Serum Formulation Advice for Tingling Sensation

Thank you for providing the details of your serum formulation and the feedback you've received. It's helpful that you've identified GABA as the ingredient causing the tingling sensation.

Based on the product information for GABA (Synthetic), it is noted that using amounts higher than 0.5% can cause a tingling feeling on the skin. Since your original formula uses 5% GABA, this is very likely the reason for the sensation you are experiencing.

As you observed, this tingling is not necessarily an allergic reaction, especially if you don't have other symptoms like redness, swelling, itching, or a rash, and your skin feels soft after application. It's a known effect of GABA at certain concentrations.

To address this tingling, the staff correctly recommended either reducing the percentage of GABA or using it in combination with FastRelief™ 1609.

Here is a revised formula suggestion incorporating the staff's previous recommendations (adding Vitamin B3 and changing the preservative) and adjusting the GABA level to minimize tingling:

Revised Serum Formula Suggestion

• DI Water: 77.5%
• Pro Polymer™: 1%
• Repair Activator™ BG: 10%
• Squalane (Olive): 5%
• GABA (Synthetic): 0.5% (Start with this low percentage to minimize tingling. You can gradually increase it if your skin tolerates it, up to a maximum of 3% for anti-aging benefits, but be aware tingling may return at higher levels).
• Tranexamic Acid (Trans-White™): 1%
• Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3): 3% (Added as recommended by staff for skin strengthening and whitening support)
• Mild Preserved Eco™: 1% (Used instead of Phenoxyethanol as recommended by staff for sensitive skin)

Explanation of Key Ingredients:

• GABA (Synthetic): Provides anti-aging benefits and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Tranexamic Acid (Trans-White™): Works to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of melasma.
• Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3): Helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduces redness/hyperpigmentation, adds moisture, and can help with oil control.
• Repair Activator™ BG: Helps repair skin DNA damaged by UV light and provides anti-aging effects.
• Squalane (Olive): A highly compatible emollient that moisturizes the skin without feeling greasy, suitable for sensitive skin.
• Pro Polymer™: Acts as a gel maker to provide the desired serum texture.
• Mild Preserved Eco™: Provides effective preservation suitable for sensitive skin.

Alternative Option (Using FastRelief™):

If you wish to try using a higher concentration of GABA (e.g., 3%) while trying to reduce the tingling, you could consider adding FastRelief™ 1609 to the formula. FastRelief™ 1609 is an oil-soluble ingredient that helps reduce sensations of heat and irritation shortly after application. It is typically used at 1%. If adding FastRelief™ 1609, you would need to slightly adjust the water percentage.

Remember to always patch test any new formulation or significant changes before applying it to your entire face, especially with sensitive skin.