Face Creams - Oily and Acne-prone Skin

General Recipe:

• 65% - 75% Distilled Water or Aloe Vera Juice (Base)
• 10% - 15% Glycerin or Sodium PCA (Humectant)
• 10% - 15% Squalane or Hemp Seed Oil (Emollient)
• 3% - 5% Emulsifying Wax NF or Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifier)
• 1% - 2% Niacinamide (Active Ingredient)
• 1% - 2% Salicylic Acid (Additional Active Ingredient)
• 0.5% - 1% Phenoxyethanol or Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative)

The differences are mainly in the choice of emollients and active ingredients.

1. Emollients: For oily and acne-prone skin, the emollients used need to be non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog pores, which can lead to acne. In the example provided, squalane and hemp seed oil are used. Both of these oils are lightweight and less likely to clog pores than some other oils.

2. Active Ingredients: The general recipe might include a range of active ingredients, but for oily and acne-prone skin, it's important to include ingredients that help regulate sebum production, clear pores, and reduce inflammation. The provided recipe uses niacinamide, which helps control oil production and improve skin texture, and salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid known for its ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore as well as on the surface of the skin, which makes it effective for reducing breakouts.

3. Humectants: While not necessarily a deviation from the general recipe, the choice of humectant can play a role in how a formula feels on the skin. Glycerin and sodium PCA are used in this recipe, both of which are effective humectants but also have a less sticky feel than some other humectants, which can be beneficial for those with oily skin.

These specific choices aim to manage the excess oil and breakouts associated with this skin type, making the cream more effective and suitable for people with oily and acne-prone skin.