Foaming in Toner Formulation for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

Question

I am making a toner for sensitive, acne-prone skin for personal use with the following formula: 70% Witch Hazel hydrosol, 14% Lavender Hydrosol, 5% Double Hyaluronic acid, 5% Willow Bark Extract, 1% Licorice extract, 1% Japanese Cedar, 2% Rice Vitamin, 2% Aloe Vera Extract full assay. After mixing, foaming occurred. Could you please tell me if this is due to incompatible ingredients or a mistake in the formulation?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Toner Formulation Feedback

Thank you for sharing your toner formulation for sensitive, acne-prone skin and your observation of foaming after mixing.

The foaming you are seeing is most likely caused by the Aloe Vera Extract in your formula. Aloe Vera naturally contains compounds called saponins, which can create foam when mixed with water-based solutions and agitated.

This foaming is a normal characteristic of ingredients containing saponins and does not necessarily mean that your ingredients are incompatible or that there is an issue with your formulation.

Your formula includes several beneficial ingredients for sensitive, acne-prone skin, such as:

Witch Hazel and Lavender Water for soothing and toning.
Double Hyaluron Liquid and Rice Vitamin for hydration.
Willow Bark Extract for gentle exfoliation and acne support.
Licorice Extract for anti-inflammatory benefits.
Japanese Cedar for skin barrier health.
Aloe Vera Extract for soothing and moisturizing.

Overall, the ingredient combination seems appropriate for your skin type and concerns. The foaming from the Aloe Vera Extract is expected and does not indicate a problem with the formulation itself.