Adjusting Your Loose Powder Formula for Translucency and Oil Control

Based on your goal for a translucent, oil-controlling loose powder applied with a brush, and considering the feedback provided, here are the recommended adjustments to your formula:

Ingredient Adjustments

• Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide: For a translucent loose powder, the percentage of these ingredients should be significantly reduced. The recommendation is typically not more than 2-3% for each in a loose powder formula. High concentrations of Titanium Dioxide (like Titanium Dioxide 250nm Pigment) and Zinc Oxide (like Zinc Oxide Micronized or Zinc Oxide Ultra-Fine) are primarily used for coverage and UV protection, which can lead to a white cast if too high, counteracting the desire for translucency. Various treated forms like Titanium Dioxide 250nm SilkTouch or Titanium Dioxide Nanosil can offer better texture and dispersion even at lower percentages.
• Nylon-12: The usage rate for Nylon-12 (available in sizes like 7 micron or 5 micron) should be reduced. A recommended maximum usage is around 5%. Nylon-12 helps with spreadability, reduces shine, and provides a creamy feel and good pay-off, but too much can affect the powder's texture.
• SelectSorb™ (High Oil Absorption PMMA): While excellent for oil absorption, the percentage of SelectSorb™ should also be adjusted. For typical or moderately oily skin, a usage rate of not more than 3% is usually sufficient. You might increase this slightly for very oily skin, but high amounts can impact the formula's feel.

Powder Base

The majority of your loose powder formula (at least 80%) should consist of a base powder. Silk Sericite Powder (available in forms like Sericite Powder 6 Micron or Sericite Powder CompactPro™) is recommended. However, note that for loose powder, a particle size of 15 microns or more is typically recommended for the best texture and feel. The available Sericite powders are generally smaller (6-9 micron), which are often preferred for pressed powders, but can still be used in loose powder with consideration for the final texture.

Mixing vs. Manufacturing

Creating a smooth, evenly dispersed powder formula requires specialized equipment, specifically a powder grinder or pulverizer. Simply mixing ingredients by hand will not achieve the fine, uniform texture necessary for a cosmetic powder that applies smoothly with a brush and avoids clumping or unevenness.

As previously advised, the company does not offer manufacturing services for powder formulas. Therefore, your options are to either invest in the necessary powder grinding equipment to mix the formula yourself or seek a third-party manufacturer that specializes in powder cosmetics if you do not wish to acquire the equipment.

In summary, adjust the percentages of Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Nylon-12, and SelectSorb™ downwards as recommended, ensure a high percentage of a base powder like Sericite Powder (ideally with a larger particle size for loose powder), and be aware that proper mixing requires a powder grinder.