Serum Formulation Guidance

Here is guidance on selecting a serum base and combining multiple active ingredients for your formulation:

1. Choosing a Serum Base

For a clear, liquid serum texture that is not as thin as water:

• For formulas containing both water and oil phases: Consider using SiliClear™ WO-Cyclopentasiloxane. This base is described as a clear kinetic liquid emulsion base that can incorporate both water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients while maintaining clarity.
• For water-only formulas: Silky Serum Base (Face/Eye) is a suitable option. It is a light serum base designed to be mixed with water-soluble ingredients to create a light, quickly absorbing serum texture. Note that this base cannot bind oils.

2. Combining Multiple Active Ingredients

Yes, it is possible to combine multiple active ingredients with different properties in a single serum formulation, such as the ones you listed:

• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
• Alpha Arbutin
• Amino acids (like Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids)
• Hyaluron (various molecular weights like Super-HYA, Nano 800daltons, Nano 2000daltons, Super Low Molecule 7000daltons)
• Repair Activator (Bifida Ferment Lysate)
• Pep Coll (Palmitoyl tripeptide-5)
• Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)
• Water Lock (Polyquaternium-51)
• Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
• Tea Tree Oil

However, when combining many actives, it is crucial to:

• Check Compatibility: Ensure the ingredients are compatible with each other and with your chosen serum base in terms of solubility (e.g., Tea Tree Oil is oil-soluble, most others listed are water-soluble), optimal pH range, and temperature sensitivity. Some peptides and ferments, for instance, may require lower temperatures during mixing.
• Adhere to Usage Rates: Strictly follow the recommended maximum usage rate for each individual ingredient as specified by the manufacturer. Using too high a concentration of any single ingredient or too many ingredients at high concentrations can lead to skin irritation, sensitization, or formula instability.
• Consider Total Active Load: The total percentage of all active ingredients combined should be manageable for the base and safe for skin application. High total active concentrations can sometimes affect the texture or clarity of the base.

Careful formulation and testing are necessary to create a stable and effective serum with multiple active ingredients.