Vitamin C serums are a hot skin care item. However, they can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 dollars for a one ounce bottle. Fortunately, you can make your own effective Vitamin C Serum for pennies on the dollar.
Why are Vitamin C serums so popular? The active ingredient in Vitamin C serums, L-ascorbic acid, has been proven to prevent and repair free radical damage to the skin, protect against UV sun damage, and stimulate collagen production. All of these benefits add up to a great anti-aging product.
There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on these products. You can make your own, and it may be even more effective than expensive brands of Vitamin C serum. Why is this? Because L-ascorbic acid is unstable and can oxidize. If you have ever had a bottle of expensive serum turn orange on you, it has oxidized and is no longer effective. By making your own, you are assured that you have a fresh, highly effective serum. Below are basic and more advanced recipes for making your own Vitamin C serum.
Basic Vitamin C Serum
A very basic Vitamin C Serum simply contains three ingredients:
4 Teaspoons Distilled Water
1 Teaspoon L-Ascorbic Acid (powder or crystals)
1 tsp Glycerin or Propylene Glycol
Let’s talk about each of these ingredients. Distilled sater can be found at your local grocery for around $1.00. It is important to use distilled water for sterility.
L-ascorbic acid is a vitamin C derivative and is most easily absorbed by the skin. You may find this at your local natural food store or vitamin store, but make sure to inquire to assure you are getting L-ascorbic acid, and not just ascorbic acid. There are also various on-line sources. One of the least expensive I have recently found is Texas Natural Supply (check in their cosmeceuticals section on their website). It is about $4.00 for 4 oz of L-ascorbic acid which will give you a supply for many batches. Other sources include Skinactives and Bulkactives.
Glycerin or Propylene Glycol are used to add some body and silkiness to the serum. Glycerin is best for dry skin and can be easily found in chain drugstores such as Walgreen’s. Those with oily skin may prefer Propylene Glycol (an alcohol derivative). You can also use a combination of the two. I have actually tried KY Liquid lubricant in mine before, which combines Propylene Glycol and Glycerin, and also has a built in preservative. Note that although propylene glycol is found in many skin care products, some people prefer an all-natural skin serum. If this applies to you, you may wish to only use glycerin in your skin care preparations.
To make this simple solution:
1. Measure out 4 tsp distilled water and add 1 tsp L-ascorbic acid. Stir and wait for it to dissolve. This may take up to 45 minutes, so be patient.
2. Add 1 tsp glycerin or propylene glycol.
3. Pour into 1 oz dark dropper bottle (dark is important to prevent oxidization-amber colored is best).
Use a few drops daily on your face and neck after washing. Wait 10 minutes or so before applying any moisturizer or make up. There may be mild stinging feeling, However, if this is too strong for you (burnsing, uncomfortable stinging, etc). Rinse your face and dilute your solution with another teaspoon of water and a few drops of glycerin or propylene glycol.
A basic solution will last for a week or two. When it starts to turn orange it has oxidized. However, you can make a slightly more advanced solution that will last longer by adding ferulic acid, which stabilizes Ascorbic Acid, making your solution more effective for longer. Here is the recipe.
4 Teaspoons Distilled Water
1 tsp L-Ascorbic Acid
1 tsp Propylene Glycol OR 1/2 tsp Vodka w/ 1 tsp Glycerin (you could also substitute 1 tsp of the KY liquid I mentioned above)
1/8 tsp Ferulic Acid
In this formulation, some sort of alcohol is necessary to dissolve the Ferulic Acid. Thus if you use glycerin, use a little vodka as indicated to dissolve the Ferulic acid. A google search will reveal several sources for ferulic acid. One reliable source is Skinactives. It is about $10.00, but will make many batches. This little added expense will enhance the effectiveness and longevity of your Vitamin C serum.
To make this recipe:
1. Measure out 1 TBSP Distilled water and add 1 tsp L-ascorbic acid. Stir and wait for it to dissolve. This may take up to 45 minutes, so be patient.
2. Measure out propylene glycol or vodka separately and add ferulic acid, stir to dissolve
3. Add glycerin (if using) to Ferulic/vodka mixture
4. Combine L-ascorbic acid and Ferulic mixture
5. Pour into small dark dropper bottle (dark is important to prevent oxidization-amber colored is best).
Use a few drops daily on your face and neck after washing. Wait 10 minutes or so before applying any moisturizer or make up.
Other Additives Other things you can add to your Vitamin C serum to enhance effectiveness include:
1. Vitamin E: Puncture a Vitamin E capsule, add it to your dropper bottle with your serum and shake. Vitamin E is synergistic with Vitamin C.
2. Hyaluronic acid: Add 1/4 tsp to the distilled water with your L-ascorbic acid and dissolve. Hyaluronic acid is a potent moisturizer and can enhance the moisture in your serum. It is also a thickener, so if you want a thicker serum, you may wish to use this additive. It can be purchased on line from cosmetic sites such as Skinactives and Bulkactives.
For $25.00, I have enough supplies to make at least a year’s worth of my Vitamin C serum. Store your ingredients in a cool dry place to extend their shelf life.
With a few ingredients, you can have your own fresh and frugal Vitamin C serum and save hundreds of dollars!
Medical Sources: Use of Topical Ascrobic Acid and Its Effects on Photodamaged Skin Topography, Stephen S. Traikovich, DO; Topical Vitamin C proctects porcine skin from ultraviolet radiation-induced damage, Physical Magazine, citing study by Pinnell, et al; Regulation of collagen synthesis by ascorbic acid, Murad et. al
