Key Components for a Clear Serum Base

To create a clear serum base with a slightly viscous, smooth texture that can be customized with active ingredients, you will need the following key components:

• Water: This serves as the main carrier for the serum.
• Thickener/Gelling Agent: To provide viscosity and a gel-like texture. For a clear serum, Carbomers are commonly used.
  • Recommended: Carbomer 940 or Carbomer Ultrez 30. These create clear gels when properly neutralized.
• Humectant: To attract and retain moisture, hydrating the skin and contributing to the serum's feel.
  • Recommended: Glycerin. It is a widely used humectant that also enhances smoothness.
• Skin Conditioning Agent: To impart a soft, smooth, and non-sticky feel, like the silicone feel you mentioned.
  • Recommended: Dimethicone. Different viscosities can be used depending on the desired lightness of the feel.

How they work together:

Water forms the bulk of the serum. The thickener creates the gel structure and viscosity. The humectant adds hydration and improves the overall texture and feel. The skin conditioning agent, such as Dimethicone, provides the smooth, silky slip on the skin.

Option: Using a Pre-Made Base

Alternatively, you can use a pre-made base like Silky Serum Base (Face/Eye). This base is formulated to provide a light, soft, smooth, and quickly absorbing serum texture and already contains ingredients like silicones. You can simply mix this base with water and your desired water-soluble active ingredients (whitening agents, anti-aging compounds, etc.) to create your final product. This simplifies the formulation process significantly.

Whether you build from scratch or use a pre-made base, ensure your active ingredients are water-soluble for a clear serum. You can then add your 3-4 types of whitening or anti-aging actives to this base.