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DIY Vitamin C Serum for Bright, Even Skin

Katie Wells Avatar
Katie Wells

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DIY Homemade Vitamind C Serum for health skin and wrinkle reduction
Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » DIY Vitamin C Serum for Bright, Even Skin

Vitamin C serum is an anti-aging natural skincare ingredient often found in high-end beauty regimens. You can find this antioxidant in many moisturizers, lotions, and creams as well. Why all the fuss? And is it possible to make your own (much less expensive!) vitamin C serum at home?

I’ve researched, experimented, and tried it out and the answer is… yes you can!

Vitamin C Serum Benefits

Vitamin C is touted as an anti-aging and anti-wrinkle cream, and for good reason. Vitamin C is helpful for brightening and tightening skin. (This works if you take it internally too!).

Researchers found that regular use of vitamin C on the skin will:

While I love these benefits, many of these products also cost an arm and a leg. Thankfully, there is a natural, homemade and inexpensive alternative (noticing a trend here?) that seems to work just as well.

How to Make Your Own Vitamin C Serum

In just a few simple steps, you can make your own brightening facial serum.

First, you will need a few items:

Next, just mix in the ratios below and store! Use as you would a facial toner. Note: Since it contains no preservatives, this serum will last about two weeks and needs to be stored in the fridge.

This serum works on most skin types, especially dry or aging skin. Customize your results based on your skin type by:

Cautions & Tips

Here’s the best way to use vitamin C serum, from personal experience:

  • Measure carefully and do not add extra vitamin C as it is acidic and can/will burn the skin if the concentration is too high. If you are dealing with a lot of wrinkles or very dry skin, extra vitamin C can be added, but work up slowly and test on the inner arm before applying it to the face.
  • If you have extra sensitive skin, dilute with even more water.
  • Alternatively, to make the vitamin c less irritating, you can add baking soda to make the serum more alkaline.
  • This is best paired with a natural skincare routine like oil cleansing.
DIY Homemade Vitamind C Serum for health skin and wrinkle reduction
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4.08 from 139 votes

Vitamin C Serum Recipe

Make a simple vitamin C skincare serum at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Prep Time2 minutes
Author: Wellness Mama

Equipment

Materials

  • ½ tsp vitamin C powder
  • 1 TBSP distilled water (OR 1 tsp distilled water + 2 TBSP vegetable glycerine)

Instructions

  • In a small, dark-colored container, combine the vitamin C powder and the water.
  • If you are only using water and vitamin C, you are done. This will store for up to 2 weeks or longer in the fridge.
  • If you are using glycerin, dissolve the vitamin C in 1 teaspoon of water, then stir in 2 tablespoons of glycerin and store. This version will last a month or longer.

Notes

Personally, I like the pure vitamin C and water recipe as a toner after cleansing. However, glycerin is moisturizing and softening for the skin and will extend the recipe. DO NOT use glycerin on anything that is used in oral care or in the mouth as it is bad for teeth.

This article was medically reviewed by Cynthia Thurlow, NP, the CEO and founder of the Everyday Wellness Project, nurse practitioner, international speaker, and globally recognized expert in intermittent fasting and nutritional health. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Ever used a vitamin C serum on your skin? How did it work for you? Share below?
Vitamin C serum helps support skin health by boosting collagen production and the natural acids in Vitamin C can help tighten skin and make it smoother.

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

384 responses to “DIY Vitamin C Serum for Bright, Even Skin”

  1. Angela Navarra Avatar
    Angela Navarra

    am I able to use a natural vitamin c powder derived from fruits? I’m hesitant to use L Asorbic Acid since it is usually derived from corn and genetically modified. Thanks for this post!

    Reply
    1. davea Avatar
      davea

      All vitamin C is L-ascorbic, regardless of the source, and all vitamin C supplements are synthesized from the reichstein process regardless what you’ve heard or read. Vitamin C is a specific molecular structure of 11 hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Genetic modification has nothing to do with it’s structure. There is no genetic material in Vitamin C.

      Reply
    1. Mary Avatar
      Mary

      I’ve been using vit c serum for 3 months and haven’t noticed any difference to my face, or hands, although it did burn my neck. I’m 62 and wonder if I’m too old to get a benefit from vit c. Just not sure what % to use either.

      Reply
      1. Pat Avatar
        Pat

        I would also like to know the answer to Mary’s question as it pertains to me also. Is there a different way we need to apply it?

        Reply
        1. Pat Avatar
          Pat

          Is it possible to get an answerer to the question Mary asked about using the Vitamin C for 3 months with no visible results. I have been anxiously waiting for a post.

          Reply
          1. Mary Avatar
            Mary

            Hello Pat
            I’ve now been using this serum for about four months and have to say that I am now noticing a slight improvement. (I had acne scars so we weren’t starting with perfect skin.) I have also changed my cleansing routine. Here goes – I cleanse my face with Jojoba oil (but any light oil will do), wipe the excess off with a warm flannel and then apply the serum. For my neck I leave Jojoba oil on and apply the serum over it. I am not sure what % of Vit C I use but this is what I do. Mix 1 teaspoon Vit C powder with 2 teaspoons rosewater. If the Vit C doesn’t fully dissolve I add more rosewater. If the Vit C did dissolve first go, then I add more Vit C until it is at a stage where it doesn’t fully dissolve and I have to add more rosewater. This is called saturation point and the Vit C is at maximum %. (It helps if the Vit C has been ground into a fine powder – I use a blender to do this.)
            Hope this helps. Kind regards Mary

    2. John Barry Gallagher Avatar
      John Barry Gallagher

      In the original research paper, the L ascorbic acid absorption dropped above 20% aqueous solution at ph 3.2 . The acidic ph is necessary to neutralise the charge on the ascorbic acid so it can penetrate the skin Most of the study used 15% but left it to soak for many hours fresh additions over 1 to 5 days saturated the skin, and after 4 days half of the addition had been lost without further applications.
      Ref Topical L-Ascorbic Acid: Percutaneous Absorption Studies
      Sheldon R. Pinnell, MD,* Huanshu Yang, MD,‡ Mostafa Omar, PhD,† Nancy Monteiro Riviere, PhD,‡ Holly V. DeBuys, MD,* Linda C. Walker,* Yaohui Wang, MD,§ and Mark Levine, MD§
      In the © 2001 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. • Published by Blackwell Science, Inc. ISSN: 1076-0512/01/$15.00/0 • Dermatol Surg 2001;27:137–142

      Reply
    3. Cerise Avatar
      Cerise

      Yes PLEASE tell us the percenage of this recipe for face serum. Because I was reading something that I think you or someone else posted saying that if the PH percentage was less than 2.5% it harms your skin & over 3.5% does nothing. So the percentage is very important.

      Reply
      1. Tori Avatar
        Tori

        You need to measure your own pH with a test kit. It might turn out high or low, but you can adjust it. Add more water to raise the pH, add more ascorbic acid to lower the pH.

        Reply
    4. Mina Avatar
      Mina

      I would like to know this answer too. The VC product on this recipe has 120mg per 1/4tsp. How can we make sure we are not using more than 20% solution? Thanks

      Reply
  4. Monique Shantel Avatar
    Monique Shantel

    Thanks for posting this recipe! I have been using the serum for about a week now and my skin has never felt better! I made some for my Mom & she loves it too! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Jessica Hartnett Avatar
    Jessica Hartnett

    My crystals are not dissolving!! Please help. What could I be doing wrong? I’ve tried to mix with just water and with the glycerin.

    Reply
    1. dave Avatar
      dave

      crush with a mortar and pestle … do not heat up, if all will still not dissolve you may be at saturation point … pour off the liquid for use and throw out the left over sludge.

      Reply
      1. Winnie Avatar
        Winnie

        To dissolve vit c, mix in tiny amt of water w half as much baking soda. It bubbles madly and dissolves

        Reply
      1. Zulfia Avatar
        Zulfia

        I dissolved 1/4 tsp vit C pow in 4 tsp water. It dissolved completely. But the moment I added 2 tsp aloe vera gel, it went pasty. Please help, what went wrong?

        Reply
    3. gail Avatar
      gail

      I buy the vitiamin c jell caps and I poke a hole in it . It has the creamy color I was looking for the reg jell caps but didn’t have.I buy vitiamin e oil to mix with mine since it’s good for skin.to put on face and neck

      Reply
  6. Shayna D Avatar
    Shayna D

    This is great but ascorbic acid is synthetic vitamin c and usually is genetically modified. I would worry that using this type of vitamin c could do more harm than good. You can buy a pure vitamin c powder that is organic and high quality for just a few dollars more.

    Reply
    1. dave Avatar
      dave

      Ascorbic acid is vitamin c and vitamin c is ascorbic acid. They are identical and the process for making it is always the same. Until this process was invented some 90 years ago it was extremely expensive and difficult to manufacture. There are a lot of marketing techniques used to try to make one sound better than another (like “organic”). Don’t buy the hype. Vitamin C is not a compound of substances that can be considered “organic” … it is a specific molecule that is the same whether synthesized or . Look at the vitamin C molecule on wikipedia – this molecule is what all vitamin C looks like that you can buy. Anything with a different structure is not vitamin C. There are buffered versions (ascorbates), and palmitates (bonded to a fatty acid), but what makes it all vitamin C is that 11 atom molecule to which these structures are attached.

      Reply
      1. Ann Avatar
        Ann

        Great. It’s still derived from GMO corn. Buy organic that is not made from GMO corn or whole fruit Vit C like Camu Camu powder.

        Reply
        1. ALexander Kershaw Avatar
          ALexander Kershaw

          Almost all the ascorbic acid in the world is made in two factories in China. They do use glucose from corn but since GMOs are not used in China (Monsanto couldn’t buy them) the vitamin C is not made from GMO corn. All the Vitamin C is made to pharmaceutical or industrial standards because it is used in industrial processes. Tampering with human health is OK but not with industrial chemistry. So Dave is correct all the hype about organic or L-ascorbic acid is just to get more money from the uninformed and gullible. No insult intended.

          Reply
        2. Lisa Avatar
          Lisa

          I’m glad that the word is getting out about the ascorbic acid in most supplements etc is genetically modified from GE corn. It defeats the purpose of making your own healthy versions because you are trading poison for poison. I buy Organic Orange Peel Powder, Organic Rosehip Powder, Organic Amla Powder and Organic Acerola Berry Powder from Mountain Rose Herbs and mix up equal parts of each into a bowl and fill vegetarian capsules (size 00 – which holds 735mg) with it to make my own Vitamin C pills. I take 3 capsules a day. You will know that you are taking enough if your urine is clear. I plan to try the Organic Orange Peel Powder with this recipe and see if it works.

          Reply
  7. Eileen Avatar
    Eileen

    I use the peel from organic oranges, grapefruits and lemons, cut the peel and white into small squares and allow to dry for several days then grind into a fine powder…I add this to vinegar as a natural cleaner, I use it mixed with water for a facial toner, I add some to my breakfast for an extra boost of Vit C…the uses for your own homemade Vit C powder are endless!

    Reply
  8. annina Avatar
    annina

    Help! My Vit C crystals won’t dissolve – in water, oil, or vegetable glycerine!

    Reply
    1. Cathy Avatar
      Cathy

      Mine either. I even warmed up the water to dissolve it but then it recrystalised after it cooled down. I’m going to try and grind it like the suggestion above but any other suggestions would be great

      Reply
      1. andrea Avatar
        andrea

        you need to use distilled water. if you keep stirring (3 mins or so) it will dissolve

        Reply
        1. Cheryl Avatar
          Cheryl

          I am using RO water, is that the reason the vitamin C won’t dissolve like it should? What is the difference in distilled and RO? If I shake the bottle long enough, which is a LONG TIME, it will dissolve. Also, I like the vegetable glycerin but it’s too sticky so I cut back on it.

          Reply
          1. Mary Avatar
            Mary

            Hi, I can think of three reasons why Vit C doesn’t dissolve – there is too much Vit C powder in proportion to water (add a bit more water); water is too cold (try it warmer or room temperature); Vit C powder is not fine enough (grind it to a fine powder in a blender or clean coffee grinder).
            I don’t use much glycerine, sometimes none. That’s OK.
            Hope this helps.

          2. Mary Avatar
            Mary

            Distilled water makes all the difference. Tap water has chemicals that seem to interfer with the C disolving. I also want to add that I have been using the C Serum on my hands for 3 weeks and age spots are fading and skin quality have vastly improved.
            Can someone help me determine how 1 gram of Hyaluronic Acid and 100ml water equates to teaspoon or tablespoon?

  9. JoAnne Bickel-Custer Avatar
    JoAnne Bickel-Custer

    What about using the powder in coconut oil after dissolving in small amount of water?

    Reply
    1. Lanet Avatar
      Lanet

      I am searching for the same answer about mixing ascorbic acid and coconut oil. Did you ever find an answer?

      Reply
      1. dave Avatar
        dave

        Oil and water don’t mix. Dissolve lecithin granules in the water and you will then get it to mix.

        Reply
      2. phyllis lawrence Avatar
        phyllis lawrence

        i would love to know the recipe as well and can i add vitamin e gel to it as well…please help…need correct recipe…

        Reply
  10. Michele Stitches Avatar
    Michele Stitches

    Just so your readers know, I have made a similar serum, but had trouble with it being gritty. Then someone pointed out that I should put my C powder in a clean grinder (I have a coffee grinder I use soley for herbs) and grind it finer. That did the trick!

    Reply
  11. Alba Avatar
    Alba

    what about using vitamin C ampoules? those who can be injected. Could it work directly or with the glycerin?

    Reply
    1. Sandra Avatar
      Sandra

      Ascorbic acid doesn’t do well in water. It goes rancid before if can even hit the skin vitamin C can be very tricky to stabilise

      Reply
      1. Candice Avatar
        Candice

        5 stars
        Ascorbic acid is a synthetic chemical that looks like the vitamin c mollecules. I believe most of it produced in the US is made from sunsidized, GMO corn in a book an in New Jersey. I think you need to look into natural vitamin C sources such as acerola cherry powder, camucamu, sea buckthorn and even orange peel….

        Reply
        1. Nicole K. Avatar
          Nicole K.

          If you look into the works of Linus Pauling, Dr. Saul, etc. You will see that vitamin c as ascorbic acid has saved countless lives. It is no different than what most other animals produce on daily basis. Its exact chemical makeup is identical to pure ascorbic acid. When ascorbate is made correctly, it does not matter whether it comes from GMO corn or otherwise. It can be safely given to even those with severe corn allergies. Humans are one of the only animals that do not make their own internal ascorbic acid. This coming from a mother who only believes in vitamins and minerals from food, never supplements, save vitamin c and magnesium. Once upon a time we could get enough vitamin c from food sources but with the toxicity of this world now, we simply cannot. Look into high dosing internally.

          Reply
  12. tanya Avatar
    tanya

    I was wondering if vitamin C tablets could be crushed finely & used instead of purchasing vitamin C powder ? Thanks

    Reply
    2. Angela Moseley Eastep Avatar
      Angela Moseley Eastep

      I would like to know this answer as well. Cause I have plenty of vitamin C Tablets…

      Reply
      1. Beth Avatar
        Beth

        I mix mine with coconut oil or pure aloe vera- works great! I also use the Hyaluronic Acid with vitamin C capsules. I can just use one at a time and not worry about it going bad. Just open the gelatin capsule and dump it and mix either aloe or organic coconut oil. ( I also use coconut oil as a makeup remover.

        Reply
        1. sherry Avatar
          sherry

          Hi, I’m wondering where do you purchase hydraulic acid? I live in British Columbia, Canada.

          Thanks

          Reply
          1. Lesa Avatar
            Lesa

            Hi,

            I’m in BC also and have looked everywhere. I just bought mine from Bulk Actives online. I have the crystals from Choices but they are a pain to dissolve.

            I also use Hyaluronic acid and organic rose hip seed oil (natural retinol) in my serum and its amazing. The ultra fine l-ascorbic is so g=hard to find locally. I got 90g for 27 USD (shipping and all) bit pricey but it goes a long way.

          2. Doves Avatar
            Doves

            I live in Okanagan and find that Nature’s Fare sells pure hyaluronic acid serum (Episilk), in a darkened, 30 ml bottle. It is rather costly at $74.99 plus tax, but the good news is that a little goes a long way. I use a Vitamin C serum (Viva Bio Brightening) in a dark 25 ml bottle for $34.99. Again, a little goes a long way.

            The Vitamin C serum also contains Sunflower Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, Sweet Almond Oil Cold Press, Avocado Oil, Vit E, Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Vanilla Planifilia Oil, Lavender Angustifilia Oil, Angelica Dahurica, Mandarine Oil.

            You have to shake the bottle well and apply a THIN layer to desired areas. Use on a clean face. Open pores up by placing a hot as you can tolerate facecloth for 1-2 minutes. I exfoliate every 2nd day, as every day is said to be too much.

            Allow the Vit C serum to dry for a couple of minutes (skin absorption) and follow up by dabbing (do not overuse) hyaluronic acid serum. I am an older woman (over 50) and have just begun this regime, so I cannot state as of yet, any results. But I can say that my skin (after only 4 days) is already softer and I have seen reduction in some blemishes.

            I should say that after exfoliating, I use ACV (apple cider vinegar) mixed with equal part distilled or filtered water as a toner, then after a couple of minutes, use the ‘hot facecloth’, so that I am applying the serums to a clean face.

            Coconut oil, castor oil and vitamin E are being used for eyelashes and eyebrows. Sweet almond oil for dark circles/bags under eyes. I am drinking plenty of water per day, cut out sugar, breads, sweets, processed food and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Exercise is being incorporated into my lifestyle also.

            The sooner one starts in life the better! Thumbs up to wellness mama…keep up the great work! I only just stumbled across this site because I was wondering if I could save some money by making my own serums. ; ))

            The reason I mentioned diet and exercise (as well as plenty of proper sleep) is because the outside will definitely reflect what is going on on the inside. Hope this helps someone. God bless!

        2. Jennifer Avatar
          Jennifer

          I bought hyarulic acid in gel capsule, and liquid vitamin c.. Can I add that strait to my coconut oil? How much do you think!

          Reply
      1. Donna Avatar
        Donna

        Actually, the answer is no. Well, not ideally, because AA oxidizes the minute it hits the water, and so quickly, unless it is a fine powder that dissolves almost instantly, you will be losing all the healing power as you wait for the coarse powder to completely dissolve. I suppose if you want exfoliation……you could move a bit quicker? 🙂

        Reply
        1. dave Avatar
          dave

          Actually the rate of oxidation does increase dramatically when it is dissolved (why you really should use dissolved C within 7 days), but oxidation rate is slower when crystalline because the individual crystals are not dissolved.

          Reply
    5. Lynn Avatar
      Lynn

      I wouldn’t use crushed tablets as they contain excipients not wanted on the skin. Order a small container of NOW Foods Ascorbic Acid on Amazon. I’ve been taking it (orally) for 10 yrs. It’s good stuff & USP (pharmaceutical grade) which is important as you want purity….Good luck! I’m going to make my own and glad I already have the C on hand! I think I’ll make it with water and apply with cotton ball after I cleanse my face. Then, I’ll follow with my other skin care products, like moisturizer.

      Reply
    6. Nina Avatar
      Nina

      IS IT SAFE TO USE THE 1000G EVERESCENT VIT C TABLET DISSOLVED IN A BIT OF DISTILLED WATER MIXED IN WITH A FACE CREAM? I AM 50 AND HAVE DEVELOPED ACNE FOR SOME REASON OR OTHER. I USE THE SAME EVERESCENT TABLETS ORALY FOR SOME YEARS WHICH HAS TAKEN AWAY ALL THE DARK SKIN BLOTHES I HAD. SO IF VITC IS SO GOOD ORALY, SURELY IT WOULD DO WONDERS ON THE OUTSIDE TOO. PLEASE ADVISE.

      Reply
    7. Yosef Damte Avatar
      Yosef Damte

      VIT-C TABLETS CONTAINS AT LEAST 8 PRODUCTS IN IT SUCH US BINDERS, STABILIZERS, FILLERS, DISINTEGRANT …
      DO NOT DISSOLVE AND READILY IT CANT BE USED .

      Reply
    8. Sandra Avatar
      Sandra

      Please Do Not use Vit C tablets. There are fillers and colours.
      I use only cosmetic grade ascorbic acid and glycerin and water.
      I buy all my DIY products at Bulkactives.com.
      I mention them because I’ve been so happy with their products. I’m not paid to promote them and I doubt they even know who I am.

      Reply
    9. Annie! Avatar
      Annie!

      When you make the Sejm, how are you actually applying it to your face? On a cotton ball? Spray?

      Reply
  13. Elizabeth Resnick Avatar
    Elizabeth Resnick

    I have been oil cleansing every since I read your post on it last January and love it. When I am finished there is some oil residue still on my face. Is it ok to use the c serum in top, or will the oil keep it from absorbing? I am anxious to try this!

    Reply
  14. katalin Avatar
    katalin

    I find glycerine makes the serum very sticky. I currently use the recipe from gorgeously green and her recipe only calls for 1 tsp of glycerine and I can hardly stand the stickiness from that. I’m going to try using aloe Vera with my next batch.

    Reply
  15. Helen Ellsworth Avatar
    Helen Ellsworth

    I just started using deep sean minerals,expensive (when you buy from the retailer) ebay it. wow wow wow, my skin is softer than it has ever been, I’m in my fourties,My combination skin is now under control, I no longer have servere oily T zone. I take Balckmore’s vitamin C to help from the inside out, my neck skin is improving amculatly. and only after nearly a week of taking VitaminC. 🙂

    Reply
    3. Tina Lewis Avatar
      Tina Lewis

      Hi , can you use pure L-ascorbic acid for this ? I noticed your vit c is a mix of berries etc ….

      Reply
    4. Joanna Avatar
      Joanna

      Hi! We may be in the same skin boat, I’m curious what deep sea minerals products you have been using?

      Reply
  16. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    I have Ester-C powder with Citrus Bioflavonoids by American Health. It is brownish-grey in color. Can that be used instead of the crystals?
    Thanks.
    Michelle

    Reply
    1. Donna Avatar
      Donna

      No it can’t. Google. It will not absorb into the skin as well, although there is some implication it may help over the very long term with the deeper layers of skin. I am looking for immediate results, so perhaps a combo of both Vit C’s would be an option for you.

      Reply
      1. emily Avatar
        emily

        i’m very confused by your comment. i googled homemade vitamin c serums and came across a blip on youtube from a dermatologist who advised against making them specifically because regular vitamin c is water soluble and supposedly does not absorb into skin well. he said vitamin c ester is better!

        Reply
        1. Dave Avatar
          Dave

          Then that dermatologist didn’t know what they were talking about. For one Ester-C is just as water-soluble as regular C, and no more fat-soluble, and besides all the research says regular Vitamin C absorbs better than any other type (including fat soluble variety ascorbyl palmitate). Ester C contains partially oxidized C, which doesn’t contribute metabolism boosting electrons. All the pros of Ester C vs regular C is entirely produced by the Ester C industry. All other studies find it’s efficacy no better and often worse than regular c.

          Reply
          1. Felix-Marie Avatar
            Felix-Marie

            You are FULL of awesome goodness! Thank you for breaking that down for us!

  17. Gladys Avatar
    Gladys

    This awesome!i have to try this as I do lot of aqua aerobic in chlorinated pool and was looking for ways to increase my vitamin c. Would like to all you though, if you don’t mind, which kind do you take orally? Is it the same powder and how much do u take from it?

    Reply
      1. Rebi Avatar
        Rebi

        How do you disolve camu camu powder?i tried a lot and it doesn’t t work

        Reply
    2. Karen Davidson Avatar
      Karen Davidson

      I take Ester-C tablets (and also L-Lysine) by Solgar to aid in collagen production. They’re both great products to use! It’s great quality for the price & it’s easy on the stomach and releases over time, so you don’t just get a huge dose then excrete it through the urine.

      Reply
      1. Rachel Avatar
        Rachel

        Hi I was just reading thru and at first is seemed to be a potion to be applied on the face and now you’re talking about taking the vit C orally. Could you pse explain cause I don’t understand where the facial cream stops and the taking of vit C orally begins. Thanks for being patient with me.

        RAchel

        Reply
  18. Sotirios Avatar
    Sotirios

    I use L-ascorbic Acid that is the most absorbable with water and instead of glycerin i use aloe vera gel.

    Reply
    1. Laura Vázquez Avatar
      Laura Vázquez

      Same proportions? How well does the aloe vera work? How often do you make a new batch?

      Reply
      1. Sotirios Avatar
        Sotirios

        yes same proportion. In general L-ascorbic Acid is very unstable, light, temperature, humidity sensitive. So small batches every week or two.

        Reply
    2. Hannah W Avatar
      Hannah W

      What / where do you recommend that I buy the L-ascorbic acid and aloe vera gel? Thanks!

      Reply
        1. Katie Avatar
          Katie

          I live in Spain too, in Madrid. Could you tell me where you buy your supplies? At an herbolario?

          Reply
          1. Taurus Avatar
            Taurus

            I live in Sweden the health supplies is very pricy here so I buy from the company Iherb. You can find vit c for very good prices there. Just make sure its L-ascorbic

        2. carolyn Avatar
          carolyn

          I am moving to Spain. Where can I buy these products?
          Thanks,
          Carolyn

          Reply
          1. Tina Avatar
            Tina

            What’s going on in Spain? Everybody is moving there is it expensive? I would like to live there too. What do I need to do first, visit and look around.

      2. dave Avatar
        dave

        There are different molecular compounds of vitaminc C, but as it turns out the most absorbable and beneficial is the easiest to make: L-Ascorbic. For that reason all vitamin C powder is composed of 99% L-ascorbic. Beware of those charging you more because theirs is “L-Ascorbic”, insinuating the other cheaper stuff is not.

        Reply
    3. kim Avatar
      kim

      Hello

      Can you tell me what are the quantity you use for the aloea vera 1 oz? how many teaspoon of vitamin c powder to make 5%, 10% 15% 20%?

      how long does it last to oxidize?

      Reply
      1. randi says Avatar
        randi says

        This method is easier. Take a paper plate and fold in half Put the vitamin C tablet on the fold and close the paper plate. old in half again. Take anything a kitchen mallet or a shoe lolol and hit a few times. Once you have it down 2 shots does the trick!!!! also Vitamin C doesnt stay potent long. Really only a week and I put it in a dark bottle with a liquid dropper in it from a pharmacy. I am not the expert but my friend is. I buy the hydraulic acid from Drugstore.com and that is less then $13.00 for a large bottle that lasts me at least 2 months. I used to use Henrikson and it was pricey for their vitamin C serum but after reading and seeing how fast it loses it potency I have done this. I do not refrigerate and the dark bottle helps tremendously for 7 days. I am not a youngster. I am 56 and I am very happy with my skin. Mind you this is a serum so stick with a good moisturizer. All department store stuff Lancome etc are crazy priced and yes I did use that at 1 time but since the year 2000 Macys had a line called Prescriptives and now you can get it on line and the service is amazing with decent prices. Once you sign up and start a first order they have a few times a year 30 percent off and I go crazy for their moisturizer and eye creams and UNTIL you find what you like free shipping both ways and service is unbelievable. On line chat, online picture chat and phone. If you wash your face and their all clean comes in a BIG tube and is amazing and lasts at least a year and put the hydraulic acid on and the vitamin C which you need after the hydraulic acid you need a TINY amount of moisturizer and that lasts for about 6 months too. I have returned things many times and never a problem. Chat is amazing too. I just wrote a book! I am sorry but I have hit comment and it isnt responding?

        Reply
        1. Donna Avatar
          Donna

          Hi Randy
          How much of hydraulic acid and vitamin c are exactly that you are using and how?
          I cannot afford the prices on the market I am 60 years old and I need good advice on how to erase some wrinkles around mouth ,eyes and in between eyes area…
          What can I say? …I feel that I am falling apart!

          Reply
          1. Annie Avatar
            Annie

            DONNA please don’t use vitamin c tablets like Randi has advised. You could be putting all sorts of things into your skin by using tablets….because tablets come with added ingredients like binders, fillers and sweeteners. You need to use a pure L-ascorbic acid. Try amazon. A small 100-200 gram pouch won’t cost you more than 5 dollars or so. But make sure it’s non gmo L-ascorbic acid. …and not plain ascorbic acid. You don’t need to mix with hyaluronic acid. …This is just an ingredient that helps to hold moisture in the skin. The cheapest and most effective method is to use plain distilled water…..or rise water or any other type of hydrosol, a little vegetable glycerin and the L-ascorbic acid.once you have mixed it, and provided it’s kept in a cool place in a dark bottle….It will easily latest 2 weeks. If it develops a yellow tinge,then it’s time to make a new batch.
            Vitamin E works miracles when applied over the vit C serum and works as a moisturiser as well as a sunscreen and helps to diminish any freckles or age spots that may have already developed.

          2. Kayla Avatar
            Kayla

            I feel the same, Donna…falling apart… except I’m 69.

  20. mar Avatar
    mar

    can regular vitamin C powder, not crystals, also be used? Do you know how much is absorbed? I am trying to up my Vit C dose and am interested in learning more about transdermal recipes, especially the most absorbable ones with no harmful ingredients. Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Ilona Avatar
      Ilona

      Hi Katie!
      I love your blog!! And use it a lot! Thank you so much!
      I have a question. From what I read, vit c is very unstable while dissolved and water-soluble which doesn’t allow it to get through lipid walls of the cells. In order to override those problems, the producers add all kind of stuff which make it so expensive.
      So, if we mix just water and vit c, do you think it still gets absorbed well? Your opinion ?
      Thank you

      Reply
      1. margie Avatar
        margie

        For all those in doubt please read the following article:
        Dr. Perricone
        Antioxidants & Skincare

        Reply
        1. Tara Avatar
          Tara

          He is absolutely inccorrect about Vit C ester.

          ESTER C + UV RAYS = DISTRUCTION TO THE SKIN

          “Why it can be Disastrous to use the Wrong Vitamin C” for details. In the meantime, if you use a product containing ascorbyl palmitate, be sure to stay out of the sun. Under UV exposure, ascorbyl palmitate is toxic to skin cells and contributes to disease states including skin

          Reply
          1. Howard Avatar
            Howard

            That Felecia Rose site feels biased to me. Just the very uncomfortable feeling I get that they knock everything but don’t offer enough science to back claims. How honest can they be? They say “Skin levels of vitamin C drop 425% by middle age”; I only have a HS diploma but I wonder, how can something drop by 425%. After the first 100% of dropping, there should be nothing left to drop.

          2. Tricia Avatar
            Tricia

            Tara is correct. Ascorbyl palmitate is bad for your skin due to the free radicals formed when exposed to UV rays (the sun).

      2. Laura Arrington Avatar
        Laura Arrington

        I understand what your saying and I am going to experiment with mixing the Vit C with Coconut oil that I have used for many 20+ yrs., the oil soaks deep into the skin (fyi; no one be-leaves im over 60) All the newest natural skin and hair receipts have “Coconut Oil” as the #1 best ingredient. Now after reading Dr. Oz statement of using Vit. C and Hyaluronic Acid together for an alternative to plastic surgery, and after his words was a free trial offer (+ shipping) that was running out on the night i happen to be reading it?(seen that trap before) I so love Katie’s receipt, and her caring for sharing with others, so i did take a copy of it… I think its only fair and my wish to share my years of knowledge. Would like to share my idea with Miss Katie also. like her opinion of using the liquid C (wonder what that is mixed with, in order to get it to mix with my oil?) Hope I have given you some answer’s to your concern, Laura

        Reply
        1. fran leonis Avatar
          fran leonis

          I have been using 1 tbs. of L-Ascorbic Acid Ultrafine with with tbs of distilled water and 1 tbs of veg glycerin. Worked great; however, it discolors my hair and much of my clothing. On many fabrics (and hair), it stains. Does anyone else have this problem?
          Thank you,
          Fran

          Reply
          1. Laura Smith Avatar
            Laura Smith

            Yes, I had been using a serum I made from an online recipe containing L-ascorbic acid, glycerin and vitamin E but the stuff stained my clothing even when I had just made a new batch of serum. I understand it oxidizes but that obviously was not the problem. So, I searched for a solution and found a site called Skin Actives. I emailed them and they suggested I use a more stable but just as effective form of vitamin c called MAP or magnesium ascorbic phosphate which can be added to another of their products called Sea Kelp Coral. You can add the MAP to any cream or lotion but it will turn a cream into a lotion if you are not careful. However, this will not cause it to lose its effectiveness. This seems to work better for me and so far, my blouse and t-shirt collars are not stained.

          2. Deb Avatar
            Deb

            I have been using ascorbic acid, water, and glycerin mixture for a couple months and love the way my skin feels, I get a lot of compliments on my skin. However, never had a staining problem. Never heard of that till now??? Ohhh after applying the ascorbic acid I apply HA. Love the results!

          3. julie harwood Avatar
            julie harwood

            Be careful of any vitamin C serum that turns from clear to yellow, tan or brown. It contains AA that’s being oxidized by air and light. Some manufacturers color their solutions orange to hide what’s going on.

        2. Jill Avatar
          Jill

          Although coconut oil is a great oil for many things including the body skin, grapeseed oil is a better carring oil for mixing vit C and apply to face. Better absorption & less oily feel. I’m a massage therapist and know my oils & absorption rate. Look up absorption rate of different oils. Hope my comment helped.

          Jill

          Reply
          1. Rupa Avatar
            Rupa

            Hi Jill,

            I am a 42 year old woman from India Recently I had some hormonal mess up which has left me with a lot of acne scarring . Have been trying essential oils (helichrysum and frankincense) in grapeseed oil as well as Vit C (LAA) in water as a diy serum. These have been helping but i really want to speed up the process a bit. So when I read your comment, was wondering if you could tell me what would be the correct proportions of Vit C powder and grapeseed oil? My skin is extremely sensitive and acne prone. Thanks in advance.

          2. Karyn Avatar
            Karyn

            Laura, I appreciate this information. I can’t use herbals, extracts, or salicylates. Since I found this out, my cosmetic life is almost impossible. But I can use the ascorbic acid form of Vitamin C. Can you tell me where you ordered these products you use. I will try to duplicate this as it sounds like something I can use. Thank you for help from anyone!! Love this site, Wellness Mama! You are a genius to come up with this.

          3. Pearl Goyett Avatar
            Pearl Goyett

            Jill where do I get the vitamin c at, and I will try your suggestion about the grapesead oil. Also what are the amounts thank you
            Pearl

          4. Erica Avatar
            Erica

            I mix mine with pure rose hip oil, it absorbs better and together work wonders.

          5. Roxy Avatar
            Roxy

            Well 5he main problem with coconut oil is it hardens in colder weather, so you won’t get a serum

        3. Tricia Avatar
          Tricia

          in order to mix coconut OIL with vitmin c which is mixed with WATER, an emulsifier is needed as oil and water will not mix on their own.

          Reply
          1. Meg Avatar
            Meg

            I have mixed water and oil together. Use a mixer and whip it. Works fantastic.

        4. Ruth Avatar
          Ruth

          Are you saying mix the Vit C with coconut oil & distilled water with a mixer? Then apply HA (what brand do you use?). Also could you give the exact measurements you use. I have deep wrinkles around my mouth that I hate. Never smoked either. Thank you for any information as I’m new to all this. Ruth

          Reply
        5. PHYLLIS LAWRENCE Avatar
          PHYLLIS LAWRENCE

          CAN YOU GIVE ME YOUR RECIPE…I HAVE BEEN USING VITAMIN E WITH COCONUT OIL…CAN I PUT ULTRA FINE VITAMIN C WITH THAT FOR MY FACE…I WOULD NEED RECIPE…OR IS GRAPESEED OIL BETTER..PLEASE HELP…PLEASE HELP

          Reply
      3. jean Avatar
        jean

        where can I find ph 3.5 strips? I ordered Hydrion stiprs from amazon. They tested 5.5 in vit c and also distilled water. I am returning them

        Reply
      5. Yumei Avatar
        Yumei

        Skin is naturally acidic to protect from external environment. That’s why you want to make sure that home made VC serum is between 2.5-3.5 acidity for it to penetrate the skin.

        Lower than 2.5, it will do damage to your skin while higher than 3.5 is rendered useless.

        And by the way, you can get ultra fine Vitamin C from Whole Foods. Whole Foods carries its own brand of Vit. C.

        Hope it helps!

        Reply
        1. Kathy Avatar
          Kathy

          Wow, you all know So much! I am just starting out after watching the doctor Oz show also, and i found a vitamin box from about 6 months ago, and i found some Vitamin C Crystals (says Ascorbic Acid with No L before it) at 1/2 level tsp. is 2.25 g. & 100% pure powder. But they Are Crystals. Could i measure as crystals for their amount for grams and use my coffee grinder to grind into a powder? Do you think? I don’t want to waste these crystals, i’m not sure why i bought them now. They are “Now” Brand..

          Reply
          1. Greg Avatar
            Greg

            @Kathy
            It is not necessary to grind Vitamin C granules into a powder first, regardless of whether they are cyrstals or powder, because Vitamin C is soluble in water.

          2. siya Avatar
            siya

            your blog is simply awesome, my question is which oral vitamin and gelatin supplements do you use ?

          3. Tricia Avatar
            Tricia

            I would recommend blendng the crystalls up to a fine powder before using it. It will measure more accurately and also dissolve more readily. What I do is take about 1/4 cup of crystals at a time and pulverize them in my nutribullet, then use that powder leaving the larger bag in the fridge until I run low. The additional benefit is that the main stock of VItamin C is not exposed to air as much as the smaller volume, and will stay fresher longer.

        2. Carol Avatar
          Carol

          Been using this for almost 3 months now. The last time, and last time only, tested it and my pH was 6. Anyone know how I can get it to 3.5? I know how to raise it with baking soda but how do I lower it? I tried a different recipe with 1 tsp. vitamin c and 1 tsp. water with a pH of 3.5 but it left a powdery residue on my skin. Not grit, residue. Love this and even though pH is 6, I can see a difference, but want it to be most effective. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

          Reply
          1. Tanja Odzak-Goppold Avatar
            Tanja Odzak-Goppold

            lemon juice?
            tho I don’t know what the ph of lemon juice is.

            how did you test the ph? what did you use?

          2. Carol Avatar
            Carol

            I used pH test strips. I just wonder if using lemon juice will lower the concentration? I’m currently at 20%.

          3. Tanja Odzak-Goppold Avatar
            Tanja Odzak-Goppold

            more specifically, I thought about replacing the water with lemon juice.

            i googled it, and while i’m sure it varies, I saw somewhere that the ph of lemon juice was 2.

            if you do it, i’m curious to know how it turns out!

          4. Carol Avatar
            Carol

            Ok, thanks, Tanja! Right now I’m mixing the C with hyalauronic acid but I haven’t tested the pH yet. I mix just enough for one application. If I remember, I’ll test it tonight and let you know.

          5. Carol Avatar
            Carol

            Hi Tanja, just wanted to let you know the pH remained the same with the HA and C. Might experiment with the lemon juice or maybe ACV…

    2. Claire Avatar
      Claire

      @mar: The best and most effective form of vit c to use is an ‘ultra-fine’ L-Ascorbic Acid powder, which can be found on ebay or places like LotionCrafter, etc, but a google search for ‘ultra fine L-Ascorbic Acid’ will easily help you locate an online suppler.

      The inclusion of ferulic acid and d-alpha-tocopherol (vit e) are what really add a punch and help vitamin c serums work so brilliantly.

      Reply
      1. Jennifer Avatar
        Jennifer

        How much ferulic aid and d-alpha tocopherol (vit.e) should be used with the above recipe?

        Reply
        1. Leni Avatar
          Leni

          How much ferulic aid and d-alpha tocopherol (vit.e) should be used with the above recipe?

          Reply
      2. Debora Avatar
        Debora

        How do you mix your vit C (L-AA), your HA, and the vitamin E? I have been just mixing twice daily applications of L-AA with water and applying it and then applying HA and then putting olive oil on top (would like to switch to rosehip oil or something). How do you do it? So excited to learn! 🙂

        Reply
    3. robert Avatar
      robert

      I use powder , one can be swayed by others believes,I use my own common sense along with research & intuition.absorbic acid is such .also one can bath with Epsom salts,bobs bakeing soda,ginger to open pores,absorbic acid/2000 to 4000 mg.powder & your choice of essential oils. Then, after ,apply the vit. C serum. Presto…

      Reply
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