Formula Evaluation

Formula 1: Moisturizing Gel

This formula aims to provide hydration and improve skin moisture.

• Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (Japan), Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide), GlucoBright™ (Acetyl glucosamine), Any Gel™ (Dehydroxanthan Gum), Global Guard™, and Water.
• Compatibility: The ingredients in this formula are generally compatible in a water-based gel system. Hyaluronic Acid, Safe-B3™, GlucoBright™, and Any Gel™ are all water-soluble or disperse in water to form a gel.
• Concentrations: The concentrations of each ingredient are within the recommended usage rates. Safe-B3™ is used at the maximum recommended rate of 10%, which is suitable for its "Safe-B3" type designed to minimize flushing. GlucoBright™ at 5% is also within its range, and the combination of Niacinamide and Acetyl Glucosamine is known to work synergistically for skin benefits like brightening and improving skin barrier function.
• Preservation: Global Guard™ is an effective preservative for formulas with a pH below 5.5. The pH of the final formula should be checked to ensure it is within this range for the preservative to be fully effective. The pH ranges of Niacinamide (3-8, best 4-7) and GlucoBright™ (3-7) suggest the final pH is likely to be suitable for Global Guard™.
• Overall: This formula appears viable and the ingredients are compatible. It should effectively provide hydration and other benefits from Niacinamide and Acetyl Glucosamine, provided the final pH is appropriate for the preservative.

Formula 2: AHA Gel

This formula is designed for exfoliation using Glycolic Acid.

• Ingredients: Glycolic Acid (AHA) 100% Powder (Glycopure™), Calendula Extract (Water Soluble), Any Gel™ (Dehydroxanthan Gum), Global Guard™, and Water.
• Compatibility: The ingredients can be mixed, but there is a potential conflict regarding the optimal pH for effectiveness.
• Concentrations: Glycolic Acid is used at 10%, which is the maximum allowed concentration for consumer products and requires the final formula pH to be no lower than 3.5 for safety according to FDA guidelines. Calendula Extract is used at 5%, which is within its recommended range. Any Gel™ and Global Guard™ are within their recommended ranges.
• pH Consideration: Glycolic Acid is most effective as an exfoliant at a low pH (ideally below 4.0). The product description for Glycolic Acid powder indicates it has a very low pH (0.4-0.6), and the final formula pH should be kept below 4.0 for optimal efficacy, while also being above 3.5 for consumer safety at 10% concentration. Calendula Extract, however, has a pH range of 5.5-6.5. Adding Calendula Extract to the Glycolic Acid solution will raise the overall pH of the formula. This increase in pH could significantly reduce the exfoliation effectiveness of the Glycolic Acid.
• Preservation: Global Guard™ is suitable for the acidic pH range required by Glycolic Acid (pH < 5.5).
• Overall: While the ingredients can be physically mixed, the Calendula Extract's pH is likely to raise the formula's pH above the optimal range for Glycolic Acid's exfoliation efficacy. This formula might still provide some benefits from Calendula Extract, but the primary goal of strong AHA exfoliation may be compromised due to the pH incompatibility between Glycolic Acid and Calendula Extract.

Recommendation:

• Formula 1: This formula is well-balanced and the ingredients are compatible for their intended purpose. Ensure the final pH is checked and adjusted if necessary to be below 5.5 for the preservative to work effectively.
• Formula 2: The combination of Glycolic Acid and Calendula Extract may lead to reduced exfoliation efficacy due to pH differences. If strong exfoliation is the primary goal, consider using ingredients that are more compatible with the low pH required by Glycolic Acid, or adjust the pH after adding all ingredients to be within the effective range for Glycolic Acid while still being safe and suitable for the preservative.