Serum Formulation for Inflammatory Acne: Ingredients, Mixing, and Texture

Okay, I understand you're working on a serum formula for inflammatory acne and have questions about the base, ingredients, mixing, and texture, based on the staff's response.

Based on the staff's reply and the ingredients mentioned, here's a breakdown of the answers to your questions:

1. Is this formula usable? Any recommendations for reduction/addition?

   • The staff provided a revised formula based on the ingredients they are familiar with, suggesting percentages for DI Water, Glycerin (Vegetable) 5%, Pentylene Glycol 4%, NaturePreserve™ 1.25%, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) 2%, N-Acetyl-D glucosamine 4%, Double Hyaluron Liquid 2%, and Pro Polymer 1%.
   • They specifically recommended changing from Hyaluronic Acid Nano to Double Hyaluron Liquid for easier mixing.
   • The staff mentioned they cannot guarantee compatibility or suitability for the 7 active extracts they are not familiar with (including Curcuma longa Ext. you listed). You would need to verify the compatibility of these extracts with the other ingredients and the overall formula yourself.
   • To provide further recommendations, especially regarding the 7 extracts, more information about them (solubility, recommended usage rate, pH stability, etc.) would be needed.

2. Are the mixing phases correct?

   • The staff's suggested formula is primarily water-based. Ingredients like DI Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, NaturePreserve™, Niacinamide, N-Acetyl-D glucosamine, and Double Hyaluron Liquid are water-soluble and would typically be mixed in the water phase. Pro Polymer is a thickener for water-based systems.
   • The staff noted that if any of your 7 active extracts are oil-soluble, you would need to add an oil phase and use an emulsifier (like Light Cream Maker or Satin Cream Maker) instead of Pro Polymer to create an emulsion (like a cream or lotion) that can combine water and oil phases. Without knowing the solubility of your 7 extracts, it's assumed the staff's revised formula is for a water-based serum where all added actives are water-soluble.

3. Is the amount of active ingredients too high?

   • The staff did not comment on the total concentration of active ingredients, especially since they are unfamiliar with 7 of them.
   • For the known actives in the staff's revised formula:
     • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) at 2% is a common and effective concentration for various benefits, including potentially helping with acne.
     • N-Acetyl-D glucosamine at 4% is also within typical usage ranges for skin benefits.
     • Double Hyaluron Liquid at 2% provides hydration.
   • The suitability of the total active concentration depends heavily on the recommended usage rates and potential interactions of your 7 unknown extracts. You should check the recommended maximum usage rate for each of your 7 extracts and ensure the total concentration of all actives is safe and effective.

4. Will the serum texture be too thin?

   • The staff stated that the revised formula with 1% Pro Polymer will result in a "liquid gel" texture, similar to a serum.
   • They also advised that you can increase the proportion of Pro Polymer if you desire a thicker consistency. Pro Polymer is a thickener designed for this purpose.

In summary, the staff provided a solid base formula for a water-based serum using ingredients they are familiar with and addressed the texture question. The main uncertainty lies with the 7 active extracts you plan to add, as their compatibility, solubility, and appropriate concentration need to be verified to ensure the final product is stable, safe, and effective. If any of these extracts are oil-soluble, the base formula and mixing method would need to change significantly to incorporate them.

I hope this helps clarify the points based on the staff's response!