Storage of Cream Containing ODA and Experiences with Whitening Ingredients

Question

I have a question regarding the storage of a finished cream product containing ODA (Octadecenedioic Acid).

The website states that the raw ODA ingredient should avoid refrigeration. However, if I have already mixed ODA into a cream formulation, can I store the finished cream in the refrigerator, or should it be kept at room temperature?

Additionally, I would like to share my experiences with other whitening ingredients I have used:

Gluco Bright: Saw only slight whitening.
Alpha Arbutin: No change observed.
MSH White: No change observed.
Sym White: Experienced irritation from LipidSoft mixed in the formula, so I used it on my neck instead.
Perfect C 5%: This is my favorite. I've been using it for about 7 years, initially from a commercial brand and then mixing it myself after seeing a formula posted online. While I don't see much change in terms of whitening anymore (perhaps due to long-term use), I feel that my overall skin condition is better when I use Perfect C.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Re: Storage of ODA mixed in cream

Hello,

Regarding your question about storing cream containing ODA:

The information on the website advises avoiding refrigeration for the raw ODA ingredient because at high concentrations, very low temperatures can cause precipitation, making it difficult to use (requiring warming to dissolve).

However, once ODA is mixed into a cream formula, it is fully dissolved and will not precipitate even at low temperatures because it is significantly diluted within the formula. Therefore, you can store the cream containing ODA in either the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with other whitening ingredients:

Gluco Bright - slight whitening
Alpha Arbutin - no change
MSH White - no change
Sym White - experienced irritation from LipidSoft in the formula, used on neck instead.
Perfect C 5% - liked the most, improved overall skin condition.

Based on your feedback, especially your positive experience with Perfect C 5%, we recommend considering Activated Resorcinol 1%.

Activated Resorcinol 1% can be dissolved directly into the formula. If your formula already contains an oil phase like Perfect C at a sufficient level (at least 5-10%), you can incorporate Sym White or Activated Resorcinol (please choose only one as they are in the same group) by blending it in during the final step. The oil in the formula will help dissolve it.

Thank you.
Staff - MySkinRecipes