Formulation Review and Suggestions for Oily, Dehydrated, Acne-Prone Skin

Based on your skin concerns (oily, dehydrated, dry cheeks, acne, large pores, uneven skin tone), here is a review of your proposed formulation and some suggestions for modification.

Your proposed formula includes several beneficial ingredients for your skin type:

• Azelaic Acid: Excellent for reducing acne, oiliness, large pores, and improving uneven skin tone.
• Alpha Arbutin & Licorice Extract: Help to address uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
• Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antibacterial properties, beneficial for acne.
• Repair Activator: Can help support skin repair and overall skin health.
• Aloe Vera Extract & Calendula Extract: Provide soothing and moisturizing benefits, which are good for dehydration and irritation.
• Witch Hazel plus Allantoin: Witch Hazel can help with pore tightening and oiliness, while Allantoin is soothing.
• Pro Polymer & Phenoxyethanol: Functional ingredients for texture and preservation.

Considerations and Suggestions:

1. Dehydration and Dry Cheeks: While Aloe Vera and Calendula are included, the high concentration of Witch Hazel (50%) might be too astringent and potentially drying, especially for the dehydrated areas and dry cheeks. Tea Tree Oil at 2% can also be irritating for some skin types.

2. Enhanced Hydration: To better address dehydration, consider adding a dedicated humectant. Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent choice for providing moisture without feeling heavy, suitable for oily but dehydrated skin. Adding Safe-B3™ (Niacinamide) is also highly recommended as it helps improve skin barrier function, reduce oiliness and pores, calm inflammation, and improve uneven tone.

3. Licorice Extract Concentration: The proposed 0.5% concentration of Licorice Extract is below the typically recommended range (1-2%) for optimal whitening effects. If targeting uneven tone is a priority, you might consider increasing this.

4. Tea Tree Oil Concentration: While effective for acne, 2% Tea Tree Oil can be potent. If you experience irritation, reducing the concentration slightly (e.g., to 1-1.5%) might be beneficial.

Suggested Modifications:

To create a more balanced formula that addresses all your concerns, particularly hydration and potential irritation, while maintaining efficacy for acne, oiliness, and uneven tone, consider the following adjustments:

• Reduce Witch Hazel plus Allantoin to around 10-20%.
• Slightly reduce Tea Tree Oil to 1-1.5%.
• Add Safe-B3™ (Niacinamide) at 5%.
• Add Hyaluronic Acid (Standard Molecule) at 0.1-0.5% (start with 0.3% for normal/dry skin).
• Adjust the Water percentage accordingly to reach 100%.

For example, a revised formula could look like this:

• Azelaic Acid 10%
• Alpha Arbutin 2%
• Licorice Extract 0.5%
• Tea Tree Oil 1.5%
• Repair Activator 5%
• Aloe Vera Extract 3%
• Calendula Extract 5%
• Witch Hazel plus Allantoin 20%
• Pro Polymer 2%
• Phenoxyethanol 1%
• Safe-B3™ (Niacinamide) 5%
• Hyaluronic Acid (Standard Molecule) 0.3%
• Water 44.7%

This revised formula aims to provide better hydration and reduce the potential for irritation while keeping the beneficial ingredients for acne, oiliness, and uneven tone. Remember to always patch test new formulations.