Gel Cleanser Formula for Sensitive Skin

Thank you for sharing your gel cleanser formula. It's great that you are making your own products to suit your sensitive skin, especially while using BHA.

Based on your formula and the previous advice:

• Tea Tree Oil: As advised previously, it's best to remove Tea Tree Oil from this formula while you are using BHA. Tea Tree Oil can be irritating, and minimizing potential irritants is key when your skin is sensitive and adjusting to BHA treatment.
• Base Formula: The remaining ingredients – Lauryl Glucoside, Vitamin B5, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, ECOCERT natural organic thickener, and Water – form a gentle base suitable for sensitive skin. The high levels of Propylene Glycol and Glycerin are excellent for providing moisture and helping to keep your skin hydrated, which is important when using BHA. Lauryl Glucoside is a mild surfactant often used in gentle cleansers.
• Lactic Acid: Using Lactic Acid to adjust the pH is appropriate, especially since Lauryl Glucoside is alkaline and needs pH adjustment for optimal skin compatibility.
• Phenoxyethanol: Yes, it is necessary to include a preservative like Phenoxyethanol in this water-based formula. Even if you plan to use 100g in a month, water-based products are prone to microbial contamination from air and contact during use. If your girlfriend will use it for longer, a preservative is essential to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, which can spoil the product and potentially harm your skin. Phenoxyethanol is a common and effective preservative for cosmetic formulations. A typical usage rate is 0.5-1.0%.

Here is a summary of the adjusted formula and recommendations:

• Lauryl Glucoside: 5% (Gentle surfactant)
• Vitamin B5: 5% (Skin conditioning, humectant)
• Propylene Glycol: 25% (Humectant, solvent)
• Glycerin: 25% (Humectant)
• ECOCERT natural organic thickener: 1% (Thickener)
• Phenoxyethanol: 0.5 - 1.0% (Preservative - essential for product safety and stability)
• Lactic Acid: Adjust pH to 5.0-6.0 (For skin compatibility and optimal performance)
• Water: Adjust to 100%

Instructions:

1. Combine Water, Lauryl Glucoside, Vitamin B5, Propylene Glycol, and Glycerin. Mix well.
2. Add the ECOCERT natural organic thickener and mix until fully dispersed and thickened.
3. Add Phenoxyethanol and mix.
4. Slowly add Lactic Acid drop by drop, mixing and checking the pH until it reaches 5.0-6.0.

This formula, with the removal of Tea Tree Oil and the addition of Phenoxyethanol, should be a gentle and stable cleanser suitable for your sensitive skin while using BHA.