Reducing Viscosity of Thick Serum

Subject: How to reduce the viscosity of a serum that is too thick

If your serum is too thick, here are a few ways you can try to reduce its viscosity:

1. Add More Solvent (Usually Water):

   • This is the most common and often easiest method.
   • Gradually add small amounts of the main solvent used in your serum (usually purified water) while stirring gently but thoroughly.
   • Add a little at a time, mix, and check the consistency until you reach your desired viscosity.
   • Be careful not to add too much, as excessive dilution can affect the efficacy, stability, and preservation of the serum.

2. Adjust pH:

   • Some thickening agents (like Carbomers or certain acrylate polymers) are sensitive to pH.
   • Adjusting the pH (usually slightly increasing or decreasing it, depending on the thickener) can sometimes reduce viscosity.
   • This requires knowing the type of thickener used and its pH sensitivity. You would typically use a dilute acid (like citric acid solution) or base (like sodium hydroxide solution) to adjust the pH.
   • Caution: Changing pH can affect the stability and compatibility of other ingredients in the serum.

3. Consider the Thickening Agent Used:

   • If you know the specific thickener, research its properties. Some thickeners are sensitive to electrolytes (salts) or other specific ingredients which could be added in small amounts to reduce viscosity, but this is more complex and risky for an existing formulation.

General Tips:

• Make changes gradually and mix well after each addition.
• Test a small batch first if possible.
• Significant changes might require re-evaluating the product's stability and preservation system.

Adding purified water is generally the safest first step for thinning a water-based serum.