Gel for Red and Dark Spots from Acne

To address both red and dark spots from acne, you will need ingredients that target inflammation (for redness) and ingredients that target melanin production (for dark spots).

For Red Spots (Reducing Irritation and Inflammation)

Red spots are often a sign of inflammation left after acne has healed. Ingredients that soothe and reduce irritation are helpful.

• Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 1%): This extract is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and irritation from acne. It can also help control skin oiliness.
• D-Panthenol Care (Pro-Vitamin B5): Pro-Vitamin B5 is excellent for moisturizing, reducing inflammation, redness, and itching. It also aids in wound healing and tissue regeneration, which can help with acne marks.

For Dark Spots (Whitening)

Dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are caused by excess melanin production. Whitening ingredients help to inhibit this process or break down existing melanin.

You can choose one or a combination of these effective whitening ingredients:

• AEPWhite™ (Aminoethylphosphinic Acid): This ingredient works by stabilizing DOPAchrome, a precursor to melanin, preventing melanin formation. It's highly stable and can be used synergistically with other whitening agents.
• MelaninTerminate™: This ingredient, derived from pearl protein, inhibits melanin production through a different mechanism (endothelin antagonist), blocking the signal for melanin formation.
• Phenylethyl Resorcinol (e.q. SymWhite 377): A highly effective tyrosinase inhibitor, meaning it blocks the enzyme needed to produce melanin. It is considered very potent for skin brightening and reducing dark spots.
• Tranexamic Acid (Trans-White™): This ingredient helps to reduce melanin formation and is particularly effective for addressing blemishes and dark spots caused by sun exposure.

You can combine ingredients from both the "Red Spots" and "Dark Spots" categories in your gel formulation.

Texture with Pro Polymer

You asked about using Butylene Glycol to make a gel made with Pro Polymer feel smoother, instead of Cyclomethicone.

• Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker): This is a thickener used to create a gel texture in water-based formulas.
• Butylene Glycol: This is primarily a solvent and humectant. While it can add some hydration, it does not provide the smooth, silky skin feel that silicone-based ingredients do.
• Cyclopentasiloxane (Low-Odor Cyclomethicone) and Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky): These are silicone-based ingredients. Silicones are known for providing a smooth, slippery, and silky feel on the skin. Silicone Gel is noted as providing the most silky texture among the silicone options.

Therefore, if you are using Pro Polymer to create your gel base and want to achieve a smooth, non-sticky skin feel, using a Silicone ingredient like Cyclopentasiloxane or Silicone Gel is recommended over Butylene Glycol. Butylene Glycol will not give you the desired smooth texture in the same way Silicones do.

In summary, for your gel:

1. Select ingredients for reducing redness (e.g., Licorice Extract, Vitamin B5).
2. Select ingredients for reducing dark spots (e.g., AEPWhite, MelaninTerminate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Tranexamic Acid).
3. Use Pro Polymer as your gel base.
4. To improve the texture and achieve a smooth feel, incorporate a Silicone ingredient like Cyclopentasiloxane or Silicone Gel, rather than Butylene Glycol.