Formulation Review: Acne-Reducing Facial Wash Gel for Combination Skin

The facial cleanser formula you provided is generally compatible and can be mixed. However, to meet your specific requirements for a "non-slippery, easy-to-rinse" feel while maintaining moisture for combination/acne-prone skin, I have the following recommendations:

1. Formula Analysis & Adjustments

• Surfactant System: Using Cocamidopropyl Betaine as the sole surfactant often results in a "slippery" feel that is hard to rinse off. To achieve a cleaner rinse and better cleansing power for combination skin, I recommend adding a non-ionic surfactant like Coco Glucoside.
  • Suggestion: Use Cocamidopropyl Betaine 10% + Coco Glucoside 10-15%.
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): 5% is a high concentration for a wash-off product. Since it stays on the skin briefly, 1-2% is usually sufficient and more cost-effective.
• Texture & Rinse-off: Xanthan Gum at 0.5% provides a gel texture but can contribute to a "slimy" feel. If you find it too slippery, you might consider Flora-Gum™, which provides a more "premium" and cleaner skin feel.
• Moisture Balance: Sodium Lactate and Glycerin are excellent for ensuring the skin doesn't feel tight after washing. WaterSil™ 8/12 is a great choice here as it helps reduce the tackiness of the humectants.

2. Recommended Final pH

For a facial cleanser, the ideal pH is 5.0 - 5.5. This range is close to the skin's natural acidity, helping to maintain the skin barrier and inhibit acne-causing bacteria. You can use Citric Acid (dissolved in water) to lower the pH if it is too high.

3. Mixing Instructions

1. Water Phase: Dissolve Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Safe-B3™, N-Acetyl Cysteine, and Sodium Lactate in Di-Water. Stir until completely clear.
2. Thickening: Mix Xanthan Gum with Glycerin in a separate small container (this prevents clumping). Then, pour this mixture into the Water Phase and stir until a smooth gel forms.
3. Surfactants: Add Cocamidopropyl Betaine (and Coco Glucoside if added) to the gel. Stir gently to avoid creating excessive foam.
4. Active Ingredients: Add Centella Asiatica Extract, Tomato Extract, and WaterSil™ 8/12. Stir to combine.
5. Preservation & Fragrance: Add Mild Preserved Eco™ and Fragrance.
6. pH Adjustment: Measure the pH. If it's above 5.5, slowly add a 10% Citric Acid solution until the desired pH is reached.

Summary of Ingredients

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Surfactant)
• Coco Glucoside (Recommended additional surfactant for better rinse-off)
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (Antioxidant)
• Allantoin (Soothing)
• Disodium EDTA (Chelating agent)
• Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3)
• Glycerin (Humectant)
• Xanthan Gum (Thickener)
• Mild Preserved Eco™ (Preservative)
• Sodium Lactate (Humectant/Buffer)
• WaterSil™ 8/12 (Detackifier)
• Centella Asiatica Extract (Soothing)
• Tomato Extract (Antioxidant)