Toner Formula Review for Combination, Sensitive Skin

This toner formula appears generally suitable for combination and sensitive skin, incorporating ingredients known for gentle exfoliation, hydration, and oil control.

Here's a breakdown of the ingredients and some points to consider:

• Distilled Water: Standard base for a toner.
• 1,2-Hexanediol: Acts as a humectant (attracts water), adding moisture to the skin. It also functions as a preservative booster, which can help enhance the effectiveness of the main preservative.
• Double Hyaluron Liquid: Provides hydration to the skin. The concentration used (2%) is slightly below the typical recommendation for normal skin (3-5%), but it will still offer moisturizing benefits.
• Natural PHA (Gluconolactone): This is a great choice for sensitive skin as it offers gentle exfoliation compared to AHAs like Glycolic Acid. It helps accelerate skin cell turnover without causing significant irritation, peeling, or redness. The 5% concentration is within the recommended range.
• L-Carnitine: This ingredient is beneficial for combination skin as it helps control oil production by reducing sebum. It also aids in gentle skin cell turnover and provides moisture. The 3% concentration is within the recommended range.
• Phenoxyethanol SA: This is a broad-spectrum preservative blend. The 0.5% concentration is at the lower end of the recommended usage rate (0.5-1.25%). Combined with 1,2-Hexanediol as a booster, it should provide adequate preservation, but ensuring microbial stability through testing (like a challenge test) is always recommended, especially for sensitive skin.

Important Considerations & Recommendations:

1. pH Adjustment: The most crucial step is to check and adjust the final pH of your toner. Natural PHA and L-Carnitine work best within specific pH ranges. For optimal efficacy and gentleness on the skin, aim for a pH between 4.0 and 5.0. You may need to use a small amount of an acid (like Citric Acid solution) to lower the pH if necessary. Always measure the pH after all ingredients are fully dissolved and the mixture has stabilized.
2. L-Carnitine Handling: L-Carnitine is highly sensitive to humidity. Ensure you keep the raw material tightly sealed in a dry place.
3. Mixing Method: Follow the recommended mixing instructions for each ingredient, particularly adding the preservative (Phenoxyethanol SA) in the final step when the mixture temperature is below 60°C.

Overall, the formula includes beneficial ingredients for your skin type. Paying close attention to the final pH will be key to its effectiveness and comfort.