Nanowhite Concentration: Research vs. Recommended Usage
Question
I saw research indicating that a 10% concentration of Nanowhite can reduce melanin by 70%. However, the website states that the maximum recommended usage is only 5%. Could you please explain the reason for this difference?
Answer
Thank you for your question regarding the concentration of Nanowhite.
It's a good observation that research studies might show results at higher concentrations than what is recommended for general use in consumer products. Here's a possible explanation for this difference:
- Research vs. Consumer Use: Research studies are often conducted under controlled laboratory conditions to determine the maximum potential efficacy of an ingredient. They might use higher concentrations to see the full range of effects.
- Safety and Irritation: The recommended concentration for consumer products takes into account safety for widespread use. Higher concentrations, while potentially more effective, might also increase the risk of skin irritation, sensitization, or other adverse reactions for a broader population with varying skin types and sensitivities.
- Formulation Stability: The stability of an ingredient within a complex product formulation can also influence the maximum usable concentration. A concentration that is stable and effective in a lab setting might not be as stable or might affect the stability of other ingredients in a finished consumer product.
- Regulatory and Cost Factors: Recommended usage levels can also be influenced by regulatory guidelines and the overall cost-effectiveness of the final product.
Therefore, the 5% recommendation on the website likely represents the optimal balance between efficacy, safety, and stability for a consumer product intended for general use, even if higher concentrations demonstrated greater melanin reduction in a specific research context.