Retinal Dissolution and Serum Formulation

Based on your questions about dissolving Retinal with minimal oil and formulating a light gel serum:

1. Can Retinal be dissolved in Squalane by heating?
   Retinal can be dissolved in oils like Squalane. However, Retinal is sensitive to heat and light. It is recommended to dissolve Retinal in oil at room temperature without heating to maintain its stability and effectiveness.

2. If dissolvable, can the percentage be reduced to 3%?
   While Retinal dissolves in oil, reducing the oil percentage from 5% to 3% might make it difficult to fully dissolve the 0.05% Retinal powder/flakes without using heat, which is not recommended. Using 5% oil provides a better chance of complete dissolution at room temperature.

3. Can Retinal be dissolved in LipidSoft™ F?
   Yes, Retinal can also be dissolved in LipidSoft™ F (Ethyl Linoleate) as it is an oil. Similar to Squalane, it is best to dissolve Retinal in LipidSoft™ F at room temperature to avoid heat degradation.

4. Which feels lighter, Squalane or LipidSoft™ F?
   Based on product descriptions, LipidSoft™ F (Ethyl Linoleate) is explicitly described as having a "light texture". Squalane (Olive) is described as absorbing quickly, which suggests a relatively light feel compared to heavier oils, but LipidSoft™ F is specifically noted for its lightness.

5. Recommendations for a slip agent in a light gel serum:
   For a light gel serum texture and improved slip with minimal oil, consider water-compatible slip agents. Some options include:

   • WaterSil™ 8/12: Described as a Water Gel Detackifier, which helps reduce stickiness and improve the feel of water-based gels.
   • WaterLube™ Slip: Explicitly designed to provide slip in formulations.
   • Polyglide™: A water-soluble polymer that can impart a slippery feel.

These ingredients can help achieve a smooth, non-tacky feel in your serum gel base without relying heavily on oils.