FORMULATE A BRIGHTENING VANILLA TONER WITH ARBUTIN
Table of Contents
ABOUT THE FORMULA
Today, let’s make a toner that complements the 5% niacinamide serum we created last week. We’ll blend a brightening toner with the naturally occurring compound arbutin, known for its skin-brightening properties.
Arbutin (alpha-arbutin) helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production in the skin. It is gentle on the skin and can be combined with other skincare ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol (exercise caution) to enhance its effectiveness in brightening and improving skin texture. It is often preferred in skincare products due to its gentler nature compared to other skin-lightening agents like hydroquinone, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It’s important to note that the allowed amount of alpha-arbutin is 2% in the EU, so it should be used carefully.
Additionally, I’ve paired arbutin with niacinamide and hydrating ingredients, such as Sodium PCA, a fantastic humectant that keeps the skin plump and hydrated, and PENTAVITIN®, a unique Saccharide Isomerate that is similar to the carbohydrate complex found in human skin. Pentavitin doesn’t contain preservatives and is suitable for hair and skin care applications. All these beautiful ingredients will also make this toner extremely hydrating.
For the base of the toner, I picked vanilla hydrosol and water. I am sure I have mentioned that I never use pure hydrosol; it is a personal preference, really. In this case, I think it works better this way as the vanilla hydrosol has a really strong scent. Intense or not, it is stunning, and it brings a soothing and luxurious element to the formula.
The actual making of this toner is very straightforward; I didn’t feel the need to include a video. It is so easy. Let’s get started.
HOW TO USE
Pour a little toner into your palm and gently pat your skin until absorbed. Then, follow it with your niacinamide serum and your favourite moisturiser. Suitable for daily use.
POSSIBLE SOURCES
THE FORMULA
| Phases | Ingredient | Function | %w/w |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Water | Solvent | To 100% |
| A | Vanilla hydrosol | Solvent, botanical | 30.0 |
| A | Glycerin | Humectant | 3.0 |
| A | Sodium PCA | Humectant | 1.0 |
| A | Pentavitin | Humectant | 0.50 |
| A | Niacinamide | Vitamin, active | 2.0 |
| A | Arbutin | Active, skin conditioning | 2.0 |
| A | Geogard 221 | Preservative | 0.90 |
| B | pH adjuster | pH adjuster | qs |
Method:
Prepare a clean beaker and add Phase A, one by one, stirring well after each addition until completely clear and all powders are dissolved.
Check and adjust the pH to be 5.5-6.5.
*If you want, you could add a tiny amount of soap colouring to make it a bit more fun.
*If you use a different preservative, please make sure you check the amount to be used and the pH it needs. 5.5-6.5 is great for the product, so the preservative must match this range.
