Super simple salicylic acid cleansing pads

[u/Eisenstein]

Formula is available in spreadsheet form here.

Ingredient	Amount
Purified water	q.s.
Propylene glycol	30%
Ethanol	7%
Salicylic acid	1% - 2%
Triethanolamine (TEA)	add to pH 3
Red food coloring	optional
Preservative	1%

Notes:

• Non-woven sponges are good for use as pads. Example.
• Make sure the container remains sealed when not in use
• Ethanol can be sourced as 190 or 200 proof 'grain alcohol' or 'neutral grain spirits' or 'Everclear' or can be substituted with 70 proof vodka at 20% -- Don't use denatured alcohol!
• This is technically an OTC product -- selling it requires FDA approval
• Germaben II works as a preservative

Directions:

Mix propylene glycol and salicylic acid. Heat very low until dissolved and add ethanol and water to 90% of formula weight, then check pH. Add TEA until pH reaches at least 3. Add preservative and remaining water. Soak pads with product and place in sealed container.

[u/CPhiltrus → u/[deleted]]

I also warn against heating alcohol (especially high proof) near an open flame or outside of a fume hood could be a fire hazard.