Beginner Gel Formulation for Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin

It's great that you're starting to make your own skincare! For oily, acne-prone skin with clogged pores and sensitivity, a gel formulation is often a good choice as it's lightweight and less likely to clog pores further.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) is an excellent ingredient for your concerns. It helps to exfoliate the skin, dissolve impurities in pores, and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with acne.

Since you have sensitive skin and are a beginner, using a water-soluble and gentler form of Salicylic Acid is recommended. The staff suggested looking into Salicylic Acid EZ™, which is also known as ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid. This type is easier to work with as it dissolves directly in water and is designed to release slowly, reducing potential irritation compared to standard Salicylic Acid powder which is not water-soluble and requires specific solvents.

Another gentle, water-soluble option is SalicSoft® (Betaine Salicylate).

Here's a very basic concept for a gel formulation using a water-soluble Salicylic Acid:

1. Water Phase: Start with purified water as the base.
2. Active Ingredient: Add ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid (Salicylic Acid EZ™) or SalicSoft® at the recommended usage rate (check the product description for specifics, typically 1-5% for ActiveRelease™ or 1-4% for SalicSoft®).
3. Thickener: Use a gel-forming agent suitable for water-based formulas (e.g., Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, or a pre-neutralized gel base). Follow the supplier's instructions for hydration and neutralization if needed.
4. Soothing Agents (Optional but Recommended for Sensitive Skin): Consider adding ingredients like Panthenol (Vitamin B5) or soothing plant extracts to help calm the skin.
5. Preservative: A broad-spectrum preservative is essential for any water-based product to prevent microbial growth. Choose one suitable for your formulation's pH.
6. pH Adjustment: Adjust the final pH to be effective for Salicylic Acid (typically around pH 3-4) but also tolerable for sensitive skin (often aiming for the higher end of this range or slightly above, around pH 4-5, depending on the specific Salicylic Acid type and overall formula). Always check the pH after adding all ingredients.

Important Notes for Beginners:

• Start with low concentrations of active ingredients.
• Always follow good manufacturing practices (clean tools, workspace, containers).
• Do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the product to your face.
• Be patient and observe how your skin responds.

Using a water-soluble Salicylic Acid like ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid makes creating a simple gel much more manageable for a beginner compared to working with the standard powder form.