Formulation Advice

Here are the answers to your questions regarding cosmetic formulations:

1. 4-Butyl Resorcinol and Lemon Peel Bioferment Compatibility

Mixing Activated Resorcinol™ (4-Butyl Resorcinol) with Lemon Peel Bioferment (Lemon Skin™) may present compatibility issues related to pH. Activated Resorcinol™ works best in a pH range of 4.5-5.5, and it is advised against mixing it with AHAs due to potential stability problems caused by acidity. Lemon Peel Bioferment has a pH range of 3.5-7.

To avoid potential stability issues, especially concerning acidity, it is recommended to use the encapsulated version, NanoRes™ (Liposome 4-Butyl Resorcinol, Nano Size). This form of 4-Butyl Resorcinol is more stable and has a wider compatible pH range (3.5-7), which aligns well with the pH range of Lemon Peel Bioferment.

2. Alpha Arbutin and Glutathione in one Cream

Using Alpha Arbutin and Glutathione together in a single cream formulation for skin brightening is not redundant. These two active ingredients work through different mechanisms to achieve a similar goal:

• Alpha Arbutin primarily works by inhibiting the enzyme Tyrosinase, which is crucial for melanin production.
• Glutathione functions as an antioxidant and influences the melanin production process through this pathway.

Combining them can offer a synergistic effect by targeting different steps in the pigmentation process, potentially leading to more effective skin tone improvement. Both ingredients are compatible in terms of pH, with Alpha Arbutin requiring a pH between 3.5-6.5 and Glutathione between 3-6. A formulation pH within the range of 3.5 to 6 would be suitable for both.

Therefore, you can include both Alpha Arbutin and Glutathione in your cream formulation to enhance skin brightening effects.