BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) Chemical Exfoliant

General Recipe:

1. Beta Hydroxy Acids (0.5-2%): Salicylic acid is the most commonly used BHA. It works similarly to AHAs by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, but it's oil-soluble so it can penetrate deeper into the pores to clear out excess sebum.

2. Water (65-85%): This forms the base of your formulation, allowing a medium for the delivery of other ingredients.

3. Emollients (1-5%): These ingredients moisturize and soften the skin. Examples include jojoba oil and caprylic/capric triglyceride.

4. Humectants (5-10%): Humectants draw moisture into the skin. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are commonly used.

5. Emulsifiers (2-5%): These help to keep the water and oil ingredients from separating. Examples include polysorbate 20 and cetearyl alcohol.

6. Thickeners (0.5-2%): These help to improve the texture and feel of the product. Xanthan gum or carbomer can be used for this purpose.

7. Preservatives (0.5-2%): To prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. Common options include phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate.

8. pH Adjusters (As needed): BHAs work best at a lower pH (around 3-4), so citric acid or sodium hydroxide can be used to achieve the right pH balance.

9. Additional Actives (1-5%): This can include soothing ingredients, antioxidants, or other beneficial compounds like niacinamide or allantoin.

As with any skincare product, it's always recommended to use sunscreen alongside these products due to the increased sensitivity to the sun. A patch test should also be done before full use to check for any adverse reactions.