Ingredient Substitutions for Stretch Mark Formula

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your formula for reducing the appearance of white stretch marks. This formula contains several ingredients known for their moisturizing, skin-repairing, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for improving the look of stretch marks.

We have checked the ingredients in your formula against the products available on our website. Here are the ingredients from your list and the corresponding products or suitable substitutes you can find at MySkinRecipes:

• Aqua: This is water, a standard base ingredient.
• Paraffinum liquidum: You can use Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) Heavy (68cst). This is a direct equivalent used as an emollient.
• Cetearyl isononanoate: A suitable substitute is Isononyl Isononanoate Gel (Thixotropic). This acts as an emollient and texture enhancer, providing a similar feel.
• Sorbitol: You can use Sorbitol Solution 70%. This is a direct equivalent, functioning as a humectant to attract and retain moisture.
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil: You can use NaturalProfile™ Sweet Almond Oil (Cold-Pressed). This is a direct equivalent, providing moisturizing and skin-soothing benefits.
• Butyrospermum parkii butter: You can use Shea Butter (Ultra Soft). This is a direct equivalent, offering excellent moisturizing and skin-repairing properties.
• Pentaerythrityl tetrabehenate: A suitable substitute is Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate. This functions as an emollient and thickener, contributing to the formula's texture and feel.
• C14-22 Alcohol / Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer: The thickening agent part, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, is available. C14-22 Alcohol is a fatty alcohol often used as a co-emulsifier or stabilizer; you may need to select a suitable fatty alcohol or emulsifier depending on your desired emulsion type.
• Disodium phosphate: This ingredient is not available on our website.
• Polyisobutene: A suitable substitute is Hydrogenated Polyisobutene (750cs, Deodorized). This is a synthetic emollient and film former that can provide a similar texture and feel.
• Glucose: Glucose itself is not available as a cosmetic ingredient on our site. Sorbitol (mentioned above) can serve a similar function as a humectant.
• C12-20 alkyl glucoside: Coco Glucoside is a suitable substitute. It is a gentle, naturally derived non-ionic surfactant/emulsifier.
• Asiaticoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, and Centella Asiatica Extract: These are key components from Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) known for wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating properties, which are highly relevant for stretch marks. We have several options available:
  • Individual compounds: Asiaticoside (90%, Powder), Asiatic acid (95%, Powder), and Madecassic acid (85%, Powder) are available in high purity.
  • Combinations: Centella Acids (Madecassic acid, Asiatic acid, 90%) offers a blend of two key acids.
  • Extracts: Centella Asiatica Extract (Madecassoside 90%) is a high-concentration powder extract. Pure-TECA™ Centella Asiatica Extract (TECA 95%, CICA) is another potent extract. ActiveRelease™ Centella Asiatica is a water-soluble liquid blend of all four key compounds, designed for easy incorporation and stability. LipX®-Centella Oil is an oil-soluble option. You can choose the best option based on your desired concentration and formula type (water-based, oil-based, or emulsion). ActiveRelease™ Centella Asiatica is a comprehensive and easy-to-use option for emulsions.
• Citric Acid: You can use Citric Acid (Anhydrous, Natural). This is a direct equivalent used for pH adjustment.
• Peg-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether: A potential substitute is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Low-Odor, SG-KH4000, HCO40). This is a common PEGylated non-ionic emulsifier/solubilizer.
• Sorbitan isostearate: You can use Sorbitan Isostearate (eq. Span 120) (USA, Light Color). This is a direct equivalent, functioning as a water-in-oil emulsifier.
• Potassium iodide, Potassium thiocyanate, Glucose oxidase, Lactoperoxidase: These ingredients are part of a specific enzymatic preservative system. These specific components are not available on our website. You would need to select an alternative preservative system suitable for your formulation type.
• Sodium chloride: You can use Sodium Chloride (High Purity, 99.9%). This is a direct equivalent, often used as a thickener in water-based formulas or as an electrolyte.

To formulate a product for old white stretch marks, focusing on ingredients that promote skin repair, collagen synthesis, and hydration is key. The Centella Asiatica derivatives (Asiaticoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, and the various extracts) are particularly beneficial for their ability to support skin regeneration and reduce the appearance of scars and marks. Combining these with moisturizing oils and butters like Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter, along with emollients and thickeners, will help create a nourishing and effective product.

Remember to follow good manufacturing practices and test the stability and efficacy of your final formulation.