White Particles and Separation in Formulation with Satin Mousse and High Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Question
My formulation containing Satin Mousse, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate 10%, Niacinamide, Glucosamine, Centella Asiatica, and Natto Gum developed white particles and separation after sitting. I already tried remixing and adding more Satin Mousse as advised, but the problem returned. What is causing this instability, and how can I fix it?
Answer
White Particles in Formulation with Satin Mousse and Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
The appearance of white particles or separation in your formulation after it has been sitting is likely due to instability, where the ingredients are no longer uniformly dispersed or emulsified.
This issue often occurs in formulations containing high concentrations of active ingredients, especially when combined with certain cream makers. In your case, the high concentration of Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (10%) is a significant factor. Azelaic Acid derivatives, such as Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, can be challenging to formulate and may interfere with the ability of cream makers like Satin Mousse to create and maintain a stable structure over time.
While increasing the Satin Mousse concentration and mixing time initially helped the formula come together, the reappearance of particles suggests that the amount of cream maker may still be insufficient to maintain long-term stability against the high load of Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate.
Recommendations:
- Increase Satin Mousse: As previously advised, try increasing the concentration of Satin Mousse further. You may need to experiment with higher percentages to find the level that provides sufficient stability for your specific formula and ingredient concentrations.
- Mixing Method: Ensure the mixing process is thorough and sustained, as suggested earlier. Proper and prolonged mixing is crucial for achieving a stable dispersion or emulsion.
- Check Compatibility: While less common, interactions between other ingredients (Niacinamide, Glucosamine, Centella Asiatica, Natto Gum) and the primary components (Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate and Satin Mousse) could potentially contribute to instability. Ensure all ingredients are compatible within the intended pH range of the final product.
If the product shows significant separation or clumping, it indicates that the formulation is not stable. Using an unstable product may affect its efficacy and texture. It is generally recommended to achieve a stable, uniform product before use.
Experimenting with the Satin Mousse concentration is the most direct approach to address this type of separation issue in your current formula.
