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Creating a tretinoin serum at home
Hello,
I want to create my own tretinoin serum at home. I have hyaluronic acid (formulated product bought on Amazon in a 30ml package) and tretinoin powder/azelaic acid powder. I also happen to possess dipropynel glycol in my collection. I want to make a 0.05% tretinoin, 5% azelaic acid solution in a 30ml hyaluronic acid serum.
Can you list the exact steps for me? Do I need a separate preservative other than the one already included in the formulation of the hyaluronic acid? Is there any possible interaction and stability issue that could arise from mixing these things together?
My plan involved combining the precise quantities of tretinoin and azelaic powder in dipropynel glycol, and subsequently blending them with hyaluronic acid. I assume that there is more to it than that, so I would appreciate any expert insight.
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2 Replies
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I wouldn’t recommend trying to mix up prescription-strength stuff at home because, well, they’re basically medicines.
As for your question, retinoic acid and its derivatives are oil-soluble. So you’d need both oil and an emulsifier to whip up a stable mix with your hydrolized hyaluronic acid solution.
Since most preservatives are sensitive to heat, you might want to consider a cold processed emulsifier. And yeah, you’d definitely have to add more preservatives.
But just a heads up, this DIY journey would involve a lot of trial and error because you’re essentially trying to play pharmacist in your kitchen. Mmm, maybe try good old Retinol? Or even Retinal and not Tretinoin? ????
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Totally agree with @Onur .
Tretinoin is a prescription drug. You shouldn’t be really asking here.To the best of my knowledge it is hard to stabilise it. Reacts with light, oxygen, pH requirements, storage, ….
Not sure if you have ever used products like this in the past (Retrieve) but it is quite irritating.
Better just ask you GP for a prescription if you insist on Tretinoic acid (like I do).
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