Compatibility of BHA, N-acetyl Glucosamine, and Niacinamide in a Cosmetic Formula

Adding N-acetyl Glucosamine (4%) and Niacinamide (2%) to your existing formula containing BHA (2%) and Hyaluronic Acid (Standard and Nano, 0.5% each) is generally possible and can offer synergistic benefits for skin texture, brightening, and hydration, which are helpful for concerns like ingrown hairs.

Your concern about the acidity of BHA affecting the efficacy of N-acetyl Glucosamine and Niacinamide is valid, as the pH of the final formula is crucial for the stability and effectiveness of these ingredients. Let's look at the optimal pH ranges:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Typically works best at a lower pH, often in the range of 3-4, to ensure it remains in its active, un-ionized form for effective exfoliation.
• N-acetyl Glucosamine: Stable and effective in a pH range of 3-7.
• Niacinamide: Stable and effective in a pH range of 3-8, with optimal activity often cited between pH 4.0-7.0.
• Hyaluronic Acid (Standard and Nano): Stable in a pH range of 3.0-9.0.

As you can see, there is a significant overlap in the effective and stable pH ranges for these ingredients, particularly between pH 3.5 and 5.5. Formulating your product within this range should allow all ingredients to function effectively without significant degradation or interaction due to pH.

Therefore, you can likely add N-acetyl Glucosamine and Niacinamide to your formula. The key step is to adjust and maintain the final pH of your complete formula to be within a range that accommodates all ingredients, ideally between pH 3.5 and 5.5. This pH range is suitable for BHA activity and well within the stability and efficacy ranges for N-acetyl Glucosamine, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid.

This combination can be beneficial:

• BHA: Provides exfoliation, helping to address clogged pores and ingrown hairs.
• N-acetyl Glucosamine & Niacinamide: Work together to improve skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and strengthen the skin barrier. N-acetyl Glucosamine also helps boost the skin's own Hyaluronic Acid production.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides essential hydration, counteracting potential dryness from BHA and supporting overall skin health.

Remember to ensure proper dissolution and incorporation of each ingredient according to their specific requirements (e.g., Salicylic Acid may need a solvent, Hyaluronic Acid requires specific dissolving methods).