homemade vitamin c serum

I first tried Vitamin C serum as anti-aging treatment last year. I loved the results but hated the price, so what's a frugalista to do?

Make my own, of course :)

I've been making this for little over a year, mixing a fresh batch once every few weeks, and I still haven't had to rebuy the ingredients, which cost less than one over-packaged bottle of the premade stuff.


Improve your complexion on a dime:


Add 1/4 t l-ascorbic acid, 1/2 t propylene glycol (or glycerin if you have very dry skin), and 2 t distilled water to a blue or amber bottle. Shake vigorously for a few minutes, then shake a couple times an hour until the powder dissolves.


This will give you an approximately 10% solution. If you have sensitive skin, or are in doubt, cut back on the l-ascorbic acid.


I buy my ingredients from The Personal Formulator, and my bottles from Specialty Bottle; I suggest a 1/2 oz bottle with a dropper for this serum.


Do not double the recipe. Vitamin C can become oxidized as it sits and may cause free radicals to form. It' s important that you mix a fresh batch every few weeks. I keep mine in the fridge.

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