Liquid Gel Serum Formulation: Allantoin, Snail Secretion, Phenoxyethanol, and Compatibility
Question
I am developing a liquid gel serum formulation. I plan to use several ingredients, including Allantoin, Snail Secretion, and Phenoxyethanol, along with other ingredients to achieve the desired texture.
I have the following questions regarding the formulation:
- I intend to include Allantoin at 0.4%. Since Snail Secretion naturally contains Allantoin (and is preserved with 0.4% Phenoxyethanol in the raw material), is it necessary to add additional Allantoin?
- The Snail Secretion raw material description states it contains 0.4% Phenoxyethanol as a preservative within the ingredient itself. If I use a total of 0.6% Phenoxyethanol in my final formula, is this concentration sufficient to preserve the entire finished product?
- Are all the ingredients I plan to use compatible to achieve the desired liquid gel texture?
Answer
Formulation Questions Answered
Regarding your formulation and questions:
Allantoin and Snail Secretion: Snail Secretion naturally contains some Allantoin, which contributes to its soothing and anti-irritant properties. Adding additional Allantoin (like the 0.4% in your formula) is not strictly necessary if you are relying solely on the Allantoin naturally present in the Snail Secretion. However, adding more Allantoin can enhance the soothing and tissue-repairing benefits, especially since pure Allantoin is known for these effects. The decision to include additional Allantoin depends on the desired level of these specific benefits in your final product.
Phenoxyethanol Concentration: The 0.4% Phenoxyethanol mentioned in the description of Snail Secretion is the amount used to preserve the Snail Secretion ingredient itself. It is not the total amount of preservative needed for your entire formulation. The recommended usage rate for Phenoxyethanol as a preservative in a finished cosmetic product is typically 0.5% to 1.0%. Your proposed concentration of 0.6% Phenoxyethanol for the total formula falls within this generally recommended range for preserving the entire product. However, the optimal concentration can vary depending on the specific formula and desired shelf life, and a challenge test is always recommended to confirm efficacy.
Ingredient Compatibility: As confirmed by the staff, all the ingredients in your list are compatible and can be combined to create a liquid gel texture.
