Formulating a BHA Toner with Vitamin B6 and Onion Extract for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

BHA Toner Formulation with Vitamin B6 and Onion Extract

For oily skin with blackheads, clogged pores, and enlarged pores, a toner containing BHA (Salicylic Acid) is a good approach. Adding Vitamin B6 and Onion Extract (Hi-Quercetin®) can also help enhance the benefits you're looking for.

Amount of BHA Powder for 1000ml Toner

Standard Salicylic Acid (BHA) powder (Product ID: 148) is not directly soluble in water. If you want to make a toner primarily with water and without using high heat for dissolution, you should choose a water-soluble type of Salicylic Acid, such as Complex Salicylic Acid (Powder, Water-Soluble) (Product ID: 2014) or ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid (Powder, Water-Soluble) (Product ID: 10947).

These water-soluble Salicylic Acid powders contain 40% active Salicylic Acid and can be used up to 5% in a formula (which is equivalent to 2% pure Salicylic Acid, the maximum concentration allowed by the FDA for leave-on skin products).

If you want to make 1000ml of toner (which weighs approximately 1000 grams) and aim for a 2% active BHA concentration (the maximum concentration), you would need to use the water-soluble Salicylic Acid powder (containing 40% BHA) at a concentration of 5% of the total formula.

Calculation: 5% of 1000 grams = 50 grams

Therefore, you would need 50 grams of either Complex Salicylic Acid (Powder, Water-Soluble) or ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid (Powder, Water-Soluble) in your 1000ml total volume toner formula (meaning the total volume after mixing all ingredients is 1000ml, not adding 50g to 1000ml of water).

Combining Salicylic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Onion Extract

The three ingredients you mentioned, Salicylic Acid (BHA), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), and Hi-Quercetin® (Onion Extract), can be combined in a toner, but a crucial consideration is the pH of the formula.

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Works best in an acidic environment, typically at a pH between 3-4.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride): Is stable in the pH range of 2-6 and has a low pH itself (2-3). Avoid heat above 40°C and light.
• Hi-Quercetin® (Onion Extract): Is stable when the pH is lower than 6.0. Avoid UV light.

Since BHA requires an acidic pH (3-4), which falls within the stable range for Vitamin B6 (2-6) and is lower than the maximum pH for Hi-Quercetin® (< 6.0), adjusting the toner's pH to be between 3-4 will allow all three ingredients to be effective and stable in the same formula.

Formulation Considerations:

1. Solubility: Choose a water-soluble Salicylic Acid powder (Complex Salicylic Acid or ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid) for easy dissolution in water without high heat.
2. Mixing: Mix all ingredients in the water phase. Avoid high heat when adding Vitamin B6 and Hi-Quercetin®.
3. pH Adjustment: After mixing all ingredients, it is essential to measure the pH of the toner and adjust it to be within the range of 3-4 using an appropriate pH adjuster, such as Sodium Hydroxide or Citric Acid.
4. Storage: Vitamin B6 and Hi-Quercetin® are sensitive to light. Store the toner in an opaque container and keep it in a cool place (refrigeration at 4-8°C is recommended to extend the shelf life of Vitamin B6 and Hi-Quercetin®).
5. Color: Hi-Quercetin® has a dark yellow color. Using it at higher concentrations might give the toner a yellow or brownish tint.

Benefits of These Ingredients in Your Toner

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Helps exfoliate dead skin cells both on the surface and inside pores, helping to unclog pores, reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and control oiliness.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride): Helps control skin oiliness and can help pores appear smaller, especially on oily skin.
• Hi-Quercetin® (Onion Extract): Has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces irritation, is an antioxidant, and helps prevent scar formation (should be used after acne has healed and the wound is closed to prevent new scars).

Combining these ingredients in a toner can help address your skin concerns comprehensively. However, making cosmetics at home requires understanding the properties of each ingredient and basic chemical principles to ensure the product is safe and effective.