Review of Revised Whitening Gel Formula for Oily Skin

Subject: Review of Whitening Gel Formula

Thank you for submitting your revised gel formula for review, targeting skin whitening and brightening for oily, pore-prone skin with redness and occasional clogged pores.

Here is a review of the proposed formula:

• Whitening & Brightening Actives: Your formula includes several potent whitening ingredients: Safe-B3™ (Niacinamide) ([id: 74]) 5%, GlucoBright™ (Acetyl glucosamine) ([id: 116]) 4%, Activated Resorcinol S™ ([id: 897]) 5%, Soy Extract ([id: 302]) 10%, and MSH White Absorb™ ([id: 881]) 5%. While this combination is designed for significant brightening, the concentrations of Activated Resorcinol (5%) and MSH White Absorb (5%) are very high. Using multiple potent actives at such high levels significantly increases the risk of skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity, especially for daily use. Soy Extract (10%) is also a high concentration which might contribute to a heavier feel on oily skin without adding proportionally more whitening benefit compared to other ingredients.
• Texture (Gel): You mentioned wanting a gel texture, but the formula includes Satin Cream Maker™ ([id: 247]) 1%. This ingredient is designed to create cream textures, not gels. To achieve a gel, you would need to include a suitable gel-forming agent (like Pro Polymer™ which was in your previous formula) and omit the Satin Cream Maker.
• PHA Concentration: As noted in the previous response from staff, Natural PHA (Gluconolactone) ([id: 536]) at 5% can contribute to a sticky or heavy feeling on the skin, which may not be ideal for oily skin, particularly for a product intended for use during the day.
• Exfoliation & Clogged Pores: Your previous formula and the staff's revised formula included Willow Bark Extract (Natural Salicylic Acid) ([id: 1117]), which is beneficial for gentle exfoliation and addressing clogged pores relevant to your skin type. This ingredient is missing from your current proposed formula.

Considering your skin type (oily, prone to clogged pores) and the goal of whitening/brightening with minimal irritation, the staff's previously suggested revised formula appears better balanced. It includes ingredients specifically to help manage oiliness and redness (Licorice Extract ([id: 69]), AcneBee™ Extra ([id: 920])) and retains an exfoliant (Willow Bark Extract ([id: 1117])) while using a more appropriate selection and balance of whitening actives.

We recommend reconsidering the concentrations of the potent whitening actives (Activated Resorcinol, MSH White Absorb, Soy Extract) to reduce irritation risk and improve texture for oily skin. You should also replace Satin Cream Maker™ with a gel maker and consider adding back an ingredient like Willow Bark Extract for exfoliation. The staff's revised formula provides a good starting point for these adjustments.