Mixing Active Ingredients into Aloe Vera Gel Base and Tomato Extract Color

Question

I am formulating a product using the Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) base and plan to add the following active ingredients:

Safe-B3
GlucoBright
Tomato Extract
Laurocapram

Could you please advise on the correct mixing order for these ingredients? Also, how long does the mixture need to set or rest before it is ready for use? Finally, I am concerned about the Tomato Extract, especially at higher concentrations (5-10%). Will it cause the final product to be red, and will this color permanently stain the skin?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Formulation Review

Based on the product information and the previous response:

Mixing Order and Setting Time

All the active ingredients you listed (Safe-B3, GlucoBright, Tomato Extract, and Laurocapram) are water-soluble. The Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) base is designed to easily incorporate water-soluble ingredients.

You can add the powdered ingredients (Safe-B3 and GlucoBright) and liquid ingredients (Tomato Extract and Laurocapram) directly into the Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) base.
There is no strict order required for adding these ingredients.
For powdered substances, it's recommended to add them to the gel base at room temperature, stir for about 3-5 minutes, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then stir again until the powder is completely dissolved.
For liquid substances, you can add them and stir for 1-3 minutes until uniformly mixed.
You do not need to wait for the mixture to "set" before use; it is ready once all ingredients are fully dissolved and uniformly dispersed.

Tomato Extract Color Impact

The Tomato Extract contains Lycopene, which is a red-orange pigment.

Using Tomato Extract at higher concentrations, such as 5-10%, will indeed impart a noticeable red color to the final product.
When applied to the skin, this color is temporary and can leave a red tint on the skin surface.
This temporary coloration is why it was suggested as being more suitable for a night cream formulation, as the color will wash off. It will not permanently stain your skin or cause your face to become permanently red.

Overall, your planned ingredients are compatible with the Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) base, and the mixing process is straightforward. Just be mindful of the temporary color effect if using a high concentration of Tomato Extract.