Simple Whitening Serum Formula for Beginners

Here is a simple formula for a whitening serum using Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), suitable for beginners:

Ingredients:

• Water (Distilled or Deionized): Up to 100%
• Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide): 5-10%
• Alpha Arbutin: 2%
• Thickener (e.g., Carbomer, Xanthan Gum): As needed to achieve desired consistency
• Preservative (e.g., Phenoxyethanol): 0.5-1%
• Optional: Humectant (e.g., Glycerin): 3-5%

Instructions:

1. In a clean container, add the water.
2. Add the Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) to the water and stir until fully dissolved. Vitamin B3 can be mixed in the water phase.
3. If using a thickener like Carbomer, disperse it in the water phase and neutralize according to its instructions to form a gel. If using Xanthan Gum, hydrate it in a small amount of glycerin or water before adding to the main water phase.
4. Once the base is formed and cooled to below 30°C, add the Alpha Arbutin and stir until fully dissolved. Alpha Arbutin should be added in the final step at a low temperature and the pH should be between 3.5-6.5.
5. Add the preservative and any other optional ingredients like glycerin. Stir well.
6. Check the pH of the final product and adjust if necessary to be within the recommended range (ideally 4.0-7.0 for Vitamin B3, and 3.5-6.5 for Alpha Arbutin - aiming for a pH around 5-6 is generally good for both). Use a few drops of a pH adjuster if needed.
7. Transfer the serum to a clean bottle.

Ingredient Notes:

• Alpha Arbutin: Helps to brighten the skin and reduce dark spots by inhibiting melanin production. Recommended usage is 0.2-2%, with 2% being effective for whitening.
• Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide): Offers multiple benefits including reducing redness, improving skin barrier function, reducing oiliness, and helping with hyperpigmentation. Safe-B3™ is a high-purity grade that can be used up to 10% without causing flushing.

This is a basic formula. You can adjust the thickener to get your preferred texture (serum, light lotion). Always ensure proper sanitation when making cosmetic products at home.