Serum Formula: Replacing Distilled Water with Rose Water and Ingredient Ratios

Asked by: anonasci On: May 21, 2019 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have a facial serum formula designed for moisturizing, firming, whitening, and reducing wrinkles for general skin types. I am unsure if I can use Rose Water instead of Distilled Water. Also, is it necessary to use a large amount of Rose Water (75%) if I am already using Rosa Hybrid Cell Extract (HybridCell™) at 2%?

Here is the formula:

  • Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5) 1%
  • MOIST72 (Saccharide Isomerate) 1%
  • Glycerin 99.5% 5%
  • Mild Preserved Eco™ (Preservative-Free) 2%
  • Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) 3%
  • HydroAlgae 1%
  • Ammonium Lactate 1%
  • Double Hyaluron Liquid 6%
  • Rosa Hybrid Cell Extract (HybridCell™) 2%
  • Rose Water (Rosa Damascena) 75%
  • Aloe Vera Extract 1%
  • Glutathione (L-Glutathione) (Extrasol) 2%

Answer

Formula Analysis for Moisturizing, Firming, Whitening, and Anti-Wrinkle Serum

This formula appears to be a water-based serum or toner, designed to address multiple skin concerns: hydration, firmness, brightness, and fine lines. Let's break down the key ingredients and their roles:

  • Hydration/Moisturizing:

    • Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5) (1%): Known for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
    • MOIST72 (Saccharide Isomerate) (1%): A potent hydrator that binds to the skin like a magnet, providing long-lasting moisture.
    • Glycerin 99.5% (5%): A classic humectant that draws water into the skin.
    • HydroAlgae (Hydrolysed Algin, Chlorella Vulgaris) (1%): Algae extracts are often used for hydration and skin conditioning.
    • Ammonium Lactate (1%): A humectant and part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). At this concentration, primarily moisturizing.
    • Double Hyaluron Liquid (6%): Provides hydration through different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid.
    • Aloe Vera Extract (1%): Soothing and moisturizing.
  • Whitening/Brightness:

    • Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) (3%): A versatile ingredient that helps with dark spots, uneven skin tone, and also has anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening properties.
    • Glutathione (L-Glutathione) (Extrasol) (2%): An antioxidant often used for its potential skin brightening effects.
  • Firming/Anti-Wrinkle:

    • Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) (3%): Also contributes to improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
    • HydroAlgae (Hydrolysed Algin, Chlorella Vulgaris) (1%): May offer some firming benefits.
    • Rosa Hybrid Cell Extract (HybridCell™) (2%): A key active ingredient specifically included for its potential anti-aging and regenerative properties, aiming to improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles.
  • Preservation:

    • Mild Preserved Eco™ (Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol) (2%): A preservative blend to prevent microbial growth in the water-based formula.
  • Base:

    • Rose Water (Rosa Damascena) (75%): The primary solvent and base of the formulation.

Addressing Your Questions:

  1. Can Rose Water replace distilled water? Yes, absolutely. Rose Water is essentially water with added components from rose petals. Using Rose Water instead of distilled water as the base (75% in this formula) can add some mild soothing, toning, and aromatic benefits from the rose extract, while still serving its primary function as the solvent for the other ingredients. It aligns well with a formula targeting skin hydration and care.

  2. Is a large amount of Rose Water (75%) unnecessary if using Rosa Hybrid Cell Extract (2%)? No, the amount of Rose Water is necessary because it acts as the base or vehicle for all the other ingredients. Rosa Hybrid Cell Extract is an active ingredient at a specific concentration (2%) to provide targeted benefits (anti-aging, firming). The 75% Rose Water is needed to dissolve and dilute the other ingredients to create a usable product consistency (likely a serum or toner). The presence of an active ingredient does not change the requirement for a base liquid.

Overall Analysis:

The formula is well-designed to target the stated concerns. It combines multiple effective humectants and moisturizers (Panthenol, MOIST72, Glycerin, HydroAlgae, Ammonium Lactate, Hyaluron, Aloe Vera) for hydration. Niacinamide and Glutathione are included for whitening and improving skin tone. Niacinamide, HydroAlgae, and especially Rosa Hybrid Cell Extract are included for anti-aging, firming, and wrinkle reduction. The concentrations of the active ingredients like Niacinamide (3%), Double Hyaluron (6%), and Rosa Hybrid Cell Extract (2%) are reasonable for efficacy. Using Rose Water as the base adds a nice touch compared to plain distilled water.