Clear Liquid Facial Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin

Question

I am interested in making a facial cleanser based on the Mild Facial Cleanser DIY formula, but I have combination and acne-prone skin. The expert suggested adding Salicylic Acid. How can I create a clear liquid facial cleanser suitable for combination and acne-prone skin, incorporating Salicylic Acid, considering its solubility and the need for a clear formula? What are the suitable bases and other necessary ingredients, and what are the basic mixing steps?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Clear Liquid Facial Cleanser for Combination, Acne-Prone Skin

To create a clear liquid facial cleanser suitable for combination and acne-prone skin, you will need a gentle cleansing base and an ingredient to help with acne.

Cleansing Base

You can use a gentle, sulfate-free liquid base. Options include:

Sulfate-Free Foaming Base: This is a clear base specifically designed for cleansers, including facial wash. It is gentle and easy to use.
Mild-Wash C™ or Mild-Wash L™: These are extra gentle, clear liquid detergents suitable for facial cleansers. Note that these bases are alkaline and need to be adjusted to a skin-friendly pH (5-6) using an acid like Citric Acid or Lactic Acid.

Acne Treatment Ingredient

For acne-prone skin, adding Salicylic Acid (BHA) is beneficial as it helps exfoliate and clear pores. The standard powdered Salicylic Acid is not water-soluble, which makes it unsuitable for a clear liquid formula.

Instead, consider using a water-soluble form:

Liquid Salicylic Acid (40% Active Salicylic, Cationic For Wash-Off): This is a liquid, water-soluble form that is easy to mix into liquid bases and is designed for wash-off products.
ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid (Powder, Water-Soluble): This is a water-soluble powder form that offers a gradual release of Salicylic Acid.

Other Necessary Ingredients

Distilled Water: To dilute the base.
Preservative: Essential to prevent microbial growth in any water-based product.
Thickener (Optional): If you desire a thicker consistency, you can add a suitable thickener like SugarThick™, ClearClean™, Xanthan Gum, or EasyThick™.

Basic Mixing Steps

Combine the chosen cleansing base with distilled water according to recommended usage rates (e.g., 15-20% base for facial wash if using Sulfate-Free Foaming Base).
Add the chosen water-soluble Salicylic Acid form (follow recommended usage rates).
Add the preservative.
If using Mild-Wash C™ or Mild-Wash L™ base, adjust the pH to 5-6 using an acid.
If desired, add a thickener and mix until the desired consistency is reached.
Mix gently to avoid excessive foaming.

Always refer to the specific usage rates and mixing instructions for each ingredient you use.