Preventing Color Change in Your Whitening Formula

To prevent the color change in your formula containing Alpha Arbutin, Safe-B3 (Niacinamide), Tranexamic Acid, Licorice Extract, and Ume Extract, you have a few options for antioxidants and stabilizers.

Sodium Metabisulfite:
Sodium Metabisulfite can be used as an antioxidant in your formula to help maintain ingredient quality. The recommended usage rate is typically 0.1-0.2%.

ActiveProtec OX:
ActiveProtec OX is a blend of high-performance antioxidants specifically recommended for preventing discoloration in formulas containing ingredients like Alpha Arbutin and Tranexamic Acid. It contains Sodium Metabisulfite along with other stabilizers. Using ActiveProtec OX is generally a more comprehensive approach for stabilizing these specific ingredients. The recommended usage rate for ActiveProtec OX is 0.1-1.0%.

Given that both Alpha Arbutin and Tranexamic Acid descriptions recommend ActiveProtec OX for preventing discoloration, using ActiveProtec OX at a rate within its recommended range (e.g., 0.5-0.6%) would likely be more effective than using Sodium Metabisulfite alone.

ActiveProtec UV:
If you plan to package your product in clear or frosted bottles, it is highly recommended to include ActiveProtec UV in your formula. ActiveProtec UV helps protect the ingredients from degradation caused by UV light exposure, which can contribute to color change and loss of efficacy over time. The recommended usage rate for ActiveProtec UV is 0.5-4.0%, with 1-2% being a common recommendation.

Important Considerations:

• pH Level: Ensure your formula's pH is within the optimal range for Alpha Arbutin (3.5-6.5) and other ingredients (Safe-B3: 3-8, best 4.0-7.0; Tranexamic Acid: 3-8). Maintaining the correct pH is crucial for the stability and efficacy of these ingredients and helps prevent Alpha Arbutin from breaking down.
• Ingredient Compatibility: While these ingredients are commonly used together, always perform stability testing on your final formulation to ensure compatibility and long-term stability.

In summary, while Sodium Metabisulfite can offer some antioxidant protection, ActiveProtec OX is specifically recommended for stabilizing Alpha Arbutin and Tranexamic Acid against discoloration. For products in clear or frosted packaging, adding ActiveProtec UV is essential to protect against light degradation.