Mixing Vitamin B3 and Liquid Titanium Dioxide into Ready-Made Lotion

Asked by: hangover_nui_ On: July 14, 2013 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

How can I mix Vitamin B3 powder and liquid Titanium Dioxide (specifically Titanium Dioxide in Silicone) into a ready-made lotion base like Jergens? What are the recommended mixing procedures, usage rates, potential issues like separation, and how does this affect the stability and shelf life of the final mixture?

Answer

Mixing Vitamin B3 and Liquid Titanium Dioxide into Ready-Made Lotion

Based on the information, you can mix Vitamin B3 powder and liquid Titanium Dioxide into a ready-made lotion like Jergens, provided the lotion contains water and is compatible with the ingredients you are adding.

Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

  • Mixing: Vitamin B3 powder is water-soluble. You can mix it directly into a lotion that contains water. If the lotion is very thick, you can dissolve the Vitamin B3 powder in a small amount of water first before adding it to the lotion. However, adding water will make the lotion thinner.
  • Heat: Heat is not necessary to dissolve Vitamin B3. Avoid prolonged heating, as it can affect stability.
  • Usage Rate: Refer to the recommended usage rate for the specific type of Vitamin B3 you are using (typically 1-10%).

Liquid Titanium Dioxide

  • Mixing: Liquid Titanium Dioxide products (like those dispersed in silicone or oil) can be mixed into lotion or cream. They are considered part of the oil phase of the emulsion.
  • Adding Amount: Be cautious not to add too much liquid Titanium Dioxide, as this can disrupt the lotion's emulsion and cause separation. Adding around 10-15% is generally acceptable in most formulations, but this can vary depending on the specific lotion's composition.
  • Heat: Some types of liquid Titanium Dioxide may require heating (e.g., to 70°C) and stirring to fully incorporate into a ready-made base. Check the specific product's instructions.

Storage After Mixing

  • The stability and shelf life of the mixture depend heavily on the composition and pH of the ready-made lotion, as well as how it is stored (avoiding sunlight and heat). Vitamin B3 is most stable in a pH range of 3-8 (ideally 4-7).
  • If the conditions are suitable, the mixture can potentially be stable for a year or more. However, if the lotion's pH is outside the optimal range for Vitamin B3, or if other ingredients cause instability, it might degrade faster.

Mixing Fresh vs. Mixing Ahead

  • Mixing Vitamin B3 powder fresh before each use can help ensure maximum potency, as it minimizes the time the ingredient spends in the potentially less stable environment of the ready-made lotion.
  • Mixing ahead is convenient, and if the base lotion is compatible and stored correctly, the mixture should remain effective for a reasonable period. However, the potency might gradually decrease over time compared to a freshly mixed batch, depending on the factors mentioned above.

In summary, you can mix both Vitamin B3 and liquid Titanium Dioxide into your ready-made lotion, following the recommended usage rates and mixing methods for each ingredient. Pay attention to the total amount of liquid Titanium Dioxide added to prevent separation. For best results regarding Vitamin B3 potency over time, mixing fresh might be preferable, but mixing ahead is also possible if the lotion provides a stable environment.