Formulating BHA Toner and Questions on Ingredient Suitability

Asked by: bmg_game On: February 11, 2013 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I am currently under a doctor's care for acne and dryness, using a dissolving acne medication and AHA. I am considering formulating my own BHA toner and have questions regarding ingredient percentages and compatibility.

  1. Can I use BHA as a toner without adding a thickener like xanthan gum?
  2. If I use other nourishing products, should they be in the same bottle as the BHA toner or a separate one?

  3. I have a proposed formulation:

    • BHA 2%
    • Hyaluronic Acid (Standard Molecule) 1%
    • Hyaluronic Acid (Nano Molecule) 1%
    • Natural Betaine (Trimethylglycine) 5%
    • Tea Tree Oil (Australian) 1%
    • Propylene Glycol 10%
    • Mild Preservative 1%
    • Distilled Water q.s.

    Could you please review this formulation and advise on the suitability and recommended percentages, especially for the Hyaluronic Acid, Natural Betaine, and Tea Tree Oil? Also, is Propylene Glycol stable with temperature changes?

Answer

Based on the conversation, the main advice from the staff and another user (C7) is to complete your current treatment course with the doctor before attempting to self-formulate or significantly change your routine. They noted that your current routine involves many products, which can be confusing and counterproductive. A systematic approach to skincare is crucial.

Regarding your specific questions and proposed formulation:

  • Scale and pH meter: These items are currently out of stock and expected around the middle of next month.
  • BHA as a toner: Yes, you can use BHA without xanthan gum as a toner by applying it with a cotton pad.
  • Using other nourishing products: It is recommended to use other nourishing products in a separate bottle from the BHA toner due to BHA's acidity potentially affecting other ingredients.
  • Proposed Formulation Ingredients:
    • Hyaluronic Acid (Standard and Nano Molecule): The staff recommends using 0.5% of each instead of 1%.
    • Natural Betaine (Trimethylglycine): The staff suggests starting with 5%.
    • Tea Tree Oil (Australian): The staff advises against including this because it does not dissolve in water and would require alcohol, which could cause irritation, especially when combined with BHA.
    • Propylene Glycol: This ingredient is not problematic regarding temperature stability.
    • The staff did not comment on the other ingredients or their proposed percentages.

Both the staff and C7 emphasized that using too many products simultaneously or interchangeably is not beneficial for the skin. They advised focusing on a clear, systematic routine, potentially discussing your concerns about dryness and your treatment plan with your current doctor first.

Therefore, the current advice is to continue with your doctor's prescribed treatment and routine for now, and perhaps revisit your plans for self-formulation and a new routine after completing that course, keeping the staff's ingredient recommendations in mind if you decide to formulate later.

Tags

BHA Formulation Adjustment Ingredient Suitability Skin Irritation Toner