, as these parts can be harder to clean effectively.

We are glad to hear your skin is improving! Please feel free to ask if you have more questions as you continue experimenting with your formulations.

Tags

Oily Skin Packaging Serum Shelf Life Stickiness