Serum Formulation for Oily Skin, Clogged Pores, and Large Pores

Hello. I understand you're looking to create a serum for oily skin with clogged pores, blackheads/whiteheads, and large pores, to be applied before other skincare products.

Regarding your question about using Beta Glucan and Tranexamic Acid, based on the information and previous staff replies, Beta Glucan's main properties are soothing, reducing irritation, and providing hydration. Tranexamic Acid primarily helps with skin brightening and reducing melasma. Therefore, these two ingredients are not the main actives specifically targeting pore tightening or oil control.

To address oily skin, large pores, and clogged pores/acne, you should focus on ingredients that help exfoliate, dissolve clogs, and control oil. Recommended ingredients include:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): This is a key ingredient that helps exfoliate skin cells and dissolve oil and debris within pores, which cause clogged pores and blackheads/whiteheads. It also helps control oiliness. The recommended usage rate for leave-on facial products is 0.1-2%, according to FDA regulations. (Product IDs: 148, 2014)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Has multiple benefits, including reducing facial oiliness, strengthening the skin barrier, reducing redness, and improving skin texture. Common and effective usage rates are 3-5%, and it can be used up to 10%. (Product ID: 74)
• Witch Hazel: A natural extract with astringent properties that helps pores look smaller temporarily. It can be used at relatively high concentrations; in toners, it's often used at over 50%. (Product ID: 162)
• Green Tea Extract: Contains EGCG, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce skin's oil production. Recommended usage rate is 1-5%. (Product ID: 729)
• Additionally, other ingredients that help control oil, such as Oleanolic Acid, are also an option. (Product ID: 1071)

When formulating a serum, besides these active ingredients, you will also need other components in the formula, such as a serum base (which can be water or include humectants), a solvent (for ingredients that are not water-soluble, like powder Salicylic Acid or Oleanolic Acid), a thickener to achieve the desired serum texture, and a preservative to ensure product stability.

Therefore, if you want to create a serum for oily skin, large pores, and clogged pores/acne, you should focus on core ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Vitamin B3, and potentially add Green Tea Extract or Witch Hazel to enhance oil control and improve the appearance of pores.