Body Mask Formulation with AHA and Whitening Agents

You're right to be concerned about combining a salt scrub with AHA, as this can be too harsh for the skin. A thick cream body mask is a gentler way to incorporate AHA and whitening ingredients for exfoliation and brightening benefits.

Here is a concept for a body mask formulation:

• Base: Use a cream base or thickener suitable for acidic formulas. CreamMaker Acid™ is a good option as it is designed for low pH formulations like those containing AHA and also provides thickening.
• AHA: Include an Alpha Hydroxy Acid like Malic Acid (DL-Malic Acid) for chemical exfoliation. Start with a low concentration and adjust based on desired effect and skin sensitivity. Malic Acid should be mixed in the water phase.
• Whitening Agents: Add whitening ingredients to help with skin brightening. Options include Tranexamic Acid (Trans-White™), GlyciWhite™ (Glycinamide HCL), or CosmoWhite™ (1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide). These are typically mixed in the water phase. Tranexamic Acid is effective for blemishes and can be used up to 3% in cosmetics. GlyciWhite™ is gentle and effective against melanin production, recommended at 5%. CosmoWhite™ is also a popular whitening agent.
• Aesthetic Beads: For visual appeal, you can add aesthetic beads such as White/Purple Petals Beads or Gold Pellet Beads. These should be added in the final step of the formulation, gently stirred in to avoid breaking them. They are suitable for clear or opaque bases.

Important Considerations:

• Always start with low concentrations of active ingredients like AHA and whitening agents.
• Perform a patch test before applying the mask to a large area of skin.
• Ensure the final pH of your formulation is appropriate for the ingredients used, especially AHA (Malic Acid works in a pH range of 3-8). CreamMaker Acid™ is stable in acidic conditions.

This type of mask provides exfoliation and brightening through chemical action, which is less physically abrasive than a salt scrub.