Formulation Review for Oily Skin with Redness and Acne Marks

Thank you for sharing your formulations for a hydrating essence and a regenerating serum. It's great that you are creating products tailored to your skin concerns.

Here is a review of your proposed formulas, incorporating feedback and suggestions:

Essence (Day and Night)

Your proposed formula for the hydrating essence is a good base for oily skin focused on hydration and addressing redness/acne marks. The combination of Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Panthenol, Double Hyaluron Liquid, Olive Extract, Grape Seed Extract, and Hydro Algae provides excellent moisturizing, soothing, and antioxidant benefits.

As noted in the staff reply, the ingredient Phospholipid is not suitable for a water-only formula like this essence and should be removed. The remaining ingredients can be easily mixed into the Lavender Water base by stirring or using a blender.

Please be aware that Grape Seed Extract may cause the formula to have a darker color.

Serum (Night)

Your night serum formula includes ingredients aimed at regeneration and hydration. The combination of Repair Activator, Natural Amino Acids, Urea, Rice Vitamin B8, Green Tea Extract, Licorice Extract, Avocado Oil, and hydrating components can offer significant benefits.

The staff correctly pointed out that using Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone (Water-in-Oil EZ) requires a blender to properly emulsify the oil and water phases. You will need a suitable blending device for this formula.

Regarding Phospholipid, the staff recommended using it at 3% in this serum formula. Your proposed formula lists 5%, so please adjust this down to 3%.

For oily skin, the staff also advised caution with ingredients like Urea, Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids, and Avocado Oil, suggesting they might be too heavy. If you find the serum feels too oily or contributes to breakouts, consider reducing the concentration of these ingredients to 1-2% or exploring lighter alternatives for hydration and skin conditioning.

Preservation

You mentioned wanting to avoid preservatives by using Lavender Water as the base. While Lavender Water has some natural properties, it is generally not sufficient on its own to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic formulations, especially those containing water and used repeatedly (introducing bacteria from fingers or air). Without a proper preservative system, your homemade products are at high risk of contamination, which can lead to spoilage, irritation, or even infection.

For the safety and stability of your products, it is strongly recommended to include a suitable cosmetic preservative. There are many mild and natural-focused preservative options available that can provide necessary protection without causing irritation. Please consider adding one to both your essence and serum formulas to ensure they remain safe to use throughout their shelf life.

Summary of Benefits for Your Skin Type

Your chosen ingredients include several that are beneficial for oily skin prone to redness and acne marks:

• Niacinamide and Acetyl Glucosamine: Known for reducing redness, improving skin barrier function, and helping with acne marks.
• Panthenol, Double Hyaluron Liquid, Natural Amino Acids, Urea, Hydro Algae, and Rice Vitamin B8: Provide essential hydration, which is important even for oily skin, helping to balance oil production and improve skin texture.
• Olive Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea Extract, and Licorice Extract: Offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe redness and protect the skin.
• Repair Activator: Supports skin regeneration, beneficial for improving the appearance of acne marks over time.

By adjusting the formulas as suggested, particularly regarding the Phospholipid and considering the staff's advice on ingredients for oily skin, and most importantly, adding a preservative, you can create effective and safe products for your skin type.