I’m so excited about this DIY homemade vitamin C serum! I was thinking of getting the L-Ascorbic Acid for awhile but was worried that I wouldn’t be able to concoct a proper serum. After reading the formulation on a few beauty forums, especially from Alyssa aka Complex Beauty at Glowing Diva, I developed more confidence and ordered my first kit from Whoopeekiddies. And it turned out so easy! Now I’m kicking myself for not trying it out earlier.
Benefits of L-Ascorbic Acid for our skin
Vitamin C has worked well for me in my skincare regime and as I’ve covered in my earlier entry on the different types of vitamin C for skincare, L-Ascorbic Acid is known to be the only natural form of Vitamin C in skin care products. It is a potent antioxidant proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, strengthens the capillaries and cell walls, as well as protect both beta-carotene and Vitamin E from oxidation. But while it easily absorbed by the skin and can stay for up to 72 hours, L-ascorbic acid can be irritating to those with sensitive skin. In addition, it is highly unstable and oxidize rapidly.
Process of making DIY L-Ascorbic Vitamin C Serum
The DIY L-Ascorbic Vitamin C Kit I obtained contains just two items. The 2g L-Ascorbic Acid in powder form and 10ml vegetable glycerin. According to the website, this recipe makes a serum with approximately a 10% concentration of vitamin C and you should split them into 2 portions, 1 for each week, to maintain freshness since L-Ascorbic Acid is unstable, prone to oxidation. However, I didn’t follow these instructions.
My own formulation
Instead, I used about a 1/4 teaspoon of the L-Ascorbic Acid Powder, let it dissolve completely in 5ml of mineral water and then added about 8 small drops of the vegetable glycerin. I dislike adding too much of the glycerin because it makes my combination skin too oily. And at this formulation, the watery serum stings my skin slightly for under a minute and it isn’t sticky. The amount of vitamin C is probably too diluted but I want my skin to get used to it before I gradually increase the amount.
Proper storage of vitamin C is important
This portion is good for three days in the fridge. By applying twice a day with a cotton wool or sometimes just my fingers, I can use all the 5ml within that time frame. Remember, vitamin C oxidizes quickly so my recommendation is to use it quickly. Five days is about the maximum. In addition, I also use an amber glass bottle to store the serum as vitamin C degrades quickly with light. Hence, do not store using clear glass.
DIY vitamin C kit is affordable
The DIY kit from Whoopeekiddies is good for about two weeks and cost S$3.50. Very affordable! I can effectively replace my John Masters Vitamin C Serum with this now. Plus I plan to order both the L-Ascorbic Acid powder and the vegetable glycerin separately now that I’ve gotten a hang of making this properly. In addition, I’ll probably increase the amount of L-Ascorbic Acid once my skin is used to the stinging in order to benefit from the higher concentration of vitamin C. According to information from the website, at a 10% concentration and low ph, ascorbic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen, decrease wrinkle depth and have lightening effects on pigmentation.
But one very important thing is, always apply your sunscreen when using vitamin C because it is a sun sensitive ingredient. Don’t ever go tanning with it!
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Can someone please comment on the product available here:
http://www.iherb.com/NutriBiotic-Ascorbic-Acid-Crystalline-Powder-16-oz-454-g/24191?at=0
is this the same ascorbic acid we are looking for? kindly let me know
On the original manufacturer’s website, the product is labelled as L-Ascorbic Acid. This is the right type of powder you are looking for. Pity the website doesnt ship to Singapore.
Hello! I recently started making and using vitamin c serum. However, it seems that whiteheads pop up and today two acnes show up as well. There are so many people who rave about this so I don’t want to give up yet. Any suggestion what I can do to avoid the acnes and whiteheads while still getting the benefits of vitamin c? Any advice is much appreciated.
Have you exfoliated your skin? I’ve read some pple just can’t use it. So you try if exfoliation will help to reduce the whiteheads. If not, probably this isn’t suitable for you.
Thank you for your response. A bit disappointed that this may not work for me.
i want ask u is there different between Ascorbic Acid Powder and L-Ascorbic Acid Powder or they just same cuz i have ascorbic acid powder can i used to make my own serum
thanks
Yes and no…read this article http://www.livestrong.com/article/370080-is-l-ascorbate-the-same-as-ascorbic-acid/
This is a good receipe! Thank you! I will try to make my own version
Hope it’ll work for you.
I couldn’t buy the L-ascorbic C so bought Ascorbic Acid vitamin C. I put
1 teaspoon in 1 teaspoon of warm water and mixed thoroughly but the granules didn’t completely melt. What am I doing wrong?
Grace.
I think you put too much and hence it’s not dissolving well.