How to create anti-aging serum formulas in 5 simple steps

Amber Carli 07.2026

Looking to create your own anti-aging serum formulas and achieve effective anti-aging and moisturising effects without the need for advanced formulation knowledge? Our Create Cosmetic Formulas guide simplifies the process! 

Follow our comprehensive 5-step guide to start crafting your own anti-aging serum formulas today. Read on to learn how!

Start by logging into your Create Cosmetic Formulas subscription then…

 

How to create anti-aging serum formulas

1. Select Serum (Lotion like), as the type of formula you would like to create today, then click Create

 

Serum (Lotion like): I have decided to use a lotion like serum build as lotions are often perceived as more moisturising compared to gel-based serums. 

 

Our Create Cosmetic Formulas program uses water as the base ingredient in serum formulas so you don’t need to select anything here, the program will automatically adjust the water content as you select other materials. 

The first selection you need to make is if you want any water alternatives; these can be a great addition to help boost efficacy and your product story. 

I’ve chosen aloe vera juice at a 3% input for its hydrating benefits and product story. I have decided not to add a chelating agent in this formula as it is not needed by the active.

 

2. Choose your gum/polymer and humectant.

The gum/polymer is going to help build some structure to the serum, while the humectant will hydrate the skin!


For the gum/polymer, I have chosen hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose to build viscosity in the formulation as thicker products are often perceived to be more moisturising. For the humectant, I’m using butylene glycol to enhance suppleness to the skin and increase the delivery of actives, as well as to add non greasy moisturising benefits.

The Create Cosmetic Formulas program will give you a recommended input range for all materials. 

I have added the hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose at the max input to efficiently stabilise the high input of lipids needed in this very moisturising formula, and the butylene glycol at a near max input to promote hydration and delivery of actives in the formula.

Not sure which materials to select? That’s okay, read our go-to guide on cosmetic ingredients here for more information.
 

3. Choose the emulsifier and lipids.

Emulsifiers help make the water and oil phase of emulsions miscible, while lipids impart moisturising benefits to the formula.  

 

For my emulsifier I have chosen a blend of cetearyl alcohol and cetearyl glucoside as it is suited across a wide range of formulation types. I have chosen almond oil, avocado oil, bacuri butter and baobab oil as my lipids to impart softening, conditioning, rich skin feel, high emolliency, suppleness and elasticity boosting benefits to my product.

 

I have added the cetearyl alcohol and cetearyl glucoside blend at its midpoint and the lipids at their maximum combined input in order to provide the best moisturising, suppleness boosting and rich skin feel effects possible.
 

4. Select actives, added extras/extracts, essential oil/fragrance

The actives in your formula are what provide the majority of the anti-aging benefits, the added extras/extracts also add to these benefits, and the essential oil/fragrance adds to your product story.

For my selected actives I have chosen acetyl hexapeptide-8 solution for its highly active, high performing, clinically proven, botox-like action; and agave leaf extract for its hydrating and collagen boosting effects. Together, they will smooth fine lines and plump the appearance of the skin for effective anti-aging results. I have added acetyl hexapeptide-8 solution at an input of 4% for budget-conscious efficacy; and agave leaf extract at 2% for the same reason.

I have chosen to add bearberry extract and camu camu extract as my added extras/extracts for their combined anti-aging effects. I have added them both at low inputs of 1% and 0.5% to avoid a high cost.

The fragrance I have decided to use is lavender flower essential oil at 0.25% to provide a subtle floral aroma.


5. Select antioxidant and preservatives

Antioxidants and preservatives protect your product from microbial growth as well as stopping any undesirable smells, colours or viscosity changes from occurring.

I have added mixed tocopherols at their maximum input of 0.8% to provide the best possible antioxidant protection considering the high amount of lipids/oils that have been added to the formula. I have used a highly effective preservative blend at its maximum input for its broad-spectrum preservative action in this nutrient-rich formula.

 

Then… click generate method:
 

Then here is my formula, and here is the method!  

 

Now all you need to do is find your nearest cosmetic ingredient suppliers, order the materials, and get making your fantastic organic body lotion formulas!

Once you’ve made one formula, you’ll be keen to make more! With Create Cosmetic Formulas, you have almost limitless formulation creation, and just one low annual subscription.

It really is that simple.

Happy formulating!

 

Take our quiz: should you use a program to create cosmetic formulas or learn cosmetic science?
Find out which solution is best for you with our simple quiz!
 

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