Serum Formulation Review

Thank you for sharing your serum formulation plan using Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera) as the base. This is a good starting point with several beneficial ingredients. Let's review the compatibility and usage of each ingredient:

• Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera): Excellent choice as a base, known for revitalizing and hydrating the skin. It can be used at high concentrations, even up to 100%. Keep in mind that higher concentrations might feel slightly greasy.
• GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine): Works well with Niacinamide (Safe-B3™) for brightening and reducing dark spots. It also helps stimulate hyaluronic acid production for moisture and provides gentle exfoliation. It is water-soluble.
• Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide): A versatile ingredient that helps reduce wrinkles, redness, dark spots, improves skin barrier function, and controls oiliness. It pairs synergistically with GlucoBright™ for whitening effects. It is water-soluble.
• Wakame Extract (Brown Sea Weed): Known for its anti-aging properties, helping to lift and tighten the skin by stimulating collagen synthesis. It is water-soluble.
• Alpha Arbutin: A safe and effective skin brightener that reduces melanin production. It is water-soluble but sensitive to high pH (above 8) and heat (should be added below 30°C).
• Sym-White™ (Phenylethyl Resorcinol): A powerful brightener and antioxidant. Important Note: This ingredient is oil-soluble and requires an oil phase in the formulation to dissolve properly. It is not suitable for a purely water-based serum like one using 100% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate as the base. It also has specific pH requirements (4-5) and incompatibilities with certain ingredients like amino acids, urea, and proteins. If you wish to use Sym-White™, you would need to create an emulsion (cream or lotion) that includes an oil phase, or omit this ingredient from your water-based serum.
• Yeast Radiance™: Provides radiance and brightness to the skin. It is water-soluble and should be mixed in water, avoiding heat.
• Brewery Yeast: Offers skin whitening benefits. It is water-soluble but has a characteristic beer smell that you should consider. It can withstand higher heat than some other ingredients.

Formulation Considerations:

1. Compatibility: As noted, Sym-White™ is the main incompatibility in a water-based serum. The other ingredients are generally compatible in a water base.
2. pH: The optimal pH range for most of your water-soluble ingredients is between 4 and 6. You should adjust the final serum pH to this range to ensure stability and efficacy, especially for Alpha Arbutin and Yeast Radiance.
3. Mixing: Add water-soluble ingredients to the Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate base. Ingredients sensitive to heat (Alpha Arbutin, Wakame Extract, Yeast Radiance) should be added in the final phase when the mixture is cool (below 30-40°C).
4. Penetration Enhancer: A penetration enhancer is not strictly necessary for this formulation, as many of the ingredients are water-soluble and can penetrate the skin to some extent. However, adding a suitable penetration enhancer could potentially improve the delivery and efficacy of the active ingredients. If you choose to add one, ensure it is compatible with your chosen ingredients and base, and research appropriate options.
5. Storage: Due to the nature of several ingredients (Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Wakame Extract, Alpha Arbutin, Yeast Radiance, Brewery Yeast), the final serum should ideally be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its stability and shelf life.

In summary, your planned water-based serum with Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate as the base is feasible for most ingredients except Sym-White™, which requires an oil phase. Ensure you adjust the pH and store the final product correctly.