Skincare Formulation Advice for Dull, Oily Skin with Whiteheads and Large Pores

Addressing your skin concerns of dullness, oiliness, whiteheads, and large pores requires a combination of ingredients that target these specific issues.

Regarding your proposed formula of Aloe Vera Gel + Nanowhite + Sesaflash + DMAE Bitartrate, Aloe Vera Gel is an excellent water-based ingredient known for its moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good base for sensitive and oily skin. However, specific products named "Nanowhite", "Sesaflash", and "DMAE Bitartrate" were not found in our database by exact name, so their specific efficacy for whitening, firming, and smoothing in this combination cannot be confirmed.

Based on your concerns and the ingredients discussed in the forum, here are some ingredients that can help:

• For Whiteheads and Large Pores:

  • Salicylic Acid (BHA): This is effective for exfoliating the skin, penetrating pores to dissolve clogged sebum and dead skin cells, which helps reduce whiteheads and improve the appearance of enlarged pores. Standard Salicylic Acid powder is not water-soluble and requires a solvent like Propylene Glycol or alcohol before mixing into a water-based gel like Aloe Vera Gel. Alternatively, look for water-soluble forms of Salicylic Acid.
  • Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA): Similar to BHA, LHA provides exfoliation and helps with clogged pores. It is often considered gentler than BHA and has a pH closer to the skin's natural pH. However, LHA powder is oil-soluble and needs to be dissolved in an oil phase with heat, making it less suitable for a simple water-based Aloe Vera Gel unless the base is modified.

• For Oiliness:

  • Zinc PCA: Known for its ability to reduce sebum production and control oiliness. It also helps accelerate wound healing, which can be beneficial for acne scars.
  • Pure MSM™: Can help control oil production from the sebaceous glands.
  • L-Carnitine: Helps control oil production and accelerates skin cell turnover gently.
  • Licorice Extract (Water-Soluble types): Certain compounds in licorice extract, like Licochalcone A, have properties that can help reduce skin oiliness and inflammation.
  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): In addition to its other benefits, Niacinamide can help regulate sebum excretion.

• For Dullness and Uneven Skin Tone:

  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Effective in reducing hyperpigmentation (red and black spots) and improving overall skin tone and brightness.
  • N-Acetyl Glucosamine (GlucoBright™): Works well with Niacinamide to help with whitening and reducing dark spots. It also helps stimulate the skin's production of Hyaluronic Acid for moisture.

Mixing Ingredients into Aloe Vera Gel:

Aloe Vera Gel is a water-based vehicle. Water-soluble ingredients such as Niacinamide, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Zinc PCA, Pure MSM™, L-Carnitine, and water-soluble Licorice Extract can generally be mixed directly into Aloe Vera Gel. As mentioned, standard Salicylic Acid powder is not water-soluble and requires pre-dissolving in a suitable solvent. LHA powder is oil-soluble. When combining multiple active ingredients, especially acids like BHA or LHA and ingredients with specific pH requirements (like Niacinamide, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Zinc PCA), it is crucial to check the recommended pH range for each ingredient and adjust the final formula's pH to be within a range that is both effective and safe for the skin (typically pH 4-7) and compatible with all ingredients to ensure stability and efficacy.

For your concerns, a formula based on Aloe Vera Gel incorporating Niacinamide, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Zinc PCA, and a water-soluble form of Salicylic Acid could be beneficial for addressing dullness, oiliness, whiteheads, and large pores.