Cream Formulation Issues: Yellowing, Flaking, Acne, and Pore Reduction

Question

Regarding a cream formulation, I have several questions: If Vitamin B6, which causes discoloration, is removed, what alternative ingredients can be used to help tighten pores? When adding ingredients recommended for preventing oxidation, will this help the product's stability long-term or short-term? In a normal situation, to what extent can this formula reduce inflammatory acne? How can the formula be improved to be more effective? I will use a separate spot treatment for acne. I observed flaking on the skin after application, which felt like dead skin. The skin's oiliness decreased, but this flaking occurred. What could be the cause?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Feedback on Your Cream Formulation

Based on the staff's review of your cream formulation and the issues you've observed:

Warm Sensation: The initial warm feeling with your first formula was likely due to the humectant Methyl Gluceth-20. This is a normal, temporary effect for some users. You've confirmed this issue is resolved with your updated formula.
Product Yellowing: The yellowing after about two weeks is likely caused by the oxidation of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride). To prevent this, you can add antioxidants or UV protection agents, or consider removing Vitamin B6 from the formula.
Flaking/Pilling: You described this as flakes similar to dead skin after application. The staff noted it's unlikely the cream would cause skin dryness leading to flaking in a short period and suggested looking into other factors related to the user's skin or routine.
Inflammatory Acne: The staff explained that your current formula lacks ingredients that dissolve clogged pores (สิวอุดตัน), which are the cause of inflammatory acne (สิวอักเสบ). The formula's ability to reduce inflammatory acne is limited without addressing clogged pores.
Replacing Vitamin B6 for Pore Tightening: If you remove Vitamin B6, you can replace its pore-tightening function (related to oiliness) with any ingredient from the Oil Control category. Reducing oiliness helps balance the skin and can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Improving the Formula for Acne: To enhance the formula's effectiveness against inflammatory acne, the staff recommended adding ingredients that help dissolve clogged pores.