Mixing DIY Alpha Arbutin Serum: Formulation and Preservation

Regarding your proposed formula for an Arbutin serum:

1. Can this formula be mixed?
   Yes, the ingredients you listed (Distilled Water, Alpha Arbutin, and Double Hyaluron Liquid) can be mixed together as they are water-soluble. The percentages you provided (96% Water, 2% Alpha Arbutin, 2% Double Hyaluron Liquid) add up to 100%.

2. How to mix it in detail?
   The mixing process is straightforward:

   • Combine the Distilled Water, Alpha Arbutin, and Double Hyaluron Liquid in a clean container.
   • Stir or mix gently until all the solid ingredients (Alpha Arbutin) are completely dissolved and the mixture is uniform.

Important Considerations and Recommendations (as discussed in the thread):

• Preservative: It is highly recommended to add a preservative to this water-based formula. Without a preservative, the product is susceptible to microbial growth, which can make it unsafe to use. Add the preservative according to the supplier's recommended usage rate after the other ingredients are dissolved.
• Glycol: Adding a glycol such as Ethoxydiglycol can improve the texture, ease of application, and skin absorption of the serum, as suggested by others in the thread.

So, while the basic ingredients can be mixed, incorporating a preservative is crucial for safety and shelf-life, and a glycol can enhance performance.