Serum and Gel Formulation for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin (Hand Mixing)

Question

I am looking for a suitable formulation for oily, acne-prone skin that can be mixed using a hand mixer (egg beater). The staff suggested the following revised formula and a separate Salicylic Acid Gel formula. Can you analyze and explain the suitability of these formulas, especially regarding the mixing method?

Revised Serum Formula for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:

Zinc PCA 1%
Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A) 1%
GlucoBright™ (Acetyl glucosamine) 4%
Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5) 1%
Hyaluronic Acid (Nano Molecule) 0.5%
Safe-B3 5%
AcneBee™ Extra 2%
Mild Preserved Eco 1%
AnyGel 1%
Water (remaining percentage)

Mixing Procedure: Mix ingredient 9 (AnyGel) with 10 (Water) until a smooth gel is formed with no clumps. Then add ingredients 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 one by one into the gel, stirring until each dissolves into the gel.

Separate Salicylic Acid Gel for Clogged Pores (Targeted Treatment):

For Salicylic Acid, which helps unclog pores, mix it as a BHA Gel to apply to areas with many clogged pores. If there are no clogged pores, this step is not needed.

Salicylic Acid EZ™ (Water-soluble type) 10%
AnyGel 1%
Mild Preserved Eco 1%
Water (remaining percentage)

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Based on your request for a formula analysis for oily skin with acne inflammation, and considering the conversation with the staff regarding mixing methods, the revised formula provided by the staff for hand mixing appears well-suited for your needs.

This formula includes several key ingredients beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin:

Zinc PCA: Helps control excess oil production and has antibacterial properties that can assist in managing acne.
Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A): Known for its strong anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help reduce redness and irritation associated with acne.
Safe-B3 (Niacinamide): A versatile ingredient that helps regulate sebum production, reduces inflammation, improves the skin barrier function, and can also help fade post-acne marks.
AcneBee™ Extra: Propolis extract with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing benefits, targeting acne concerns.
Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5), Hyaluronic Acid (Nano Molecule), and GlucoBright™ (Acetyl glucosamine): These ingredients provide hydration without being heavy, soothe the skin, and GlucoBright™ may also help with skin tone and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The staff's recommendation to use AnyGel as the thickener instead of the Silky Serum Base, along with slightly adjusted percentages of hydrating ingredients like Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid, is intended to achieve a non-greasy serum texture that is suitable for oily skin and can be mixed by hand.

The separate Salicylic Acid Gel formula suggested by the staff is a good approach for targeted treatment of clogged pores, rather than incorporating a high percentage into the main serum for all-over application, which could be too drying or irritating for some.

Overall, the revised formula offers a good combination of ingredients to address oiliness, reduce acne inflammation, provide hydration, and improve skin condition, formulated to achieve a non-greasy texture suitable for hand mixing.