How to mix Activated Resorcinol into formulations

Activated Resorcinol™ (4-Butyl Resorcinol) is a powerful skin brightening ingredient. It is a white-yellow flake powder that is soluble in oil.

Simply mixing the powder into an existing gel or lotion base by hand is generally not recommended for optimal results and stability. Here's why and what is suggested:

• Solubility: Activated Resorcinol is oil-soluble. It is best to dissolve it in an oil phase first before incorporating it into a formulation.
• Mixing: Proper dispersion is crucial. The product description suggests specific mixing steps involving dissolving in oil and then incorporating into the water phase using a cream maker and blending/stirring, which indicates that simple hand mixing might not be sufficient to ensure even distribution and stability.
• pH Level: The optimal pH range for Activated Resorcinol is 4.5-5.5. You may need to adjust the pH of your existing base to be within this range for the ingredient to be effective and stable.
• Stability: To prevent discoloration and maintain stability, it is highly recommended to add Disodium EDTA at 0.2% and ActiveProtec™ OX at 0.6% to the formula.
• Usage Rate: For leave-on products like gels and lotions, the maximum recommended usage rate is 1.0%.
• Light Sensitivity: The finished product should be protected from light by using opaque packaging.

In summary, while you can technically attempt to mix it in, for best results, stability, and efficacy, it is advisable to follow proper formulation techniques which involve dissolving the powder in an oil phase, ensuring the correct pH, and adding recommended stabilizers rather than just stirring it into an existing base by hand.