Water-Based Serum for Scalp, Eyebrows, and Beard Growth
Asked by: spk_ph
On: March 20, 2020
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I would like a water-based serum formulation to apply on the scalp and eyebrows.
Using the following ingredients:
- Biotin Express 1%
- Biotinyl-GHK 3%
- Zinc PCA 1%
- Phenoxyethanol SA 1%
- Ethyl Alcohol 20%
- Distilled water to make up 74%
Thank you.
Answer
Water-Based Serum Formulation for Scalp, Eyebrows, and Beard
This is a good water-based serum formulation for scalp and hair/eyebrow/beard growth using the ingredients you listed.
Here's a breakdown of the ingredients and how to prepare the serum:
Ingredients:
- Biotin Express (10% Biotin solution) 1%
- Biotinyl-GHK (Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, 1000ppm) 3%
- Zinc PCA 1%
- Phenoxyethanol SA (equivalent to Optiphen Plus) 1%
- Ethyl Alcohol (99.9%) 20%
- Distilled water 74%
Total: 100%
Ingredient Benefits:
- Biotin Express: Helps accelerate hair growth, reduce shedding, and strengthen hair roots.
- Biotinyl-GHK: A peptide that binds to hair proteins to help accelerate hair growth on the scalp, eyelashes, and other areas.
- Zinc PCA: Helps reduce oiliness on the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss. It also helps reduce dandruff and supports wound healing and collagen production.
- Phenoxyethanol SA: A broad-spectrum preservative to protect the serum from microbial growth.
- Ethyl Alcohol: Acts as a solvent for some ingredients and can help the serum feel lighter.
Preparation Method:
- Combine the distilled water and Ethyl Alcohol in a beaker. Stir well.
- Add Zinc PCA to the water/alcohol mixture and stir until fully dissolved. Zinc PCA dissolves well in water, but ensure the pH is in the range of 3-7 (ideally 4-6) for best solubility and stability.
- In a separate container, combine Biotin Express and Biotinyl-GHK. Add this mixture to the main water/alcohol phase and stir gently until uniformly mixed. Both ingredients are water-soluble.
- Ensure the mixture temperature is below 60°C. Add Phenoxyethanol SA and stir until fully incorporated.
- Check and adjust the final pH of the serum to be between 4.0 and 6.0. This range is optimal for the stability and efficacy of Zinc PCA and within the acceptable range for Phenoxyethanol SA.
- Pour the finished serum into a clean, suitable container.
Important Considerations:
- Biotin Express is sensitive to UV light. It is recommended to store the finished serum in a dark or opaque container and keep it away from direct sunlight. Adding a UV filter ingredient to the formulation could also provide additional protection, although it is not included in your current list.
- For potentially enhanced delivery of Biotin into the skin, consider adding Urea (3-7%) and Triacetin (approximately 10% of the Urea amount) to the water phase in future formulations.
- Store the finished serum in a cool place, ideally in the refrigerator (6-8°C), due to the storage requirements of Biotin Express and Biotinyl-GHK.
This formulation combines ingredients known for their benefits in supporting hair growth and addressing oily scalp concerns, providing a water-based serum suitable for application to the scalp, eyebrows, and beard area.