Formula Review and Retinal Stability

Regarding your oil-based formula and the stability of Encapsulated Retinal (Retinaldehyde) within it:

1. Retinal Stability in Oil Base: The ActiveRelease Retinal™ you are using is an encapsulated form of Retinaldehyde. This encapsulation is specifically designed to protect the Retinal from degradation caused by factors like UV light and heat, significantly enhancing its stability compared to non-encapsulated forms. While Retinal is inherently sensitive, the encapsulated version is formulated to be stable in various bases, including anhydrous oil formulations like yours. The oil base itself, particularly stable oils like Squalane, can also provide a protective environment for oil-soluble actives. To maintain maximum stability, it is crucial to store the finished product properly, ideally in a cool, dark place or refrigerated, and in an opaque, airtight container, as recommended for sensitive actives like Retinal, Bakuchiol, and Tocotrienols.

2. Formula Review and Potential Improvements: Your formula combines several potent anti-aging and antioxidant ingredients: ActiveRelease Retinal™, Perfect-C™ (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate), Pure-Bakuchiol™, and Tocotrienols, in a Squalane base with Laurocapram (Oil Soluble) as a penetration enhancer. This is a comprehensive and powerful blend targeting multiple signs of aging.

   • The combination of Retinal and Bakuchiol is known to offer synergistic benefits, potentially enhancing efficacy while Bakuchiol may also help improve the tolerability of Retinal.
   • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection and brightening effects, complementing the actions of Retinal and Bakuchiol.
   • Tocotrienols offer strong antioxidant properties, further protecting the skin and the formula itself.
   • Squalane is an excellent, stable, non-comedogenic oil base that mimics skin lipids.
   • Laurocapram (Oil Soluble) is included at a suitable concentration (2%) to help enhance the penetration of these oil-soluble actives.

   The formula appears well-structured. To potentially enhance stability further, consider incorporating an additional broad-spectrum antioxidant or a UV absorber if the packaging is not fully opaque, as suggested in the descriptions for some of the ingredients like Perfect-C™ and Pure-Bakuchiol™. However, the current combination of actives already provides significant antioxidant capacity.

   Overall, this is a robust anti-aging oil serum formulation. Ensure careful mixing to avoid excessive heat, and prioritize proper storage conditions for the finished product to maintain the efficacy and stability of the sensitive active ingredients.