Using Nanowhite in Cream for Acne-Prone Skin and Mixing with Other Ingredients

Regarding the use of Nanowhite in a cream for acne-prone skin and potential irritation, generally, ingredients like the arbutin found in Nanowhite are considered to have low irritation potential. However, skin sensitivity, especially for acne-prone skin, can vary greatly from person to person. Irritation can also depend on the overall formulation of the cream, not just a single ingredient. It is always recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the product to your entire face.

When considering mixing whitening ingredients, Alpha Arbutin is often discussed as a more potent alternative to Beta Arbutin, which is commonly found in products like Nanowhite. Alpha Arbutin is a popular water-soluble ingredient used to brighten skin tone and reduce dark spots.

Can Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin be used together?

Yes, Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin can be effectively used together in formulations. They work through different mechanisms to target skin pigmentation, and combining them can offer enhanced whitening benefits.

When mixing Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin, it is crucial to consider the optimal pH range for each ingredient to ensure stability and efficacy. Alpha Arbutin is generally stable in formulations with a pH between 3.5 and 6.5.

Vitamin C comes in various forms, each with different properties and optimal pH levels:

• L-ascorbic acid: This is a potent form but is less stable, especially in water. It typically requires a low pH (around 2.0-4.0, though FDA recommends pH >= 3.5 for cosmetics applied to skin) for optimal absorption and stability.
• Ascorbyl Glucoside: A stable, water-soluble derivative that is effective for brightening and as an antioxidant. It is stable in a pH range of 6.5-6.8.
• Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: A highly stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative effective for whitening and anti-aging. It is stable in formulations with a pH between 3.5 and 6.0.
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP): A stable, water-soluble form that is alkaline (pH 8-11) and works best in formulas with a pH between 7 and 9.

When formulating a cream or serum containing both Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C, you would need to select compatible forms of Vitamin C and adjust the overall pH of the final product to a range where both ingredients remain stable and effective. For example, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid or L-ascorbic acid could potentially be formulated with Alpha Arbutin if the pH is carefully controlled within a suitable overlapping range (e.g., 3.5-6.0 for Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Alpha Arbutin). Ascorbyl Glucoside would require a higher pH, which might be less ideal for Alpha Arbutin.

In summary, while Nanowhite itself is unlikely to cause significant irritation, individual skin reactions vary. Alpha Arbutin is a widely used whitening ingredient that can be effectively combined with various forms of Vitamin C, provided the pH of the final formulation is optimized for the stability of the chosen ingredients.

Relevant products include Alpha Arbutin (Switzerland), Alpha Arbutin (China, Powder, Enzymatic Synthesis), Alpha Arbutin (China, Crystal Form), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) (Ultra-Fine), Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G Stabilized Vitamin C), Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, Vitamin C Ethyl Ether), and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C SAP, e.q. Stay C50).