Formulating Acne Treatment Gel Cleanser with Encapsulated Salicylic Acid and SugarThick
Question
I have inflammatory and clogged acne, mostly around my jawline, which started appearing daily about 3 months ago, even though I don't usually get acne and don't wear makeup. I'm not sure if it's due to mask usage or unclean pillowcases. I have acne bumps without heads as well. I normally use BHA, specifically Complex Salicylic Acid (Powder, Water-Soluble), after washing my face, but new acne still appears. My supply is running out, so I want to switch to making an acne treatment gel cleanser for clogged and inflammatory acne using Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (Liquid, Timed-Release, Wash-Off), thinking its properties might be better than the complex powder form. However, I read that Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (Liquid) is not compatible with certain ingredients like Base: Aloe Vera Gel, Hyaluronic Gel and thickener/Emulsifier: Pro Polymer, Light Cream Maker, Satin Mousse, Xantham Gum, Natural Organic thickener. Given this, can I use SugarThick (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate) to increase the viscosity of the gel cleanser? I'm unsure if SugarThick is considered a natural organic thickener. My proposed formula is: Sulfate Free Shampoo Base 20%, Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (Liquid, Timed-Release, Wash-Off) 3%, SugarThick (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate) 1%, Mild Preserved Eco 1%, Water 75%. Can this formula be mixed?
Answer
Acne Treatment Gel Cleanser Formula
Based on the product information, your proposed formula for an acne treatment gel cleanser using Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (Liquid, Timed-Release, Wash-Off) is viable and suitable for wash-off products.
The concern about compatibility with thickeners is valid, but SugarThick (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate) is a non-ionic thickener. The description for Encapsulated Salicylic Acid states it is compatible with non-ionic thickeners, and SugarThick is also listed as a suitable thickener for the Sulfate Free Shampoo Base.
Here is the formula:
- Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7, Clear, Foaming): 20%
- Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (Liquid, Timed-Release, Wash-Off): 3%
- SugarThick (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate): 1%
- Mild Preserved Eco: 1%
- Water: 75%
Total: 100%
Mixing Instructions:
- Combine Water and Sulfate Free Shampoo Base. Stir gently to mix without creating excessive bubbles.
- Add SugarThick. You may need to warm the mixture slightly (50-60°C) or warm the SugarThick separately until liquid before adding, then stir slowly until it dissolves and the mixture begins to thicken. Avoid overheating.
- Once the mixture has thickened and cooled (if warmed), add Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (Liquid, Timed-Release, Wash-Off). Stir gently at low speed (below 1000 rpm) to avoid damaging the capsules.
- Add Mild Preserved Eco and stir gently to combine.
- Ensure all ingredients are fully dispersed and the mixture is uniform.
