Gel Formulation Review and Mixing Procedure
Question
I have a gel formulation for oily, acne-prone skin with large pores, aiming for hydration without greasiness, brightening, pore tightening, acne/scar reduction, and skin strengthening. The ingredients include:
- Distilled Water
- WhiteCumin 2x
- Safe-B3
- GlucoBright
- Pro Polymer
- Centella Asiatica Extract
- Snail Secretion
- Aloe Vera Extract
- Rice Vitamin
- Licorice Extract
- Phenoxyethanol
I have the following questions:
- Is this formula usable?
- What is the mixing order?
- Do I need to add or reduce anything else?
- If I want to add Vitamin B6 2%, can I? Where should I add it?
- Do I need to adjust the pH?
- If I want to add fragrance, when should I add it? Do I need to mix anything before adding?
Answer
Subject: Gel Formulation Review
Thank you for providing your gel formulation and questions. Based on your skin type (oily, acne-prone with large pores) and desired properties (hydration without greasiness, brightening, pore tightening, acne/scar reduction, skin strengthening), this formula includes several ingredients known to help with these concerns.
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. Is this formula usable?
Yes, this formula appears suitable for your skin type and goals. The combination of ingredients like Niacinamide (Safe-B3), N-Acetyl Glucosamine (GlucoBright), Centella Asiatica, Snail Secretion, Aloe Vera, Rice Vitamin, and Licorice Extract addresses hydration, brightening, soothing, pore appearance, and skin barrier support, which aligns well with managing oily, acne-prone skin.
2. What is the mixing order?
Based on the ingredients and typical formulation practices, here is a recommended mixing order:
- Combine the water-soluble ingredients (WhiteCumin 2x, Safe-B3, GlucoBright, Aloe Vera Extract, Rice Vitamin, Licorice Extract) with Distilled Water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Gradually add Pro Polymer to the water phase while stirring or mixing until a gel forms. Ensure it is fully hydrated and the desired gel consistency is achieved.
- Add Centella Asiatica Extract and Snail Secretion. Mix well.
- Add Phenoxyethanol (preservative) and mix thoroughly.
- If adding fragrance, add it at this final stage and mix until dispersed.
- If adding Vitamin B6, add it gradually at this final stage, mixing well after each small addition. Monitor the consistency.
3. Do I need to add or reduce anything?
The current formula is well-rounded for your stated goals. You mentioned potentially adding Vitamin B6.
4. Can I add Vitamin B6 2%? Where should I add it?
Yes, you can add Vitamin B6 2%. As discussed with the staff, Vitamin B6 is an electrolyte and can thin the gel. It should be added gradually at the very end of the formulation process, after the gel has fully formed and the preservative is added. Mix well after each small addition. If the gel becomes too thin, you may need to add a small amount of additional Pro Polymer or another thickener to regain the desired consistency.
5. Do I need to adjust the pH?
Based on the ingredients, the pH of this formula is expected to be in the range of 5-7, which is suitable for skin and does not require adjustment.
6. If I add fragrance, when should I add it? Do I need to mix anything before adding?
Add the fragrance at the final step after all other ingredients (including the preservative and Vitamin B6, if used) have been incorporated and the gel is formed. You do not need to pre-mix the fragrance with anything before adding it to the finished gel base. Mix it in thoroughly until dispersed.
Related Products Mentioned
Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide)
GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine)
Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure)
Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker)
Snail Secretion
Rice Vitamin (Inositol, Vitamin B8)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)