Formulation Review: Soft, Smooth, Moisturizing, Acne-Reducing Facial Foam

Here is an assessment of the proposed formula percentages:

• Water (56.20%): This is the base of the formulation and the percentage is appropriate for a liquid cleansing product.
• AminoWash™ (25%): AminoWash™ is a gentle, amino acid-derived surfactant known for its soft, creamy foam. The product description indicates a recommended usage rate of 5-25%. Your proposed 25% is at the maximum of this range. As noted by cosmeceutical7, this high concentration might be too strong for general daily use, potentially leading to dryness for some skin types, although it would provide very effective cleansing. A lower concentration, such as 15% as suggested, might be more suitable for typical facial cleansing while still providing good foam and feel.
  • Important Note: The product description for AminoWash™ also states that the formula should contain 0.1% Disodium EDTA to help prevent solidification or precipitation. Your current formula does not include this, which could lead to stability issues.
• Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (Liquid, Timed-Release, Wash-Off) (3.30%): This ingredient provides the acne-reducing benefit. The recommended usage rate for this specific type is 1.6-6.6%, where 3.3% is equivalent to 1% active Salicylic Acid, suitable for light acne. Your proposed percentage is within this recommended range and appropriate for the intended function. Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, which you are using, is listed as a compatible thickener for this ingredient.
• Glycerin (2%): Glycerin is a humectant that adds moisture to the skin. The recommended usage rate is 1-100%. Your proposed 2% is well within the typical range for a wash-off product and will contribute to the moisturizing feel.
• Sodium PCA 50% (5.00%): Sodium PCA is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) component. The product description for Sodium PCA 50% recommends a usage rate of 0.5-2% for moisturizing effect. Your proposed 5% is higher than the recommended maximum. While Sodium PCA is gentle, using a concentration above the recommended range might not provide additional significant benefits and could potentially affect the final formulation's feel or stability. Consider reducing this to within the 0.5-2% range.
• Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) (1.00%): HEC is used as a thickener to create the gel texture. The recommended usage rate is 0.5-3%. Your proposed 1% is within this range and should provide adequate viscosity for a facial foam. It is also compatible with the Encapsulated Salicylic Acid.
• emulPearl™ (Dispersed Liquid) (2.00%): This ingredient is used to create a pearlized appearance and luster. The recommended usage rate for the dispersed liquid type is 2-10%. Your proposed 2% is at the minimum recommended rate and should provide a subtle pearl effect.
• BroadPreserve™ (0.50%): Preservatives are crucial for preventing microbial growth. The term "BroadPreserve™" might refer to several specific products. Based on the search results, examples include Mild Preserved™ COS (recommended 0.75-1.5%), Preserve-BSB™ (recommended 0.3-1.0%), and NaturePreserve™ LB2 (recommended 0.5-1.0%). Your proposed 0.50% is within the recommended range for Preserve-BSB™ and NaturePreserve™ LB2 but below the minimum for Mild Preserved™ COS. It is essential to identify the specific "BroadPreserve™" product you are using and ensure your percentage is within its recommended range and that it is compatible with the final pH of your formulation, especially considering the presence of Salicylic Acid (which typically results in an acidic pH).

Overall Assessment:

The formulation includes appropriate ingredients for a soft, smooth, moisturizing, and acne-reducing facial foam. However, the concentrations of AminoWash™ and Sodium PCA are at or above the maximum recommended levels, and the concentration of Creamy Foamer™ is at the lower end of its recommended range for foam boosting. Additionally, the absence of Disodium EDTA with the high concentration of AminoWash™ could be a stability concern, and the specific "BroadPreserve™" needs to be confirmed for correct usage rate and pH compatibility.

Adjusting the AminoWash™ and Sodium PCA concentrations to within their recommended ranges (e.g., AminoWash™ at 15% and Sodium PCA 50% at 2%) might result in a gentler formula while still providing effective cleansing and moisturizing. Increasing Creamy Foamer™ to 10-15% could enhance the foam quality. Adding 0.1% Disodium EDTA is highly recommended for stability when using AminoWash™. Finally, confirm the specific preservative and its appropriate usage rate and pH range.