Serum Formulation: Brightening, Anti-Acne, Anti-Aging, and Texture Improvement

Question

I want to formulate a serum focusing on brightening, anti-acne, [url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/22-%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%88%E0%B9%8D%E0%B8%AD%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A2:35nss1fb]anti-wrinkle[/url:35nss1fb], and skin firming. I would like recommendations on which ingredients to include if I want to use an aloe vera base. I previously tried using a lot of pure aloe vera gel and felt it didn't absorb into the skin; it seemed to just coat it. When washing, my face felt slippery, as if there was gel remaining on the skin.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Serum Formulation Recommendations

For a serum with the properties you're looking for, consider using one of the following as your base:

Aloe Vera Gel (Lite): This base is designed to be lightweight and absorb quickly without feeling sticky, while still providing the moisturizing and soothing benefits of aloe vera.
Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base: This base focuses on providing light moisture and a non-greasy feel, which can also help with absorption.

You can then incorporate active ingredients to target your specific concerns:

For Brightening and Anti-Acne

Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide): This versatile ingredient helps reduce redness and dark spots, improves skin tone, reduces oiliness (beneficial for acne-prone skin), strengthens the skin barrier, and offers anti-aging benefits by stimulating collagen production. It is water-soluble and works well within a pH range of 3-8.
Alpha Arbutin (Switzerland): Known for its skin brightening properties, Alpha Arbutin helps reduce melanin production to even out skin tone. It is water-soluble and is most effective in formulations with a pH between 3.5 and 6.5.

For Anti-Wrinkle and Firming

Pep®-Max12 (12 Peptides Mixture): This blend contains multiple peptides that work together to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and promote firmness by boosting collagen production.

Formulation Considerations

When combining these ingredients, it's important to consider their compatibility, especially regarding pH levels, to ensure stability and effectiveness. Safe-B3™ and Alpha Arbutin can generally be formulated together within a suitable pH range (ideally between 4.0 and 6.5). Pep®-Max12 can typically be added to water-based formulations at temperatures below 40°C.

By using a formulated gel base like Aloe Vera Gel (Lite) or Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base and incorporating these active ingredients at their recommended usage rates, you can create a multi-functional serum that addresses your concerns without the sticky texture associated with pure aloe vera gel.

Remember to always follow the specific mixing instructions and recommended usage rates for each ingredient.