Subject: Regarding mixing extracts into existing creams/serums

Hello,

Regarding your question about mixing purchased extracts into your existing cream or serum for face and body, and the quantity to use:

It's generally not recommended to directly mix raw extracts into finished cosmetic products like creams or serums without proper formulation knowledge. Here's why:

• Compatibility: Extracts need to be compatible with the base formula (cream or serum). Factors like pH, emulsification system, preservatives, and other ingredients in the existing product can affect the stability, efficacy, and safety of the mixture. Mixing incompatible ingredients can lead to separation, reduced effectiveness, or even irritation.
• Concentration: Determining the correct and safe usage percentage for an extract requires knowing its recommended usage rate, potency, and how it interacts with the other ingredients in the final mixture. Adding too much can cause irritation or adverse reactions, while adding too little might not provide the desired benefit. The base product's composition also influences how much additional ingredient it can accommodate without compromising its stability.
• Safety and Stability: Finished cosmetic products are formulated to be stable and safe for use over time. Adding external ingredients can disrupt this balance, potentially affecting the preservative system and leading to microbial contamination or degradation of the product.

As the staff mentioned, it really depends on the specific cream/serum formula and the extract you want to add. For best results and safety, it is often better to:

• Use products that are already professionally formulated with the desired extracts at appropriate concentrations.
• If you are interested in DIY formulation, it's crucial to learn proper techniques, understand ingredient properties, and follow tested formulations. Resources like beginner's guides (as mentioned by the staff) can be very helpful.

The principles apply to both face and body products, although recommended usage rates for certain ingredients might differ between face and body applications.

Mixing extracts directly into existing products without understanding the underlying chemistry and formulation principles carries risks and may not yield the desired results.