Review of Your Gentle Gel Cleanser Formula

This formula is designed as a gentle gel cleanser suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skin, with the aim of effectively removing sunscreen and makeup. Let's review the components and the mixing method.

Safflower Seed Oil Percentage

You asked about the percentage for Safflower Seed Oil. For a gel cleanser, especially one for oily skin, a typical usage rate for oils is generally low. Safflower Seed Oil (NaturalProfile™ Safflower Seed Oil) can help with makeup removal and provide some skin conditioning. You could start with a percentage between 1-5% of the total formula. The exact amount can be adjusted based on how well it removes makeup and how the finished product feels on the skin. Remember that the total percentage of all ingredients in your formula should add up to 100%. You will need to adjust the percentage of water accordingly based on the amount of Safflower Seed Oil and Citric Acid used.

Mixing Method

Your proposed mixing method is generally on the right track, separating ingredients into two phases and then combining them before adjusting the pH. However, here is a slightly refined method that might help ensure better dispersion of the powder and emulsification of the oil:

1. In your main container, combine the water, Glycerin (Glycerin (USP/Food Grade)), Zinc PCA (Zinc PCA), Plantacare 1200 (Lauryl Glucoside), Creamy Foamer (Creamy Foamer™), and Lamesoft PO 65 (Ecosoft™ PO65). Stir gently until well mixed. You may need to gently warm this mixture (around 50-60°C) to help the Lauryl Glucoside and Creamy Foamer incorporate smoothly.
2. In a separate small container, disperse the Bamboo Charcoal Powder (Bamboo Charcoal Powder) in a small amount of water or Glycerin taken from your main batch. Mix until there are no dry clumps.
3. In another small container, combine the Safflower Seed Oil (NaturalProfile™ Safflower Seed Oil) and PEG-7 Olive Oil (Olive Oil Water). Mix them together.
4. Slowly add the oil mixture from step 3 into the main water phase from step 1 while stirring continuously. The PEG-7 Olive Oil and Lamesoft PO 65 should help emulsify the Safflower Seed Oil into the water phase.
5. Add the dispersed Bamboo Charcoal mixture from step 2 to the main batch and stir until the powder is evenly distributed throughout the gel.
6. Finally, dissolve your Citric Acid in a very small amount of water and add it drop by drop to the mixture while checking the pH. Adjust the pH to a skin-friendly range, typically between 5.0 and 5.5. This range is also optimal for the solubility of Zinc PCA.

This method helps ensure that the powder is fully dispersed and the oil is properly emulsified within the water-based formula, leading to a more stable and aesthetically pleasing product.