Improving Serum Texture for Spreadability and Luxury Feel

Question

I would like to ask for advice on adjusting the texture of my product. The product is a white, cloudy serum. I am quite satisfied with the usage results, but I have a problem with the texture being difficult to spread. I would like to know if it is possible to adjust the texture to be easy to spread, soft and smooth, similar to luxury brands. If so, how should I adjust the ingredients? The ingredient list is as follows:

Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) 3%
Adenosine Liposome 5%
Energy-Blend™ (Caffeine+Adenosine+Vitamin B3) 10%
Double Hyaluron Liquid 5%
Lavender Oil (French) 1%
(Syn-Ake eq.) Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate 4%
1,2-Hexanediol (Super-Purified, Odorless) 3%
Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) 3%
Satin Cream Maker™ 1.5%
Sterile Distilled Water 60%
Skin-mimic™ (Skin Barrier Restoration) 5%
If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to advise. I am very new to this. Thank you in advance.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Improving Serum Texture for Better Spreadability and Luxury Feel

Based on your serum formula and the issue of it being difficult to spread, here are some recommendations to improve the texture:

Identify Potential Causes: The current texture (white, cloudy, difficult to spread) likely stems from the combination of ingredients, particularly the percentages of Double Hyaluron Liquid (5%) and Skin-mimic™ (5%), which can contribute to viscosity and tackiness, along with the specific Satin Cream Maker™ (1.5%) emulsifier.
Add Texture Enhancers: To achieve a smoother, more spreadable, and luxurious feel, consider incorporating ingredients known for improving slip and skin feel:
- Silicones: Ingredients like Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, or Cyclopentasiloxane/Dimethicone Crosspolymer blends are excellent for providing slip, a silky-smooth feel, and reducing tackiness. They help the product glide easily on the skin. Start with a low percentage (e.g., 0.5% - 2%) and adjust.
- Cosmetic Esters/Emollients: Ingredients such as Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, or Isopropyl Myristate can improve spreadability and provide a lighter, non-greasy emolliency compared to traditional oils. These help lubricate the skin surface for easier application. You can use these at varying percentages (e.g., 2% - 10% or more).
Experimentation is Key: Achieving a texture similar to luxury brands often requires testing different types and percentages of texture modifiers. Start with small additions of the suggested ingredients and observe the changes in spreadability and feel.
Consider Adjusting Existing Ingredients (with Caution): While adding new ingredients is often the most direct way to improve slip, slightly reducing the percentage of Double Hyaluron Liquid or Skin-mimic™ could also impact texture. However, be mindful that this might affect the intended benefits of these active ingredients.

By carefully selecting and incorporating texture-enhancing ingredients, you can significantly improve the spreadability and sensory experience of your serum.