Serum Formulation: Compatibility, Effectiveness, and Mixing Procedure

Question

I am formulating a serum with the following ingredients and concentrations: PiteraEx™ (Saccharomyces Lysate Extract) 1.5%, Double Hyaluron Liquid 1%, Safe B3 (Niacinamide) 4%, Zinc PCA 1%, Gluco Bright (N-Acetyl Glucosamine) 4%. My mixing procedure is to put all ingredients into water and blend until combined. I would like to know if these ingredients are compatible, if the concentrations are sufficient for effectiveness, and how strong and long I should blend the mixture.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Formulation Review

Based on the ingredients and concentrations provided, this formulation is generally compatible and targets several skin concerns:

Compatibility: The ingredients are water-soluble and can be mixed together in the water phase. The combination of Safe B3 (Niacinamide) and Gluco Bright (Acetyl Glucosamine) is well-known for its synergistic effects on skin brightening and anti-aging. Zinc PCA is also compatible and adds benefits for oil control and acne.
Effectiveness:
- The concentrations of PiteraEx (1.5%), Safe B3 (4%), Zinc PCA (1%), and Gluco Bright (4%) are within or at the recommended effective ranges for their respective benefits (anti-aging, brightening, oil control, anti-acne). The combination of Safe B3 and Gluco Bright at these levels should be effective for improving skin tone and reducing dark spots.
- Double Hyaluron Liquid (1%) provides hydration, although a higher concentration (e.g., 3-5% for normal skin, 5-10% for dry skin) might offer more significant moisturizing effects depending on your skin's needs.
Mixing Procedure:
- Your method of adding all ingredients to water and blending should work for dissolving the components as they are all water-soluble.
- For best practice, especially to protect heat-sensitive ingredients like PiteraEx, it is recommended to first dissolve the powder ingredients (Safe B3, Zinc PCA, Gluco Bright) in the water phase. Gentle stirring or blending until fully dissolved is sufficient; you do not need vigorous or prolonged blending. Once the powders are dissolved and the mixture is at room temperature (if any gentle heating was used to aid dissolution), add the liquid ingredients (Double Hyaluron Liquid, PiteraEx) and stir gently until the mixture is homogeneous.
- Avoid exposing PiteraEx to heat, and add it in the final step if any part of your process involves heating.

Overall, this is a well-rounded serum targeting anti-aging, brightening, oil control, and basic hydration. The concentrations are generally sufficient to see results, particularly from the Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, and Zinc PCA.