Addressing Skin Reaction and Enlarged Pores

It sounds like you've had a challenging experience with your recent formula, and it's understandable to suspect Ethoxydiglycol given the dose-dependent reaction you observed, similar to your previous experience with a Centella Asiatica formula. Skin sensitivity can vary, and reactions can occur with any ingredient, even those you've used before without issue, especially when combined in a new formula or at different concentrations.

As the staff mentioned, pinpointing the exact cause in a multi-ingredient formula is difficult without testing each ingredient individually on a small skin area (patch testing).

Alternatives to Ethoxydiglycol

If Ethoxydiglycol was primarily used as a solvent or carrier in your formula, a potential alternative is 1,2-Hexanediol. Based on its properties, 1,2-Hexanediol can function as a solvent and carrier, helping other ingredients penetrate the skin. It also offers additional benefits like being a humectant (helping retain moisture) and acting as a preservative booster, which could potentially allow you to reduce the concentration of other preservatives in your formula.

Addressing Bumps and Enlarged Pores

It's great to hear that using Salicylic Acid (BHA) helped reduce the bumps and improved your skin clarity. Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its ability to exfoliate the skin's surface and penetrate into pores to help clear out oil and debris. This action is very effective for addressing clogged pores, which can manifest as bumps or contribute to the appearance of enlarged pores. Its exfoliating properties also help improve overall skin texture and clarity.

For your concern about enlarged pores, continuing to use Salicylic Acid can be beneficial due to its pore-clearing action. Another ingredient known to help improve the appearance of enlarged pores and refine skin texture is Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide). It can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce sebum production, indirectly improving pore appearance.

While it's true that completely "getting rid" of enlarged pores isn't possible as pore size is largely genetic, keeping them clean and supporting overall skin health with ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Vitamin B3 can significantly minimize their appearance and improve skin texture, reducing the need for heavy makeup like foundation for coverage.

Your experience highlights the importance of testing ingredients, especially when changing concentrations or combining them in new ways. It's valuable feedback, and thank you for sharing it.

Ingredients mentioned in your formula:

• Aloe Vera Extract
• Cucumber Extract
• Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate)
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Satin Cream Maker
• Carbomer 940
• Triethanolamine 99%
• Ethoxydiglycol

Ingredients recommended:

• 1,2-Hexanediol
• Salicylic Acid (BHA)
• Safe-B3 (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide)