PHA (Polyhydroxy Acids) Chemical Exfoliant

General Recipe:

1. Polyhydroxy Acids (1-15%): PHAs are less irritating than AHAs and BHAs, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Commonly used PHAs include gluconolactone and lactobionic acid.

2. Water (60-85%): This is the base of the formulation, providing a delivery medium for 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 attract moisture into the skin. Examples include glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

5. Emulsifiers (1-5%): These help to prevent the water and oil ingredients from separating. Examples include polysorbate 20 and cetearyl alcohol.

6. Thickeners (0.5-2%): These improve the texture and feel of the product. Examples include xanthan gum or carbomer.

7. Preservatives (0.5-1.5%): These prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. Common options include phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate.

8. pH Adjusters (As needed): PHAs are effective within a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (approximately 3-7), and pH adjusters such as citric acid or sodium hydroxide may be used to achieve the desired pH.

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.