Oil-Based Acne Spot Treatment Formulation: Solubility and Ingredient Compatibility

Here is the summary of the information provided by the staff regarding your questions about formulating an oil-based acne spot treatment:

1. Dissolving Sugarcane Extract (Policosanol) at 10% in Sea Buckthorn Oil for later use:
It might be difficult to dissolve Policosanol at such a high concentration (10%) in oil. While it might dissolve when heated, it is likely to precipitate upon cooling back to room temperature.

2. Precipitation of dissolved Sugarcane Extract (Policosanol):
Yes, if dissolved at high concentrations or high temperatures, precipitation is likely to occur as the solution cools down.

3. Heating Sea Buckthorn Oil to 85°C:
Heating Sea Buckthorn Oil to 85°C for a short duration is acceptable. However, prolonged heating at this temperature will cause the vitamins in the oil to degrade. The degradation increases with higher temperature and longer exposure time.

4. Suitable oils for dissolving Sugarcane Extract (Policosanol) and suitability for your formula:
Polar oils are generally better at dissolving ingredients like Policosanol than non-polar or less polar oils. However, the exact solubility varies for each oil. The staff does not have specific data on which of the oils you listed (Abyssinian Oil, Argan Oil, Aloe Vera Oil, Snake Oil, Passion Fruit Seed Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil, Copaiba Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Shea Butter light) would dissolve Policosanol best or be the lightest and most suitable for acne-prone skin with anti-inflammatory properties. You would need to test these oils yourself to determine their solubility for Policosanol and their suitability for your skin type and desired texture.

5. Regarding your proposed formula for acne spot treatment:

• Feasibility: The formula as written has a significant issue with the solubility of Licochalcone A (20%).
• Licochalcone A (20%): This ingredient is soluble in Glycol, not oil. Since your formula is entirely oil-based and does not contain any glycol, the Licochalcone A (20%) will likely not dissolve properly in this mixture. You may need to reconsider this ingredient or modify your formula to include a suitable solvent if you wish to use it.
• LHA powder: This ingredient might dissolve in the oil base. You may need to use heat (around 50-60°C) to help it dissolve completely.
• Sugarcane Extract (Policosanol): You can add Policosanol to the warmed oil base (at a temperature not exceeding 50°C) and stir to dissolve as much as possible. However, only the amount that can dissolve at room temperature will remain in solution without precipitating upon cooling. You should add only the amount that stays dissolved at room temperature to avoid precipitation.
• Mixing Method: You can mix this formula manually or with gentle stirring.
• Mixing Order: A general approach would be to gently warm your chosen base oil to around 50-60°C. Add the LHA powder and Sugarcane Extract (Policosanol) to the warmed oil and stir until dissolved (or dissolved as much as possible for Policosanol). Once these are dissolved and the mixture is uniform, remove from heat and let it cool down. Once cooled, add the heat-sensitive ingredients like Tocotrienols, Oryzanol, and Tea Tree Oil. Remember that Licochalcone A (20%) will not dissolve in this oil base.

In summary, while manual mixing is possible and short-term heating of the oil is okay, the main challenge in your proposed formula is the solubility of Licochalcone A (20%) in an oil-only system and the limited solubility of Policosanol in oil at room temperature, which can lead to precipitation. You will need to test the solubility of Policosanol in your chosen base oil and adjust the concentration accordingly, and find an alternative for Licochalcone A or modify the formula base.