Replacing Distilled Water with Witch Hazel Distilled in Serum Formulation

Asked by: air_write On: May 07, 2013 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Can Witch Hazel Distilled be used to completely replace distilled water in a serum formulation? What are the considerations regarding pH and compatibility with other ingredients?

Answer

Based on the staff's reply, you can indeed use Witch hazel (specifically the Distilled type sold by the company) to replace distilled water entirely in a serum formulation.

However, it's important to keep the following points in mind, as mentioned by the staff:

  • The Witch hazel Distilled has a slightly acidic pH, typically around 4.2-4.5.
  • You need to consider the compatibility of other ingredients in your serum formulation with this acidic pH. Some ingredients may not be stable or effective at this pH level.
  • If other ingredients are not compatible with the acidity, the staff suggested two alternatives:
    • Use Witch hazel at a 50% concentration, with the remaining 50% being water.
    • Adjust the pH of the formulation upwards using a base like Triethanolamine.

So, while it's possible to use 100% Witch hazel Distilled, you must ensure all other components of your serum can tolerate the acidic environment.

Tags

Compatibility Formulation Adjustment Ingredient Alternatives Serum pH Adjustment