Understanding Silky Serum Base Plus Texture

Based on the product information for Silky Serum Base Plus (ID 710) and Silky Serum Base (ID 498), the key factors influencing the formation of a serum texture are the water ratio and the mixing method, rather than electrolytes or pH.

1. Water Ratio: Silky Serum Base Plus requires a significant amount of water to properly form a serum texture. The product description indicates it can be mixed with water in a ratio of 30-90%. Your first attempt, using only 10% base and 90% other ingredients (without oil and likely low water), did not meet the minimum water requirement, which is why it remained liquid.

2. Mixing Method: The product description emphasizes the importance of adding water to the base gradually, little by little, and stirring well before adding more. Adding a large amount of water at once can make it difficult for the base to form a serum texture, requiring longer stirring or blending.

3. Electrolytes and pH: Both Silky Serum Base and Silky Serum Base Plus are designed to be compatible with ingredients containing electrolytes and can be used in a wide pH range without issues. The staff reply also confirmed this. In fact, adding 1-2% Magnesium Sulfate (an electrolyte) is recommended for Silky Serum Base Plus to help increase formula stability and prevent separation.

Your second attempt, using 10% base with 90% water, successfully formed a serum texture because it met the required water ratio (within the 30-90% range, specifically at the higher end which tends to result in a thicker texture) and likely followed the recommended mixing method with water.

Therefore, the failure in your first attempt was most likely due to insufficient water content and potentially interference from the other leftover ingredients, not issues with electrolytes or pH.