Facial Essence Formulation Review

It's great that you're planning to make your own facial essence! Your ingredient list is a solid starting point, incorporating many beneficial components for skin hydration and soothing.

You asked about Xanthan Gum. Based on the product information (like Product ID 216, the clear gel type), Xanthan Gum is an excellent choice for your essence. It functions as a natural thickener and stabilizer, helping to give your essence a desirable texture and ensuring that other ingredients remain well-dispersed throughout the formula. Using it will definitely help you achieve a more viscous, essence-like consistency.

Let's break down the other ingredients you've included:

• Phase A:
  • DI Water: Your primary base.
  • Disodium EDTA (Product ID 184): A chelating agent that helps improve formula stability by neutralizing metal ions in water.
• Phase B:
  • Chamomile Ex. and Litchi Ex.: Extracts typically included for soothing and antioxidant properties.
• Phase C:
  • Propylene Glycol (Product ID 138): Acts as a humectant (attracts moisture) and solvent. Your planned 0.3% is a bit low for significant humectant effect; it's often used at higher percentages (1-20%).
  • Panthenol (Product ID 111 / 6873): Pro-Vitamin B5, a well-known humectant and skin soother, great for hydration and barrier support.
  • Cucumber EX. (Product ID 219): Another soothing and hydrating extract.
  • Glycerin (Product ID 143): A highly effective humectant to boost skin hydration.
• Phase D:
  • Xanthan Gum (Product ID 216): Your chosen thickener. The amount will determine the final gel consistency (0.1-2% is typical).
• Phase E:
  • Rose Water (Product ID 1255): Adds a pleasant aroma and potential mild soothing benefits. Note that this product contains a preservative.
• Phase F:
  • Ethylhexylglycerin (Product ID 642): Often used as a preservative booster and humectant. At 0.1%, it's unlikely to provide full preservation on its own.

Tips for Formulation:

1. Mixing Xanthan Gum: To prevent clumping, disperse the Xanthan Gum in a small amount of glycerin or propylene glycol before adding it to the water phase. Mix vigorously until fully hydrated into a smooth gel.
2. Preservation: Your current preservation system (Ethylhexylglycerin at 0.1% plus the preservative in Rose Water) may not be sufficient for a water-based product containing multiple extracts. It is highly recommended to add a complete, broad-spectrum preservative system to ensure product safety and longevity.
3. pH Adjustment: After mixing all ingredients, check the pH. Aim for a skin-compatible range, typically between 5.0 and 6.0. Adjust if necessary using a dilute acid or base solution.

Your formula has great potential for a hydrating and soothing essence. Focusing on the correct incorporation of Xanthan Gum and ensuring robust preservation will be key to a successful product.