Retinoid Exfoliant

General Recipe:

1. Water (60-80%): Water serves as the main ingredient in most skincare products, acting as a solvent for other ingredients.

2. Retinoid Complex (0.01-1%): Retinoids, such as retinol, retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate, are a group of vitamin A derivatives that can stimulate cell turnover and promote exfoliation. It's important to note that the concentration of retinoids should be carefully controlled due to their potential for causing skin irritation. Higher concentrations should only be used under the supervision of a skincare professional.

3. Humectants (5-15%): Humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid help to attract and retain moisture in the skin.

4. Emollients (1-5%): These are ingredients like jojoba oil or squalane that help to soften and smooth the skin.

5. Emulsifiers (1-3%): Emulsifiers help to combine water and oil components. Examples include cetearyl alcohol or polysorbate 20.

6. Thickeners/Viscosity Controllers (0.5-2%): These ingredients help to create a pleasant texture and may include xanthan gum or carbomer.

7. Preservatives (0.5-1.5%): Preservatives like phenoxyethanol or sodium benzoate help to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the product.

8. pH Adjusters (as needed): Retinoids typically function best at a slightly acidic pH. You can use pH adjusters like citric acid or sodium hydroxide to fine-tune the pH as necessary.

9. Additional Actives (1-5%): These can be ingredients like antioxidants or soothing agents like allantoin or green tea extract.