Using Gold in Facial Serum Formulation
Question
I am developing a facial serum formulation and would like to add 99.9% pure gold to increase the product's value and appeal, while ensuring it does not cause allergic reactions.
I have found information online about Swiss 99.9% gold. My questions are:
- What form of gold should be used in a facial serum for skin benefits?
- Where can I purchase Swiss 99.9% gold or are there other recommendations for sourcing suitable gold?
Answer
Hello,
Regarding your interest in adding 99.9% pure gold to your facial serum formulation to increase value and appeal while avoiding allergic reactions:
What form of gold should be used?
- Based on current understanding, gold with normal molecular size (like standard 99.9% pure gold flakes or powder) offers no known benefits to the skin and may even cause adverse reactions.
- Only nano-sized gold (specifically, liquid gold nanoparticles smaller than 50nm) has shown potential benefits. These benefits include antimicrobial properties (useful in acne products) and acting as a carrier to enhance the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin.
- Therefore, using standard 99.9% pure gold in your serum is not recommended for skin benefit or safety.
Where can Swiss 99.9% gold be purchased, or are there other recommendations?
- Cosmetic-grade gold, particularly the nano-sized form that shows potential benefits, is not widely available for general purchase by formulators at this time. It is primarily used in specialized medical applications.
- The company is currently evaluating suppliers and testing quality and may offer nano gold for sale in the future.
- We strongly advise against using gold that is not specifically produced and tested for cosmetic use, as its safety and efficacy for skin application are not established, and it may contain impurities or be in a form that is harmful.
In summary, while adding gold might seem appealing for marketing, standard 99.9% pure gold does not provide skin benefits and is not recommended. The potentially beneficial nano gold is not currently available for general cosmetic formulation.