Formulating a BHA Toner with Salicylic Acid EZ: Compatibility and Ingredient Questions

Hello,

Thank you for your questions regarding the formulation of a toner with Salicylic Acid EZ.

Here are the answers to your points:

1. Mixing Salicylic Acid EZ into an existing toner:

   • Yes, based on the ingredient list you provided for your existing toner, it is likely possible to mix [Product 766] Salicylic Acid EZ™ (Water Soluble) into it.
   • However, as the staff mentioned, the exact properties of all ingredients in your existing toner are unknown. It is highly recommended to perform a small patch test first: Mix a small amount (e.g., 5-10ml) of your toner with one drop of [Product 766] Salicylic Acid EZ™ and stir gently for 1-2 minutes. Observe the mixture for any immediate changes. If it mixes well, leave it for 1-2 days and check again for separation, precipitation, or color change. If it remains stable, you can proceed with mixing the larger batch.
   • Your proposed mixing ratio of 10% [Product 766] Salicylic Acid EZ™ into 90% toner base is correct.
   • Avoid shaking the mixture as this can create excessive foam. Gentle stirring for 5-10 minutes is sufficient.
   • You do not need to adjust the pH after mixing. The ingredients used will result in a pH within the suitable range for skin (3.5-6.5).

2. Salicylic Acid EZ™ vs. Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (BHA, Timed-Release) effectiveness:

   • According to the information provided, [Product 229] Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (BHA, Timed-Release) may offer slightly better efficacy, but the difference is not significant.
   • The main advantage of [Product 766] Salicylic Acid EZ™ is its ease of mixing and compatibility with a wider range of ingredients, making it more suitable for complex formulations like your existing toner base. [Product 229] Encapsulated Salicylic Acid is often better suited for simpler formulations, such as a pure water-based toner.

3. Compatibility of the proposed BHA Toner formula (Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid EZ, DMAE, Wrinkle-Fill):

   • The formula you proposed ([Product 162] Witch Hazel, [Product 766] Salicylic Acid EZ™, [Product 637] DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid, [Product 492] Wrinkle-Fill™ (L-Tyrosine)) is compatible, and your mixing method (mixing 2+3+4 into 1) is correct.
   • You do not need to adjust the pH for this formula.
   • Adding a preservative is recommended for stability and safety. A gentle option like [Product 1001] Mild Preserved Eco at 1% is suggested.

4. Optimal pH range for DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid:

   • [Product 637] DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid is effective within the normal skin pH range of 3.5-6.5.

5. Active percentage of other ingredients:

   • You are correct that [Product 766] Salicylic Acid EZ™ 10% contains 2% active Salicylic Acid and [Product 637] DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid 20% contains 4% active DMAE.
   • For the other ingredients you listed:
     • [Product 492] Wrinkle-Fill™ (L-Tyrosine) is 100% active L-Tyrosine. If you add 2.5% Wrinkle-Fill™, your formula will contain 2.5% active L-Tyrosine.
     • [Product 111] Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5) is 100% active DL-Panthenol. If you add 5% Panthenol, your formula will contain 5% active DL-Panthenol.
     • [Product 886] 1,2-Hexanediol is 100% active.
     • [Product 74] Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) is 100% active Niacinamide.
     • [Product 116] GlucoBright™ (N-Acetyl-D Glucosamine) is 100% active N-Acetyl-D Glucosamine.

6. Percentage reference for DMAE usage rate:

   • The recommended usage rate (5-20%, recommended 10% or 5%) refers to the percentage of the [Product 637] DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid product to be used in the formula, not the percentage of active DMAE.

7. Adding 1,2-Hexanediol for penetration enhancement:

   • Adding [Product 886] 1,2-Hexanediol at around 3% can potentially enhance the penetration of active ingredients into the skin.
   • However, the proposed formula without 1,2-Hexanediol is still expected to be effective for dissolving clogged pores and providing skin firming benefits. Adding it is optional but can improve absorption.

8. Adding Panthenol ExtraLite and Vitamin B6 to the BHA Toner formula (yongyee0's question):

   • The proposed BHA Toner formula with [Product 766] Salicylic Acid EZ™ is primarily designed for dissolving clogged pores and providing exfoliation.
   • Adding moisturizing ingredients like [Product 405] Panthenol (Vitamin B5) ExtraLite™ and [Product 643] Vitamin B6 is possible and can be beneficial as they help soothe and moisturize the skin, counteracting potential irritation from the Salicylic Acid.
   • However, the staff strongly advises against adding anti-aging ingredients like [Product 637] DMAE and [Product 492] Wrinkle-Fill to this specific toner formula. This is because a Salicylic Acid toner at 2% active concentration might be too irritating for daily use. Consistent daily application is often necessary to see significant anti-aging results. Using the toner intermittently might mean the anti-aging ingredients are not applied frequently enough to be effective.
   • It is recommended to formulate anti-aging ingredients into a separate product that can be used consistently every day.
   • The formula containing [Product 766] Salicylic Acid EZ™ at 10% (2% active) will help with exfoliation and dissolving clogged pores.

We understand this is your first time DIYing, and it's great that you are asking detailed questions! Please feel free to ask if you have any more.