Improving Your Mattifying Facial Spray Formula

You're looking to create an alcohol-free facial spray that provides an instant matte finish and helps control oil, acting like a primer and setting spray. Your current formula includes Water, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Niacinamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), and Phenoxyethanol.

Based on the feedback you received, your formula is unlikely to feel sticky, but it might feel watery on the skin, and the Polymethylsilsesquioxane powder may settle over time, requiring shaking before use.

While alcohol is commonly used in commercial mattifying sprays for its quick evaporation and drying effect, you want to avoid it. Your current formula already contains several good oil-controlling ingredients like Niacinamide, MSM, Zinc PCA, and Vitamin B6, which help regulate sebum production over time.

To address the watery feel and improve absorption, adding Flora Solve Clear as suggested is a good approach. This ingredient helps solubilize and disperse components in the water phase, leading to a more uniform and less watery application.

To enhance the immediate mattifying effect and oil absorption without alcohol, you should consider incorporating a dedicated oil-absorbing powder. While Polymethylsilsesquioxane provides some mattifying and soft-focus benefits, its tendency to settle in a low-viscosity spray is a drawback.

Better options for oil absorption in a spray formula could include:

• SelectSorb™ (High Oil Absorption PMMA): This powder is specifically designed for high, selective oil absorption from the skin without absorbing water, which helps prevent dryness. It can significantly reduce skin oiliness and provide a matte finish.
• MatteSilica 5™ (5 Micron): This porous silica powder also offers good oil absorption and contributes to a matte look and smooth skin feel.

Adding a powder like SelectSorb™ or MatteSilica 5™ (perhaps at 2-3%) along with proper high-shear mixing can significantly improve the mattifying performance. However, in a very low-viscosity spray, some degree of powder settling might still occur, so advising users to shake well before each use is a good practice.

Suggested Modifications:

1. Keep your existing active ingredients (Methylsulfonylmethane, Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) for their long-term oil control and skin benefits.
2. Add Flora Solve Clear (e.g., 2-3%) to improve the texture and absorption of the spray.
3. Consider replacing or supplementing Polymethylsilsesquioxane with SelectSorb™ or MatteSilica 5™ (e.g., 2-3%) for enhanced oil absorption and mattifying effect. Ensure thorough dispersion during manufacturing.
4. Include instructions for the user to shake the product well before each use, especially if using powders.

By incorporating Flora Solve Clear and a more effective oil-absorbing powder like SelectSorb™ or MatteSilica 5™, you can create an alcohol-free spray that feels less watery, absorbs better, and provides a more noticeable and lasting matte finish.