Formulating a Toner for Visible Cleansing Residue
Question
What ingredients or formulation strategies should be used to create a toner that effectively lifts impurities and leaves visible residue (dirt, oil, makeup, dead skin cells) on a cotton pad after wiping?
Answer
Toner Ingredients for Visible Residue
To create a toner that shows visible residue on a cotton pad after wiping, the key is to use ingredients that effectively lift impurities already present on the skin surface. This residue is typically a combination of dirt, oil, makeup residue, and dead skin cells.
Ingredients commonly used in cleansing or purifying toners that help achieve this effect include:
- Mild Surfactants: These help to emulsify and lift oil-based impurities and dirt from the skin.
- Humectants: Ingredients like Glycerin or Butylene Glycol can help to loosen surface debris, making it easier to wipe away.
- Gentle Exfoliants (at low concentrations): Mild acids like AHAs or BHAs can help loosen dead skin cells, contributing to the visible residue.
Based on the search, some ingredients related to cleansing were found, although their suitability for a toner varies:
- Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate: A gentle amino acid-based surfactant. While often used in wash-off products, mild surfactants can be incorporated into toners to aid in lifting residue.
- Clarify-Wash™ 35 Liquid (Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate): A strong detergent, generally too harsh for toners and more suitable for wash-off products.
- Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (EDDS): A chelating agent that helps remove metal ions, which might be part of skin residue but doesn't target general dirt/oil.
- Stabilized Protease Enzyme: Targets protein stains, less relevant for general toner cleansing.
- Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel: A pre-made product, not a raw ingredient for formulation.
To achieve the desired visible residue, focus on formulating with mild cleansing agents and ingredients that help loosen and lift surface impurities gently. The visible residue is a positive indicator that the toner is effectively cleaning the skin surface.
Related Products Mentioned