Discrepancy in BHA Encapsulation Tester Concentration Calculation
Question
I have a question regarding the concentration of Salicylic Acid (BHA) in the BHA Encapsulation tester product. I noticed a discrepancy between the information provided.
According to the tester details, using 8% of the encapsulated BHA ingredient results in 2% BHA.
However, the technical details for the encapsulated BHA ingredient itself state that 6.6% of the encapsulated ingredient is equivalent to 2% BHA.
Based on the ingredient's ratio (6.6% encapsulation = 2% BHA), using 8% of the encapsulated ingredient should yield approximately 2.4% Salicylic Acid (BHA).
Could you please explain the reason for this difference in the stated BHA concentration in the tester details compared to the calculation based on the ingredient's specifications? Which figure is correct, and why?
Answer
Subject: Regarding the BHA Encapsulation Tester Concentration
Thank you for your question and for pointing out the discrepancy regarding the BHA encapsulation tester.
You mentioned two pieces of information:
- The tester details state that 8% of the encapsulated BHA ingredient is used, which equals 2% BHA.
- The ingredient details state that 6.6% of the encapsulated BHA ingredient equals 2% BHA.
Let's look at the calculation based on the ratio provided in the ingredient details (6.6% encapsulation = 2% BHA):
- If 6.6% encapsulation gives 2% BHA,
- Then 1% encapsulation gives (2 / 6.6) % BHA.
- Therefore, 8% encapsulation would give 8 * (2 / 6.6) % BHA.
- Calculating this: 8 * (2 / 6.6) = 16 / 6.6 ≈ 2.424... % BHA.
This calculation aligns with the figure of 2.4% salicylic acid mentioned in the reply you included.
Based on the ratio provided in the ingredient's description, using 8% of the encapsulated ingredient should yield approximately 2.42% active BHA (Salicylic Acid).
The discrepancy between the 2% BHA stated in the tester details and the calculated ~2.42% BHA could be due to several reasons, such as:
- Rounding the percentage in the tester's description for simplicity.
- A slight variation in the specific batch or formulation of the tester.
- A potential typo in one of the descriptions.
Without the specific formulation sheet for the tester product, it is difficult to definitively confirm the exact percentage. However, the calculation based on the ingredient's stated ratio suggests that 8% usage should result in around 2.4% BHA.
We recommend referring to the most detailed technical documentation available for the ingredient itself for the most accurate ratio.