Ingredient Compatibility for Your Essence Formula

Based on the ingredients you plan to use in your essence formula, including Copper Peptide, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Matrixyl 3000, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glycerin, DI Water, and a preservative blend of Phenoxyethanol and DMDM Hydantoin, here is an assessment of their compatibility:

• Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu): This peptide is generally compatible with the other ingredients listed. It is most stable and effective within a pH range of 4.5 to 7.4. It's important to avoid formulating with ingredients like strong acids or chelating agents such as Disodium EDTA, which can interfere with the copper ion.

• Other Peptides (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Matrixyl 3000): These peptides are also generally compatible with Copper Peptide and other common cosmetic ingredients. They are typically added in the final phase of formulation at temperatures below 40°C to maintain their stability.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Acetyl Glucosamine: These two ingredients are highly compatible and are often used together for their synergistic effects on skin brightening and barrier function. Niacinamide is stable over a broad pH range (3-8, optimally 4-7), and Acetyl Glucosamine is stable between pH 3-7. This pH range aligns well with the stability requirements of Copper Peptide.

• Glycerin and DI Water: These are standard components and are compatible with all the active ingredients and preservatives listed.

• Preservative Blend (Phenoxyethanol + DMDM Hydantoin): Phenoxyethanol and DMDM Hydantoin are common cosmetic preservatives. They are compatible with the other ingredients in your formula. Both preservatives are effective over a wide pH range (Phenoxyethanol pH 2-9, DMDM Hydantoin pH 3-9), which comfortably covers the optimal pH range for your active ingredients. While DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative (which is a safety/regulatory consideration), its chemical compatibility with the peptides, Niacinamide, and Acetyl Glucosamine in terms of formula stability is generally acceptable at typical usage concentrations.

Overall Compatibility:

The combination of ingredients you've listed is generally compatible. The main considerations for a stable and effective formula are:

1. pH Control: Maintain the final formula's pH within the optimal range for the active ingredients, ideally between pH 4.5 and 7.0, to ensure the stability and efficacy of the peptides (especially Copper Peptide), Niacinamide, and Acetyl Glucosamine.
2. Temperature: Add heat-sensitive ingredients like the peptides (Copper Peptide, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Matrixyl 3000) in the cool-down phase (below 40°C).
3. Concentration: Ensure all ingredients are used within their recommended usage rates.
4. Stability Testing: Always perform stability testing on your final formulation to confirm compatibility, efficacy, and microbial integrity over time under various conditions.

The preservative blend of Phenoxyethanol and DMDM Hydantoin should function effectively in this formula without causing incompatibility issues with the active ingredients, provided the pH is suitable.

If you are using specific products from MySkinRecipes, such as Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu, Copper Tripeptide-1) (1000ppm Solution), Pep®-Eye (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5), Pal-GHK, Pal-GQPR (eq Matrixyl 3000), Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide), or GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine), their descriptions confirm their water solubility and recommended usage parameters which align with a water-based essence formula.