Acne Gel Formula Review and Enhancement

Your proposed formula for an acne gel is suitable for your skin type (oily/combination) and concerns (blackheads, clogged pores, occasional inflammation), as confirmed by the staff. The ingredients you've chosen work well together:

• Acne Bee: This ingredient likely contributes to the anti-acne properties of the gel.
• Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA): This is an excellent exfoliant that helps to clear clogged pores and reduce breakouts. It is known to be gentler than traditional salicylic acid.
• Safe-B3 (Niacinamide): Vitamin B3 helps to reduce oiliness, minimize redness and dark spots, strengthen the skin barrier, and can improve the appearance of pores.
• Pro Polymer: This acts as the gelling agent to give your formula its texture.
• Phenoxylethanol: This is a preservative to keep your product safe and stable.

Adding Ingredients for Pore Tightening

Yes, you can definitely add ingredients to help tighten pores.

• Witch Hazel: Adding Witch Hazel extract is a good option for pore tightening. It acts as an astringent. You can use the Witch Hazel (Distillate - Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) or the Witch Hazel (Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) Plus Allantoin. The version with Allantoin offers additional soothing and moisturizing benefits, which can be helpful.

  • How to add: Witch Hazel should be added in the final step of your formulation, after the gel has formed and cooled down to below 40°C.
  • Usage Rate: You can add Witch Hazel at a rate of 10-100% of the total formula, adjusting the amount of water accordingly. For a noticeable pore-tightening effect, a higher percentage (e.g., 50% or more) is often used, but start with a lower percentage and see how your skin responds. Remember to reduce the amount of water in your formula by the amount of Witch Hazel you add.

• Other Pore Tightening Options: Another ingredient known for pore tightening is PoreNin™. This is a natural extract containing Tannic Acid, which has astringent properties that can help reduce the appearance of pores. You would need to check the recommended usage rate and mixing instructions for PoreNin™ if you choose to use it.

Adjusting the Formula

When adding Witch Hazel or another ingredient like PoreNin™, remember to reduce the amount of water in your formula by the percentage of the new ingredient you are adding to keep the total percentage at 100%.