Issues with Exceeding Active Ingredient Limit in Cream Base

Exceeding the recommended 10% limit for active ingredients in a ready-made cream base can lead to several issues:

• Product Stability: The cream base is formulated to be stable with a certain amount of added ingredients. Adding too much active can destabilize the emulsion, causing it to separate, change texture (become too thick or thin), or compromise the preservative system.
• Skin Safety: Higher concentrations of active ingredients can increase the risk of skin irritation, redness, itching, burning, or allergic reactions, especially for sensitive skin.
• Efficacy: The base might not be able to properly incorporate or deliver the active ingredient effectively at higher concentrations, potentially reducing its intended benefits.
• Aesthetics: The final product might have an undesirable texture, appearance, or smell.

The manufacturer's recommendation is based on testing to ensure the final product is stable, safe, and effective. It is generally best to follow their guidelines. If you need a higher concentration of an active, it might be necessary to use a different base specifically designed for higher active loads or consider formulating from scratch.