LHA Formulation: Safety, Concentration Limits, and How to Use
Question
What are the safety guidelines and recommended concentration limits for using `Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA, LPA, Lipo Hydroxy Acid) Powder` (Product ID: 841) in cosmetic formulations for the face and body? How should this powder ingredient be incorporated into a formulation, including the dissolution method?
Answer
Formulating with LHA: Safety and Recommended Usage
You asked about formulating a product with 10% LHA. However, it is important to understand that using LHA at a 10% concentration is not recommended and is considered unsafe for general cosmetic use on both the face and body.
Regulatory guidelines and product recommendations typically limit the concentration of LHA (and related salicylic acid compounds) in cosmetic formulations to a maximum of 2%.
The product "Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA, LPA, Lipo Hydroxy Acid) Powder" (Product ID: 841) that you likely have is a pure powder. Its recommended usage rate for cosmetic applications is 0.5-5%, with a strong caution that the rate should not exceed 2% due to the potential for significant skin irritation at higher concentrations.
Concentrations higher than 2% are usually considered medicinal and are used for specific treatments (like warts or corns) under the strict supervision of a medical professional. Applying 10% LHA to the face or body could cause severe irritation, burning, or other adverse reactions.
How to Formulate with Capryloyl Salicylic Acid Powder (within safe limits)
If you wish to use the "Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA, LPA, Lipo Hydroxy Acid) Powder" product within the safe and recommended cosmetic range (up to 2%), here is the general method:
- Determine the desired concentration: Choose a concentration between 0.5% and 2% for your final product.
- Calculate the amount: For a 100-gram batch of your final product, use the desired percentage as the weight in grams (e.g., 2 grams for a 2% concentration).
- Incorporate into the oil phase: The LHA powder is soluble in oil. Add the calculated amount of powder to the oil phase of your formulation.
- Heat to dissolve: Heat the oil phase containing the LHA powder to 70-80°C to help the powder melt and disperse properly.
- Proceed with your formulation process: Continue combining the oil phase with the water phase and other ingredients as per your recipe.
Always prioritize safety and adhere to the recommended maximum usage rate of 2% for LHA in cosmetic formulations for the face and body.
