Formula Review and Mixing Guide

Your proposed gel formula for oily and acne-prone skin on the body contains several beneficial ingredients targeting oil control, clogged pores, inflammation, and potential scarring.

• Complex Salicylic Acid (5%, providing 2% Salicylic Acid): This is a suitable concentration for exfoliation and unclogging pores, especially on body skin which can be thicker.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide 5%): A good concentration for reducing oiliness, inflammation, and improving skin barrier function.
• Zinc PCA (1%): Excellent for controlling sebum and its antibacterial properties can help with acne.
• Pure MSM™ (3%): Can help with inflammation and oil control.
• Licorice Extract (1%, providing 1% Licochalcone A): Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help calm acne-prone skin and reduce redness.
• Pro Vitamin B5 (Panthenol 1%): Provides hydration and supports skin healing, which is helpful for preventing scarring.
• Phenoxyethanol (0.8%): A standard preservative concentration to ensure the product remains safe and stable.

The combination of these ingredients is appropriate for your goals.

Missing Component: Neutralizer

A crucial component missing from your list is a neutralizer for the Pro Polymer. Pro Polymer (Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer) is a gelling agent that requires a base (like Triethanolamine or a diluted Sodium Hydroxide solution) to activate and thicken the water phase into a gel structure. Without a neutralizer, the polymer will not swell, and your mixture will remain liquid.

Mixing Without Special Equipment or Heat

You do not need heat to mix this formula. All your listed ingredients are water-soluble and can be mixed at room temperature.

You also do not need a high-speed blender. However, simply stirring with a spoon might not be sufficient to achieve a smooth, lump-free gel, especially when incorporating the Pro Polymer and the neutralizer. Using a hand mixer or vigorous manual stirring is highly recommended for proper dispersion and thickening.

Recommended Mixing Steps

1. Weigh out the Distilled Water.
2. Add the powder ingredients (Vitamin B3, Complex Salicylic Acid, Pure MSM™, Zinc PCA, Pro Vitamin B5) to the water and stir well until they are completely dissolved.
3. Slowly sprinkle the Pro Polymer powder onto the surface of the water mixture while stirring continuously to prevent clumps. Continue stirring gently for a few minutes, then let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the polymer to hydrate.
4. Prepare your neutralizer solution (e.g., a diluted solution of Triethanolamine or Sodium Hydroxide).
5. Begin adding the neutralizer solution drop by drop or slowly to the hydrated polymer mixture while stirring vigorously (using a hand mixer or strong manual stirring). You will see the mixture start to thicken into a gel. Continue adding the neutralizer until you reach your desired gel consistency and the mixture is smooth.
6. Add the liquid ingredients (Licorice Extract, Phenoxyethanol) and stir to combine thoroughly.
7. Important: Check the pH of the final gel using a pH meter or pH strips. For a formula containing Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA, an optimal pH range is typically between 4.5 and 6.5 for efficacy and skin compatibility. Adjust the pH if necessary by adding more neutralizer (to increase pH) or a few drops of a diluted citric acid solution (to decrease pH).
8. Stir the final gel gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Remember to follow the specific usage instructions for the Pro Polymer and neutralizer you purchase, as recommended by the supplier. Always perform a patch test before applying the finished product to large areas of skin.