Formulation Issue: Ingredients Separation

Based on the conversation, the separation or clumping in your formulation occurred because the pH dropped too low after adding Mandelic Acid.

Ingredients Used:

• Water
• Disodium EDTA (184)
• Zinc PCA (252)
• Salicylic Acid EZ (766)
• Mandelic Acid (769)

Problem:
Adding Mandelic Acid (769) at 4% resulted in a very low pH (around 2 or lower) in the formula.

Cause of Separation:

• Ingredients like Zinc PCA (252) and Salicylic Acid EZ (766) are unstable and can break down or precipitate at such low pH levels.
• Cosmetic formulations should generally have a pH above 3.5 for stability and regulatory compliance.

Correct Procedure:
To avoid this, you should adjust the pH of the solution before adding pH-sensitive ingredients:

1. Mix Mandelic Acid (769) with water (and Disodium EDTA).
2. Measure the pH.
3. Adjust the pH upwards to the desired range (above 3.5 and suitable for all ingredients) using a pH adjuster.
4. Once the pH is stable, add other ingredients like Zinc PCA (252) and Salicylic Acid EZ (766).

Adding Mandelic Acid last without pH adjustment caused the sudden drop in pH, leading to the instability of other components.