Serum Formulation Review: Ingredients, Percentages, and Cyclomethicone Level
Asked by: nan_2806
On: June 16, 2014
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
Based on the provided serum formulation with Vitamin B3 (2%), Glucosamine (4%), Alpha Arbutin (2%), and Cyclomethicone (20%), please advise on:
- Compatibility of ingredients.
- Whether the percentages of active ingredients are effective.
- Whether any ingredient, especially Cyclomethicone at 20%, should be reduced.
Answer
Based on the formulation and percentages you provided:
- The staff member is correct that the ingredients are generally compatible and the whitening agents (Vitamin B3, Glucosamine, Alpha Arbutin) are present at levels that can contribute to skin whitening.
- The percentages for most ingredients, including the whitening actives (Vitamin B3 2%, Glucosamine 4%, Alpha Arbutin 2%) and hydrating/soothing agents, appear to be within typical effective ranges for a serum.
- The total percentage is approximately 97.45%, which is close to 100%.
- Regarding whether any ingredients need to be reduced: The percentage of Cyclomethicone at 20% is relatively high for a typical serum formulation. While not necessarily unsafe, this high level of silicone will significantly impact the texture and feel of the product, potentially making it feel very smooth or even slightly heavy/siliconey depending on the overall formulation. You could consider reducing the Cyclomethicone percentage if you prefer a lighter, less silicone-heavy texture. However, reducing it is primarily a matter of desired aesthetics and texture, not a strict requirement for the formula to function or be safe based on the ingredients listed.
In summary, the formulation looks generally sound in terms of active ingredient levels and compatibility. Reducing ingredients is mainly a consideration for texture preference, particularly regarding the Cyclomethicone.