Salicylic Acid 2% Toner Formulation and Converting to Cream
Question
Based on the topic "Salicylic Acid 2% Toner", I have two questions regarding the formulation:
Is the following mixing procedure for the toner correct?
- Combine 1. Salicylic Acid with 2. Propylene Glycol and stir until fully dissolved.
- Add 3. Polysorbate 20 and mix thoroughly.
- Add 4. Water and continue mixing until fully dissolved without sediment, resulting in a toner.
If I want to make the toner into a cream texture, can I add 1% Light Cream Maker™ by reducing the water (item 4) to 54% and adding the Light Cream Maker™ last, after adding the water? Is this correct?
Answer
Based on your questions and the reply you received:
Mixing Procedure for Toner: Your proposed steps are a standard and logical way to prepare the BHA toner. Dissolving Salicylic Acid in Propylene Glycol first is correct as SA is more soluble in PG than water. Adding Polysorbate 20 helps disperse the mixture in water and maintain stability. Adding water last combines everything. While these steps are generally correct, it's recommended to cross-reference with the original source of the formula as suggested in the previous reply.
Making it a Cream with Light Cream Maker™: As explained in the previous reply, adding Light Cream Maker™ alone is not enough to create a cream. Light Cream Maker™ is an emulsifier that requires both an oil phase and a water phase to form a cream. You would need to add an oil component (like 3% lipidsoft or another oil) to your formula. The Light Cream Maker™ would then emulsify this oil with your BHA solution. Also, remember that Light Cream Maker™ needs a pH of at least 2.5 to work properly. If the cream doesn't form after adding an oil phase and Light Cream Maker™, the pH might be too low, and you might need to adjust it slightly with a base like triethanolamine.