Issues with Witch Hazel (Extract 99% Tannins) Powder Dissolution and Precipitation

Based on the properties of Witch Hazel (Extract 99% Tannins) powder and its interaction with other ingredients, there are two main issues you encountered:

Issue 1: Difficulty Dissolving and Clumping

Explanation: The high concentration of Tannin in Witch Hazel (Extract 99% Tannins) powder makes it highly water-soluble. When the powder is added to a large volume of water or still water, it rapidly absorbs water and the particles stick together, forming sticky clumps. This phenomenon is known as "clumping".

Solutions: To properly dissolve the powder and prevent clumping, you need to ensure the powder particles are dispersed quickly as they contact the water. Here are a few methods:

• Vigorous Stirring: Gradually sprinkle the powder into water that is being stirred vigorously (e.g., using a magnetic stirrer or creating a strong vortex with a mixing rod). This helps the powder disperse and dissolve immediately upon contact with the water.
• Pre-mixing: Dissolve the powder in a very small amount of water first to create a concentrated paste or solution, then add this mixture to the main water phase while stirring.
• Shaking: If using a container with a lid, you can add the powder and water and shake vigorously until dissolved.

Issue 2: Precipitation when mixed with Encapsulated BHA

Explanation: Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (BHA) is designed with a special encapsulated structure (liposome) and often carries a specific charge to help with skin delivery. Certain ingredients, including the high concentration of tannins in Witch Hazel (Extract 99% Tannins) powder, can interfere with this delicate encapsulation structure. This interference can cause the encapsulated BHA to break down or become unstable, leading to separation or precipitation in the formula.

Solution: Witch Hazel (Extract 99% Tannins) powder is incompatible with Encapsulated Salicylic Acid. If you need to include Witch Hazel in a formula that contains Encapsulated Salicylic Acid, it is recommended to use Witch Hazel (Distillate - Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) instead. The distilled form is generally more compatible with a wider range of ingredients, including encapsulated actives, and is less likely to cause precipitation issues while still providing some of the benefits of Witch Hazel.