Questions about Natural Extracts, Solubility, and Formulation

Based on the staff's detailed response, here are the answers to your questions:

• Quality of oil-soluble vs. water-soluble extracts: The quality and effectiveness depend on the specific active compound extracted from the plant and its natural solubility. For example, Aloe Vera's key actives (Aloin A, B, Polysaccharides) are water-soluble, so a water-based extract is effective. Centella Asiatica's Madecassoside is oil-soluble, making an oil-based extract necessary for this active. Calendula's active, Rutin (which helps reduce inflammation), is oil-soluble. The shop is currently phasing out the water-soluble Calendula Extract and plans to introduce an oil-soluble version specifically extracted for Rutin. (The staff response did not specify when the oil-based Calendula extract will be available).
• Formulation issue (Spray): If your oil-soluble extract separates in a face spray even with Flora Solve™, you may need to use a higher concentration of Flora Solve™. Alternatively, you can try Flora Solve™ Clear, which is designed for solubilizing fragrances in water and may offer better performance.
• Best type of natural extract (Water, Oil, Powder): As mentioned, the "best" type depends on the solubility of the desired active compounds. Liquid extracts are generally preferred over powder extracts if the powder is difficult to dissolve, as undissolved ingredients cannot be absorbed by the skin.
• Calendula Extract (Shop product) vs. Phytelene Marigold: The shop does not have information regarding phytelene marigold.
• Licorice Extract (Shop product) & Other Herbs: The function of Licorice Extract depends on the specific active compound. The shop's Licorice Extract contains Licochalcone A, which is effective for reducing oiliness and inflammation (beneficial for acne-prone skin) but does not provide skin whitening benefits. The staff response did not recommend other specific herbs for acne or whitening beyond clarifying the shop's Licorice product. Mixing Licorice (Licochalcone A), Calendula (Rutin), and Centella Asiatica (Madecassoside) together is generally possible, and their combined effects could potentially address both acne/inflammation and other skin concerns, but the staff response did not confirm if this specific combination targets both acne and whitening simultaneously based on the actives present in the shop's products (as the shop's Licorice is not for whitening).
• Witch Hazel (Shop product): Neither version is inherently "better"; they serve different needs. The Witch Hazel with Allantoin is beneficial for sensitive skin or skin prone to irritation, as Allantoin helps soothe and reduce irritation. If your skin is healthy and not easily irritated, the regular Witch Hazel is sufficient, and the Allantoin version would not provide additional benefit beyond the base Witch Hazel properties.
• Formulation Compatibility & Ratios: Mixing Witch Hazel, Pitera, and other extracts is generally compatible. Ingredients typically do not counteract each other unless explicitly stated on the product detail page for a specific ingredient. The staff response did not provide specific recommended ratios for Water:Pitera:Extracts:Natural Preservative.