Skin Whitening Cream Formulation and Mixing Procedure
Question
I have a skin whitening cream formula using Activated Resorcinol. Could you please review the formula and advise on the mixing procedure for the oil phase ingredients? Specifically, should I mix Activated Resorcinol (1) with Lipidsoft (2) first, then add Fractionated Coconut Oil (3) and Light Cream Maker (4), or can I mix all four oil phase ingredients (1+2+3+4) together at once before combining with the water phase?
Here is the formula:
Activated Resorcinol 1%Lipidsoft 3%Fractionated Coconut Oil 10 %Light Cream Maker 2%Phenoxyethanol 1%Water 83%
Answer
Formula Analysis for Skin Whitening
Let's analyze the formula you provided for skin whitening:
1) Activated Resorcinol 1%
2) Lipidsoft 3%
3) Fractionated Coconut Oil 10 %
4) Light Cream Maker 2%
5) Phenoxyethanol 1%
6) Water 83%
Analysis of Ingredients and Percentages
Overall, the ingredients and their percentages are generally suitable for a skin whitening cream formulation using Activated Resorcinol. The total percentage adds up to 100%.
- Activated Resorcinol (1%): This is a potent whitening agent, and 1% is the maximum recommended concentration for leave-on products. While effective, it can potentially cause skin irritation at high concentrations. Consider adding an anti-irritant ingredient to the formula if you experience sensitivity. Also, Activated Resorcinol is sensitive to light and can discolor; adding Disodium EDTA (around 0.2%) and storing the finished product in an opaque container can help maintain stability. The optimal pH range for Activated Resorcinol is 4.5-5.5.
- Lipidsoft (3%) and Fractionated Coconut Oil (10%): These are emollients that provide skin conditioning. The total oil phase is 13%, which is within the capacity of Light Cream Maker.
- Light Cream Maker (2%): This acts as an emulsifier and thickener. The usage rate of 2% is within the recommended range (0.5-3%), although slightly above the typical recommendation of 1-1.5% for standard viscosity. This might result in a slightly thicker cream. It effectively emulsifies the 13% oil phase.
- Phenoxyethanol (1%): This is a standard and effective preservative used at a typical concentration.
Mixing Procedure
Your proposed mixing procedure is generally correct for creating an oil-in-water emulsion with these ingredients:
- Oil Phase: Combine the oil-soluble ingredients: Activated Resorcinol, Lipidsoft, and Fractionated Coconut Oil. You can mix them all together at once or combine 1+2 first and then add 3. Add the Light Cream Maker to this oil phase and mix well.
- Water Phase: Prepare the water phase (Water).
- Emulsification: Gradually add the oil phase mixture into the water phase while stirring or blending continuously until the cream forms and is smooth and uniform.
- Final Addition: Once the cream has formed and cooled down (below 80°C), add the Phenoxyethanol and mix thoroughly.
This method ensures the oil-soluble components are properly dissolved and emulsified into the water phase, and the heat-sensitive preservative is added at an appropriate temperature.
The staff's reply confirming compatibility and the flexibility in mixing the oil phase components is consistent with standard formulation practices for these ingredients.
Related Products Mentioned
Light Cream Maker™
Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure)
Fractionated Coconut Oil
LipidSoft™ CC (Cetyl Ethylhexanoate)
LipidSoft™ Palm (Ethylhexyl palmitate)