Inquiry on Cream Formulation for Combination to Dry Skin with Acne Scars

Question

I am developing a cream formulation for combination to dry skin with acne scars. I want a light texture suitable for a pump bottle. My current formulation includes:

Tea Tree Oil (1%)
Coenzyme Q10 (1%)
Global Guard (1%)
Light Cream Maker

Could you please advise:

Can this formulation be mixed?
Are the concentrations of Tea Tree Oil (1%) and Coenzyme Q10 (1%) suitable for full-face application, especially regarding potential irritation or color issues?
Is Global Guard (1%) the best preservative choice, or are there better alternatives for ease of use without pH adjustment?
What is the recommended mixing procedure for this type of cream, particularly for manual mixing?
How does Light Cream Maker function in this formula, and where should it be added during mixing?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Formulation Inquiry for Combination to Dry Skin with Acne Scars

Regarding your proposed formulation for combination to dry skin with acne scars, aiming for a light, easy-to-mix cream suitable for a pump bottle:

Your formulation can be mixed, but based on the staff's advice, here are some points and recommendations:

Mixability: Yes, the formulation can be mixed.
Tea Tree Oil (1%): Using this concentration on the entire face might cause irritation. It is generally more suitable for spot treatment. The staff recommends reducing the concentration to 0.2-0.3% or omitting it entirely for full-face application. The website suggests not exceeding 0.5% for facial use.
Coenzyme Q10 (1%): This ingredient has a strong red color which will significantly color your final product. If you intend to use the cream during the day or prefer a less colored product, the staff recommends omitting it.
Preservative - Global Guard (1%): Global Guard has limitations regarding pH. The staff recommends replacing it with Mild Preserved Eco (1%) as it is easier to use and does not require pH adjustment. Mild Preserved Eco can be added directly to the cream formula without a solvent like Ethoxydiglycol, as the Light Cream Maker will help incorporate it.

Mixing Instructions:

You can mix this formula manually without special equipment by following these steps:

Mix all water-phase ingredients together.
Mix all oil-phase ingredients together (including Light Cream Maker).
Gradually add the water phase mixture into the oil phase mixture while stirring continuously until fully combined and emulsified into a cream.

Light Cream Maker: This acts as your emulsifier. Based on the manual mixing instructions, it should be added to the oil phase before combining the two phases.

Preservative Suitability: The staff recommends Mild Preserved Eco (1%) as a suitable and milder alternative to Global Guard for this formulation, which is easier to work with for beginners.