Explanation of Mixing Issues with Encapsulated Salicylic Acid

Based on the ingredients you used and the properties of Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (Liquid, Timed-Release, Wash-Off), the separation and precipitation you observed when mixing it with Aloe vera gel is expected.

• Incompatibility with Aloe Vera Gel: The product information for Encapsulated Salicylic Acid explicitly states that it is incompatible with bases like Aloe Vera Gel and Hyaluronic Gel, as well as certain thickeners and emulsifiers. This incompatibility causes the ingredients to separate and form a precipitate, as you experienced.

• Discarding the Mixture: As confirmed by the staff, the mixture that separated should be discarded because the ingredients did not combine correctly, and the BHA is likely bound up in the precipitate and not properly dispersed in the liquid.

Regarding mixing the remaining Encapsulated Salicylic Acid with your current toner:

• Toner Composition: Your toner contains several ingredients, including Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Glycerin, Witch Hazel Extract, Rose Flower Water, Citric Acid, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and Vitamin E Acetate. The presence of Vitamin E Acetate (an oil) means the toner likely contains an emulsifier to keep the oil and water phases mixed.

• Potential Incompatibility: The specific emulsifier used in your toner is unknown. As mentioned in the product information and by the staff, Encapsulated Salicylic Acid can be incompatible with certain thickeners and emulsifiers. Therefore, there is a possibility that it might not be compatible with the emulsifier or other ingredients in your toner, which could lead to separation or other stability issues.

• Recommendation: The safest and most reliable method is to mix the Encapsulated Salicylic Acid directly with plain water to create a simple BHA toner, as suggested by the staff. The product information confirms that Encapsulated Salicylic Acid can be mixed directly with water.

• Testing with Toner: If you still wish to try mixing it with your toner, it is highly recommended to test a very small amount first (e.g., in a separate small container) to see if it remains stable and does not separate or precipitate before mixing a larger batch. This will help prevent wasting the ingredient if it is incompatible with your toner formulation.

Also, please note that the specific type of Encapsulated Salicylic Acid you have (Product ID 229) is primarily designed as a "Wash-Off type" for products like cleansers. While it can be mixed with water for a toner, other types of Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (like the Leave-On liquid or powder types) might be more suitable for products intended to be left on the skin for extended periods.

In summary, the issue with the Aloe vera gel mix was due to incompatibility. For your toner, mixing with plain water is the safest bet, or test a small amount with your toner first due to potential incompatibility with its ingredients.