Toner Formulation for Sensitive Skin (Pore Tightening, Brightening, Hydration, Acne Reduction)

Based on your interest in creating a toner for sensitive skin with the goals of pore tightening, brightening, hydration, and acne reduction, and including DMAE and BHA, here is a suggested approach.

DMAE is known for its skin tightening and firming properties, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. BHA (Salicylic Acid) is effective for exfoliating the skin, clearing clogged pores, and reducing acne due to its ability to penetrate oil.

When combining these potent ingredients, especially for sensitive skin, it's important to formulate carefully to minimize potential irritation while achieving the desired benefits.

Suggested Formulation Components and Percentages

Here is a sample formulation idea. You can adjust percentages based on your skin's tolerance, always starting with lower concentrations for sensitive skin.

• Water (Distilled Water): Up to 100% (Base)
• DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid: 1-3% (For skin tightening. Start at 1% for sensitive skin.)
• Salicylic Acid (BHA): 0.5-1% (For exfoliation and acne. Consider using a water-soluble form or ensure the standard powder is fully dissolved in a suitable solvent like Propanediol or Butylene Glycol before adding to the water phase.)
• Niacinamide: 2-5% (Multi-functional: helps with pores, brightening, acne, and strengthens the skin barrier to reduce sensitivity.)
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): 1-2% (Provides hydration and soothing benefits, and works well with DMAE.)
• Glycerin: 2-5% (A classic humectant for hydration.)
• Allantoin: 0.1-0.5% (Known for its soothing and skin-healing properties.)
• Preservative: 0.5-1% (Choose a broad-spectrum preservative suitable for the toner's pH range.)
• pH Adjuster: As needed (Use Lactic Acid or Sodium Hydroxide solution to adjust the pH to around 4.5-5.0. This range balances BHA efficacy with reduced irritation for sensitive skin.)

Mixing Instructions

1. Combine the water and water-soluble ingredients (Glycerin, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Preservative). Stir until fully dissolved. Gentle warming may help dissolve solids like Niacinamide or Allantoin, then cool.
2. If using standard Salicylic Acid powder, dissolve it completely in a minimal amount of solvent (e.g., Propanediol, Butylene Glycol) before adding this solution to the water phase. If using a water-soluble BHA liquid or powder, add it directly to the water phase and stir to dissolve.
3. Add DMAE (SkinTight MD™) Liquid to the mixture and stir.
4. Check the pH using a pH meter and adjust to the target range (4.5-5.0) using drops of Lactic Acid or Sodium Hydroxide solution as needed.
5. Ensure the mixture is clear and all ingredients are incorporated.

Important Considerations for Sensitive Skin

• Always start with the lowest recommended percentages of active ingredients (DMAE and BHA).
• Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the toner to your entire face.
• Pay close attention to how your skin reacts. If you experience stinging, redness, excessive dryness, or irritation, reduce the frequency of use or lower the concentration of the active ingredients.
• The combination of DMAE and BHA can be potent. The inclusion of soothing ingredients like Niacinamide, Panthenol, and Allantoin is important to help mitigate potential irritation.