Acne Spray for Back Formula Review and Alternative Uses

Question

I am developing an acne spray for my back, which has occasional acne, scars, and is not smooth. I want a product with nourishing ingredients, unlike many current market options. I received a revised formula proposal:

de-ionized Water: Remaining percentage
Niacinamide: 5%
Salicylic Acid EZ™: 7%
Ethyl Panthenol: 1%
glycerin: 5%
Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A): 1%
Zinc PCA: 1%
Preservative (e.g., Phenoxyethanol SA or Mild Preserved Eco): 1%

I would like to know if this formula can also be used as a hair spray for hair nourishment and dandruff prevention, and as a facial toner for hydration. My personal belief is that increasing skin moisture and reducing inflammation strengthens the skin barrier and can prevent acne. Could you please review this formula and its potential for these alternative uses, considering my skin concerns and formulation goals?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Formula Review - Acne Spray for Back

Dear KNURPHOAT,

Thank you for providing the details about your skin condition and goals for the formula.

Regarding the formula for the Acne Spray for the back, the staff has reviewed your proposed list of ingredients. The main point highlighted is that combining a wide variety of nourishing ingredients with BHA (Salicylic Acid), which is acidic, can lead to the degradation of the nourishing ingredients.

Based on your goal to treat acne on the back, focusing on oil balance, unclogging pores, and reducing redness, the staff has suggested a revised formula:

de-ionized Water: Remaining percentage
Niacinamide: 5%
Salicylic Acid EZ™: 7%
Ethyl Panthenol: 1%
glycerin: 5%
Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A): 1%
Zinc PCA: 1%
Preservative (e.g., Phenoxyethanol SA): 1%

This revised formula focuses on key ingredients known for acne treatment and related benefits. The high concentration of Salicylic Acid EZ™ (7%) is specifically included to address clogged pores, which is a key aspect of treating back acne, and this is a form of exfoliation. Salicylic Acid works most effectively at an acidic pH, typically lower than the 5-5.5 range you mentioned. Therefore, while the suggested formula targets your acne concerns, it relies on the exfoliating action of Salicylic Acid and will likely have an acidic pH for optimal efficacy, which differs from your preference for pH 5-5.5 and not focusing on exfoliation. pH adjustment would be needed to reach a specific pH level, but adjusting it upwards to 5-5.5 would reduce the effectiveness of the Salicylic Acid for unclogging pores.

Regarding your interest in using the formula for hair/dandruff or as a facial toner:

For hair/dandruff: Some ingredients are relevant, but others like Niacinamide and Licorice Extract are not typically beneficial for hair. A specific formula tailored for hair/scalp would be more effective.
For facial toner: The suitability depends on your facial skin condition. If you don't have clogged pores on your face, Salicylic Acid EZ™ might be unnecessary and could be removed or reduced.

Your belief that increasing skin moisture and reducing inflammation strengthens the skin barrier and can prevent acne is generally true in contributing to overall skin health. However, acne can have multiple causes, and while a healthy skin barrier is beneficial, it may not prevent acne caused by other factors. The ingredients in the revised formula do include components that help with hydration (glycerin, Ethyl Panthenol) and reducing inflammation/redness (Niacinamide, Licorice Extract, Zinc PCA), which support skin health alongside the acne treatment provided by Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA.

If you would like to explore formulas specifically for hair/dandruff or a facial toner, or if you have further questions about adjusting the back acne formula, please let us know.

Best regards,
[Your Name/AI Assistant]