Homemade Skin Brightening Serum
Department store vitamin C serums can cost well over $50 or more for a small amount of product, making this homemade version super economical. The process of making this radiance serum is super simple and results in a wonderful product that will become a favorite of your DIY skincare routine! Makes approximate three 2 ounce bottles. Store unused bottles in the refrigerator before use.Please note: This recipe, as written, does not contain a chemical preservation agent. Although the relative salinity of the serum does create an environment that is fairly inhospitable to microbial growth, discard if signs of spoilage appear. You can learn about preservation options from this post.
Ingredients
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1/4 cup dulse flakes
- 1/4 cup rose hips
- 1 tablespoon orange peel powder
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 1.5 tablespoons hyrdosol of your choice
- 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
- optional preservation agent of your choice (follow manufacturers guidelines
Instructions
- In a small suace pan combine the water, dulse flakes, rose hips, and orange powder and simmer over medium low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foamy "skum" that surfaces. Remove from heat when mixture is reduced by half.
- Pour mixture through a fine mesh sieve. The mixture will look kind of muddy at this point. Discard or compost the "sludge" contained in the sieve. Wash and rinse well, then line with several layers of moistened cheescloth, and filter the mixture through for a second time. This should result in a more translucent liquid, measuring roughly 1/4 cup (you "lose" a far amount of water during both the simmering and filtering stages). Add your aloe, hydrosol, and vegetable glycerin to the cooling liquid and mix well.
- When the mixture is cool, using a small funnel, pour into treatment pump bottles. Store unused bottles in the refrigerator before use.
To Use:
- Apply to clean face avoiding eye area and follow with your regular moisturizer. Use this brightening serum in the evening only as it may increase sun sensitivity. Take proper sun protection precaution during the day to avoid UV damage.