Gel Formulation for Face and Body: Hydration & Brightening for Sensitive/Oily/Dry Skin

Question

I have oily, dehydrated, thin, and sensitive facial skin, and dry/dehydrated body skin. I would like a lightweight, fast-absorbing gel for both face and body that is non-sticky, non-comedogenic, provides long-lasting hydration, and helps with skin brightening. I have proposed the following formulation and mixing procedure. Could you please review it and suggest any adjustments?

Formulation:

Hyaluronic Acid Elastomer 2%
HyaCoat 0.5%
GlucoBright 4%
Safe-B3 (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, Switzerland) 4%
Yeast Radiance 2.5%
shea butter water 5%
Pro Polymer 2%
Phenoxyethanol 1%
Distilled Water 79%

Mixing Procedure:

Mix 1+2+3+4+5+6 in distilled water, then add 7 until gel forms, then add 8.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

This is a well-thought-out gel formulation addressing your skin concerns and goals for both face and body.

Here's a review of your proposed formula:

Hydration: The combination of Hyaluronic Acid Elastomer, HyaCoat, GlucoBright (NAG), and water-soluble shea butter provides multiple layers of hydration, which is excellent for dehydrated skin on both your face and body.
Brightening: GlucoBright (NAG), Safe-B3 (Niacinamide), and Yeast Radiance are effective brightening agents. Using them together at these concentrations should yield good results for skin radiance and clarity.
Texture: The gel base with Pro Polymer, combined with water-soluble shea butter, is well-suited for creating a lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture that you desire for oily facial skin and comfortable use on the body.
Sensitivity: Safe-B3 (Niacinamide) is known for its soothing properties and ability to improve the skin barrier, which is beneficial for sensitive and thin skin. The other ingredients are generally considered mild.

Your mixing procedure is standard and appropriate for this type of gel formulation.

Suggestions for Consideration:

pH Adjustment: It is highly recommended to check and adjust the final pH of your gel. Niacinamide, in particular, is most stable and effective around pH 5-6. Adjusting the pH ensures ingredient stability and optimal skin compatibility.
Gel Consistency: The percentage of Pro Polymer (2%) will determine the thickness of the gel. You might adjust this slightly based on your preferred consistency – less for a thinner gel, more for a thicker one.
Patch Testing: As you have sensitive skin, always perform a patch test on a small area before applying the product extensively to ensure no irritation occurs.

Overall, this is a promising formulation that targets hydration, brightening, and a pleasant texture suitable for your skin types.