Review of Your Aloe Vera Gel Formula

This is a well-thought-out formula combining several beneficial ingredients for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Let's address your questions:

1. Can the formula be made without adding water?

Yes, the formula as written does not require adding extra water. The base, Aloe Vera Gel Lite, already contains a high percentage of purified water (over 90%). All the active ingredients you've chosen are water-soluble or dispersible in a water-based system, so they can be directly incorporated into the Aloe Vera Gel Lite base.

2. Does the formula need a preservative?

The Aloe Vera Gel Lite base contains a preservative. However, when you add additional ingredients, particularly botanical extracts and sugars like Rhamnose, you introduce potential microbial contamination and dilute the existing preservative concentration. To ensure the stability and safety of your gel, especially since it's a water-based product for sensitive skin, it is highly recommended to add an additional broad-spectrum preservative suitable for cosmetic gels.

3. What is the mixing method?

It is best to add the ingredients one by one to ensure proper mixing and dissolution.

• Start with the Aloe Vera Gel Lite base.
• Add the powdered ingredients first: Madecassoside and Rhamnose. Stir well after adding each powder until it is fully dissolved or dispersed. You may need to stir for a few minutes, let it sit, and stir again as per the base instructions for powders.
• Once the powders are incorporated, add the liquid ingredients: Licorice Extract, Aloe Vera Extract 10:1, and WhiteCumin 2X. Stir gently after each liquid addition until the mixture is uniform.
• Finally, add your chosen additional broad-spectrum preservative and stir to combine.

Mixing all ingredients at once might make it difficult to ensure everything is properly dissolved and evenly distributed, especially the powdered ingredients.

4. Is the formula too sticky, or does it need adjustment?

The Aloe Vera Gel Lite base is designed to be very light and non-sticky. The added ingredients are generally compatible with a light gel texture. Rhamnose at 5% might contribute a slight feeling of tackiness, as it is a sugar, but it is within the recommended usage rate and provides significant skin benefits. The overall feel should still be relatively light and fast-absorbing. Whether it is "too sticky" is subjective and depends on personal preference. If you find it too sticky after making it, you could slightly reduce the percentage of Rhamnose, but this would also reduce its anti-acne and anti-inflammatory benefits.

This formula seems promising for addressing your skin concerns!