Toner Formulation for Combination Skin: Tightening, Dark Spots, and Clogged Pores

Question

I need a toner formulation for combination skin that has wrinkles, dark spots (acne scars), and minor clogged pores. I want the toner to help with facial tightening, reduce dark spots, and brighten the skin. I was considering using ingredients like DMAE at 10% and Oxyresveratrol Extract at 5%. Can you provide a revised formulation or guidance on adjusting these ingredients or adding others to reduce potential stickiness and improve the results for my skin concerns?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding a toner formulation for combination skin with wrinkles, dark spots (acne scars), and minor clogged pores, aiming for facial tightening, dark spot reduction, and brightening.

Your initial selection of ingredients is well-suited for your goals. Based on your skin type and the desired outcomes, and incorporating the staff's recommendations to reduce potential stickiness and enhance results, here is a revised formulation:

Revised Toner Formulation:

Distilled Water: 82.8% (Base)
DMAE: 5% (For facial tightening, reduced from 10% to minimize stickiness)
Safe B3 (Niacinamide): 5% (Helps fade dark spots/acne scars, brightens skin, improves skin barrier, and can help with pores)
Oxyresveratrol Extract: 2.5% (For whitening and fading dark spots, reduced from 5% to minimize stickiness)
Willow Bark Extract: 2% (Contains natural Salicylic Acid, aids in gentle exfoliation to speed up dark spot fading and helps with clogged pores)
Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5): 1.5% (Soothes skin, helps with hydration, and supports skin recovery which can benefit acne scars)
Mild Preserved Eco: 1% (Preservative to ensure product safety)
Disodium EDTA: 0.2% (Chelating agent, helps improve formula stability)

Explanation of Changes:

DMAE and Oxyresveratrol Extract: The percentages were reduced as recommended by the staff to decrease the likelihood of the toner feeling sticky, which is beneficial for combination skin. While still effective at these lower concentrations for tightening and brightening, you can observe the texture and adjust slightly if needed in future batches.
Willow Bark Extract: Added to provide gentle exfoliation. This is particularly helpful for accelerating the fading of acne scars and improving the appearance of clogged pores, complementing the actions of Safe B3 and Oxyresveratrol for a more even and brighter skin tone.

This formulation combines ingredients targeting tightening, dark spots, brightening, and gentle exfoliation suitable for your skin type and concerns.

We hope this revised formulation meets your needs!