Exfoliating Serums
General Recipe:
- Base: Distilled water or aloe vera juice (70-80%)
- Humectants: Glycerin (2-5%), Sodium PCA (0.5-2%), Hyaluronic Acid (0.1-2%)
- Emollient: Squalane (1-3%), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (1-3%)
- Active Ingredients: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid) (5-15%), Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid) (0.5-2%), Fruit Enzymes (Papain, Bromelain) (0.1-2%)
- Emulsifiers/Stabilizers: Xanthan Gum (0.1-0.5%), Hydroxyethylcellulose (0.1-0.5%), Polysorbate 20 (1-3%)
- Preservative: Phenoxyethanol (0.5-1%), Ethylhexylglycerin (0.5-1%)
- pH adjuster (if needed): Sodium bicarbonate or citric acid (trace)
- Chelating Agent: Disodium EDTA (0.1%)
These contain ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs), which work to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed away more easily. This can help to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath.
Please note that it's crucial to maintain the pH within a suitable range for exfoliating serums (generally around 3.5-4.0) to ensure the efficacy of the acids while not causing skin irritation. Also, products containing AHAs and BHAs must be formulated carefully and tested rigorously due to their potential to cause skin irritation. Users should be instructed to use sun protection while using such products due to increased photosensitivity caused by AHAs.
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