Reviewing Hair Serum Formula with Bergamot Oil and Solubilizer

Question

I am developing a clear hair serum formula and would like a review of the following ingredients and mixing steps, especially regarding the incorporation of Bergamot Oil into the water base:

Ingredients:

Water
Bergamot Oil
Silicone Hi-Cond (Aminopropyl Dimethicone)
Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus)
Flora Solve Clear

Proposed Mixing Steps:

Combine Water, Silicone Hi-Cond, Vitamin B5, Phenoxyethanol SA.
Separately, combine Bergamot Oil and Flora Solve Clear.
Add the oil mixture from step 2 into the water mixture from step 1 while stirring.

Please review this formula and procedure. Is this the correct way to incorporate the oil and ensure a clear, stable serum?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Hair Serum Formula Review

This hair serum formula is designed to provide conditioning and potentially support hair health, while also addressing the challenge of incorporating an oil-based ingredient (Bergamot Oil) into a water-based product.

Ingredients and Their Functions:

Water: Acts as the primary solvent and base for the serum.
Bergamot Oil: Included for its fragrance and traditional use in supporting scalp health.
Silicone Hi-Cond (Aminopropyl Dimethicone): A conditioning agent that helps to smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, improve manageability, and leave hair feeling soft. Products like Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone are commonly used for this purpose.
Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, this ingredient is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the hair, helping to strengthen strands, improve elasticity, and add shine. It also offers soothing benefits for the scalp. D-Panthenol Care (Pro-Vitamin B5, 100% Liquid) and Panthenol (Vitamin B5, DL-Panthenol, Powder) are examples of this ingredient.
Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus): This is a broad-spectrum preservative blend essential for preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in the formula, ensuring product safety and longevity.
Flora Solve Clear: Functions as a solubilizer, specifically designed to disperse fragrance and essential oils like Bergamot Oil into water or water-based gels, creating a clear and stable mixture.

Formulation Steps:

The proposed steps correctly address the need to solubilize the Bergamot Oil:

Combine Oil Phase: Mix the Bergamot Oil with Flora Solve Clear until a clear solution is achieved. This step is crucial as Flora Solve Clear encapsulates the oil, allowing it to be dispersed in water.
Combine Water Phase: Mix the Water, Silicone Hi-Cond, Vitamin B5, and Phenoxyethanol SA together.
Combine Phases: Gradually add the solubilized oil phase (Bergamot Oil and Flora Solve Clear mixture) to the water phase while stirring until fully combined and clear.

This revised formulation method ensures that the Bergamot Oil is properly incorporated into the water base, preventing separation and resulting in a stable serum.