Using PE-1 Aqua with Thickeners/Emulsifiers and Natural Oils

Regarding PE-1 Aqua and Expired Ingredients

Here are the answers to your questions:

• PE-1 Aqua in Toner (Water-Based Formula): PE-1 Aqua can be used in a toner formula that is primarily water-based, but you will need a solubilizer like Flora Solve or Flora Solve Clear to incorporate it since PE-1 Aqua is oil-soluble. You may need to use about 5-6 times the amount of solubilizer compared to PE-1 Aqua, which could potentially make the toner feel sticky.

• Chemical Name of PE-1 Aqua: The manufacturer discloses that PE-1 Aqua is a blend of several natural fragrance ingredients. One disclosed component is Eucalyptol. It is based on the research showing that Terpenes, found in many plants (like Eucalyptus oil), are effective penetration enhancers.

• Expired Easy Mix Color Powder: Expired color powders can generally still be used. The expiry date is typically a quality guarantee. The main change that might occur over a very long time (5-10+ years) is a physical change in the color itself, which is not harmful to the skin. You can use the powder as long as you are satisfied with the color.

• Finished Cream with Expired Ingredients: A finished cream containing one or more expired ingredients is generally not dangerous to use in terms of causing harm. However, the stability and efficacy of the product will likely be reduced. For example, an expired thickener might cause the cream to separate or become thinner, and expired active ingredients will have diminished effectiveness.

• PE-1 Aqua with Thickeners/Emulsifiers (Pro Polymer, Light Cream Maker): Yes, PE-1 Aqua can be used with thickeners/emulsifiers like Pro Polymer or Light Cream Maker. These ingredients are not considered direct penetration enhancers. While they can indirectly help a formula absorb better by improving its compatibility with the skin's water and oil layers, they do not function as solvents or direct carriers in the same way that PE-1 Aqua or glycols do. The caution against combining penetration enhancers applies to combining direct penetration enhancers (like different types of glycols or different terpene-based enhancers), as using too many direct enhancers together can sometimes reduce the overall penetration effect.

• PE-1 Aqua with Natural Oils (No Oil-Soluble Actives): Yes, you can use PE-1 Aqua in a formula containing natural oils, even if there are no specific oil-soluble active ingredients you are trying to drive deep into the skin. Natural oils are typically used for surface benefits or slight absorption into the upper layers of the epidermis to help with moisture retention. They are not generally intended for deep penetration, so using PE-1 Aqua in this context does not conflict with its function or usage guidelines.