Formulation Advice for Toner

Thank you for your order and question regarding your formulation.

Based on the ingredients you purchased and your skin concerns (oily T-zone, large pores, mild acne, and significant melasma), here is some advice:

Ingredient Compatibility

As the staff mentioned, Activated Resorcinol cannot be mixed directly into a water-based toner like the one using Witch Hazel as a base. Activated Resorcinol is oil-soluble and requires an emulsified system (like a cream or lotion) to be properly incorporated.

Suggested Toner Formulation (100g)

For a 100g toner using Witch Hazel Plus Allantoin as the base, you can combine the water-soluble ingredients you purchased with some recommended ingredients to address your specific skin concerns. Here is a suggested recipe:

• Witch Hazel Plus Allantoin: 85g (Base)
• Vit B3 Niacinamide: 5g (Helps reduce oiliness, minimize pores, improve skin barrier, and address hyperpigmentation)
• Calendula Extract Water Soluble: 2g (Soothes skin, reduces inflammation, helps with mild acne)
• Hyaluronic Acid Nano Molecule: 0.2g (Provides hydration and anti-aging benefits, though may not be the primary focus for oily skin)
• Zinc PCA: 1g (Highly effective for reducing oiliness and helping with acne)
• Pure MSM™: 3g (Helps control oil production)
• Rice Vitamin: 2g (Helps balance skin moisture, beneficial for combination skin)
• Preservative (e.g., Mild Preserved Eco): 1g (Essential to prevent microbial growth)
• pH Adjuster (if needed): q.s. (Adjust pH to around 4.5-5.5 for optimal stability and efficacy of ingredients like Zinc PCA and Niacinamide)

Total: 100g

Mixing Instructions

1. Weigh out the Witch Hazel Plus Allantoin base.
2. In a separate container, weigh the powders: Vit B3 Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid Nano Molecule, Zinc PCA, Pure MSM™, and Rice Vitamin.
3. Add a small amount of the Witch Hazel Plus Allantoin base to the powders and stir or blend until they are fully dissolved. Hyaluronic Acid Nano Molecule may take some time to dissolve completely.
4. Combine the dissolved mixture with the remaining Witch Hazel Plus Allantoin base.
5. Add the Calendula Extract Water Soluble.
6. Add your chosen preservative (e.g., Mild Preserved Eco).
7. Check the pH of the mixture using a pH meter or strips. If necessary, adjust the pH to the target range of 4.5-5.5 using a suitable pH adjuster (e.g., Lactic Acid or Triethanolamine, depending on whether you need to lower or raise the pH).
8. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Addressing Melasma

For your significant melasma concern, while Vit B3 Niacinamide in the toner can help with hyperpigmentation, Activated Resorcinol is a potent ingredient for this issue. Since it cannot be used in this toner, you could consider formulating a separate cream or serum using an oil base and emulsifier to incorporate the Activated Resorcinol.

Most importantly, consistent daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF and PA is absolutely critical for managing melasma and preventing it from worsening. Without adequate sun protection, any whitening treatments will have limited effectiveness.

Additionally, incorporating exfoliating ingredients like AHA (Glycolic Acid) or BHA (Salicylic Acid) can help improve skin texture and the appearance of melasma over time by promoting cell turnover. Note that the Salicylic Acid powder you purchased is not water-soluble and would require a solvent or a different form (like a water-soluble BHA) for a toner. AHA requires careful pH adjustment in the final formula for efficacy.

This toner formulation focuses on controlling oil, minimizing pores, soothing skin, and providing some anti-pigmentation benefits. For the melasma, consider a multi-pronged approach including a separate treatment product with Activated Resorcinol and diligent sun protection.