Formulation Analysis and Optimization Suggestions

Your serum formulation includes:

• Base: Distilled Water
• Actives: Horse Placenta, Yeast Radiance™, Hyaluronic Acid (Standard Molecule), Hyaluronic Acid (Small Molecule), GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine), Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide)
• Functional Ingredients: Sodium Metabisulfite (Antioxidant), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Laurocapram (Water Soluble - Penetration Enhancer), Xanthan Gum (Thickener), Mild Preserved Eco™ (Preservative Alternative)

This is a well-rounded list of ingredients for a serum aiming for brightening, whitening, and hydration benefits.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles:

• Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide): A versatile active known for reducing hyperpigmentation, strengthening the skin barrier, reducing wrinkles, and controlling oiliness. It works synergistically with Acetyl Glucosamine. The Safe-B3™ type is designed to minimize flushing.
• GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine): Works with Niacinamide to reduce dark spots and provide a whitening effect. It also helps stimulate the skin's own Hyaluronic Acid production for moisture and can offer gentle exfoliation.
• Yeast Radiance™: Aims to provide skin radiance and brightness. Clinical tests show results starting from 14 days.
• Hyaluronic Acid (Standard Molecule & Small Molecule): Provides hydration to the skin. Using two different molecular sizes helps ensure moisture is delivered to both the surface (Standard Molecule) and deeper layers (Small Molecule) of the skin.
• Horse Placenta: Contains beneficial proteins for skin health.
• Laurocapram (Water Soluble): A penetration enhancer specifically for water-soluble ingredients, which is suitable for most of your active ingredients.
• Disodium EDTA & Sodium Metabisulfite: Help stabilize the formula by chelating metal ions and acting as an antioxidant, protecting sensitive ingredients.
• Xanthan Gum: Provides the desired gel texture for the serum. The "clear gel type, smooth texture" is a good choice for a pleasant feel.
• Mild Preserved Eco™: A preservative alternative to protect the product from microbial growth.

Suggestions for Improvement:

1. Optimize Active Concentrations: Review the recommended usage rates for each active ingredient based on the supplier's data and desired efficacy.

   • Safe-B3™ is effective for many benefits starting from 2-5%, but can be used up to 10% for stronger effects, especially for hyperpigmentation and oil control, without the flushing issue of standard Niacinamide.
   • GlucoBright™ is recommended at 1-8%, with 4% being a common level, particularly when combined with Niacinamide (2-4%).
   • Yeast Radiance™ is recommended at 3% for optimal brightening results.
   • The total concentration of Hyaluronic Acid (Standard + Small Molecule) should typically be between 0.05% and 0.5% depending on the desired hydration level and viscosity.
   • Horse Placenta is recommended at 0.1-5%, with 1-3% being a common range.
     Ensure your chosen percentages align with your target performance and budget. Increasing the concentration of key actives like Safe-B3™ and GlucoBright™ (within recommended limits) could enhance whitening/brightening results.

2. Check pH Compatibility: The efficacy and stability of several ingredients are pH-dependent.

   • Yeast Radiance™ works best at pH 4.0-6.5.
   • GlucoBright™ is stable in pH 3-7.
   • Safe-B3™ is stable in pH 3-8 (best at 4.0-7.0).
   • Hyaluronic Acid is stable in pH 3.0-9.0.
   • Mild Preserved Eco™ works in pH 4-9.
   • Sodium Metabisulfite and Disodium EDTA work in pH 3.0-9.0.
     Aim for a final serum pH in the range of 4.0 to 6.5. This range supports the optimal function and stability of Yeast Radiance™, GlucoBright™, Safe-B3™, Hyaluronic Acid, and Mild Preserved Eco™.

3. Ensure Effective Preservation: Mild Preserved Eco™ is a good choice, but Yeast Radiance™ contains Sodium Benzoate. While Mild Preserved Eco™ is the primary preservative, the presence of Sodium Benzoate should be considered. A microbial challenge test on your final formulation is essential before mass production to confirm that the preservation system is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms under real-world conditions. Use Mild Preserved Eco™ at a sufficient concentration (1.0-1.5% is standard, potentially 2% if the formula is challenging).

4. Mixing Order and Temperature: Pay attention to the mixing instructions for each ingredient.

   • Disodium EDTA and Sodium Metabisulfite should typically be added to the water phase early.
   • Hyaluronic Acid powders require specific dispersion methods (shaking/refrigeration or high-speed blending) to hydrate fully.
   • Xanthan Gum also requires proper dispersion to avoid clumps.
   • Laurocapram should be mixed in the water phase and avoid heat above 60°C.
   • Yeast Radiance™ should be mixed in water and avoid heat.
   • Mild Preserved Eco™ is typically added in the final step.
     Avoid prolonged heating, especially above 60°C, to protect heat-sensitive ingredients like Yeast Radiance™ and Laurocapram.

5. Texture Adjustment: Adjust the concentration of Xanthan Gum (0.1-2%) to achieve your desired serum viscosity and feel.

By carefully considering the concentration and compatibility of these ingredients, particularly the actives and the pH of the final product, you can create a highly effective "white and care serum." Remember that a challenge test is a critical step before scaling up production.