Have you seen how expensive vitamin C serums are? I’m talking $50, $80, even $100 for one ounce. Nope. Not happening.

Skincare is expensive. I don’t know why these tiny bottles of vitamin C serum are almost the same price as a week’s worth of groceries.

I used to feel like I had to buy the fancy serums to get results. After digging into the ingredients (and realizing how simple they actually are), I decided to make my own. Best decision ever.

This homemade vitamin C serum is affordable, takes less than 10 minutes to make, and still gives you that glowy skin.

I know you have to invest a little up front (like under $50) to buy the ingredients, but you’ll be able to make 10+ bottles. Worth it!

Vitamin C is known for brightening your complexion, fading dark spots and acne scars, boosting collagen, and protecting your skin from damage. So many skincare experts recommend using vitamin C every night as part of your routine

If you’re tired of overpaying for skincare this DIY vitamin C serum might be your new favorite. I’ve been using it for weeks now and my skin feels brighter, smoother, and way more balanced.

Vitamin C Serum Recipe

Makes about 1 ounce.

Ingredients

1/2 tsp L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C powder)
1 tsp glycerin
2 tbsp distilled water (or hydrosol like rose or lavender)
2 drops essential oil (optional I like frankincense for skin)
6 drops Geogard ECT preservative (optional, but helps it last longer)
A few drops of Vitamin E oil (optional)
pH strips for testing
Dropper bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix the oils (if using)

Start by adding your essential oil into the glycerin. This helps it mix better when you combine everything later.

2. Dissolve the vitamin C

In a separate small bowl, stir the L-ascorbic acid into the water or hydrosol. Keep mixing until it’s fully dissolved.

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3. Combine it all

Pour your glycerin (with or without essential oil) into the vitamin C water. Add your preservative if you’re using one, and the vitamin E oil and stir gently.

Vitamin C is amazing for your skin, but it’s super sensitive to light, air, and heat which means it can oxidize (go bad) pretty quickly. When that happens, it loses its effectiveness and can even irritate your skin.

Little PSA: Go check your vitamin C serum’s expiration date. If it’s been on your shelf for more than 3 months, it might be expired.

I always make small batches, store it in a dark bottle, keep it in the fridge, and add a few drops of vitamin E oil and a preservative to slow down oxidation. It’s an easy extra step that helps your serum stay fresh and actually do what it’s supposed to do.

4. Check the pH

Vitamin C works best at a pH of 3.0 to 3.5. Use your pH strips and adjust if needed. If it’s too high, add a tiny bit more vitamin C. If it’s low add a little more water.

5. Bottle it up

Pour it into a dark glass dropper bottle. Store in the fridge and try to use it up within a few weeks before it oxidizes.

How to Use Vitamin C Serum:

Apply a few drops to clean, dry skin once a day (ideally at night). Follow with a moisturizer. Always wear SPF in the morning as this can make you more sun sensitive.

Notes:

The essential oil is optional.
Even with a preservative, Vitamin C oxidizes quickly. Keep it in a dark glass bottle in the fridge, and use it within a few weeks. If it turns yellow or orange, it has oxidized.
This is for a 5% vitamin c serum which should be gentle enough for a beginner. Always do a patch test first.

Vitamin C Serum

Print Recipe

This DIY vitamin C serum is made with just a few natural ingredients to help brighten skin, fade dark spots, and even out tone all without the $50+ price tag.

Ingredients

1/2 tsp L-ascorbic acid vitamin c powder
1 tsp glycerin
2 tbspp distilled water or hydrosol
2 drops essential oil optional
6 drops Geogard ECT preservative optional
few drops vitamin E oil optional
pH strips for testing

Instructions

Add the essential oils to the glycerin.
Add the ascorbic acid to the water and stir until fully dissolved.
Add glycerin to the water. Then add in the preservative and vitamin E oil, if using.
Test the pH of the product. It should be between pH 3.0–3.5.
Stir well and pour into a dark glass bottle.
To Use: Apply a few drops to clean, dry skin once a day (ideally at night). Follow with a moisturizer. Always wear SPF in the morning as this can make you more sun sensitive.

Notes

The essential oil is optional.
Even with a preservative, Vitamin C oxidizes quickly. Keep it in a dark glass bottle in the fridge, and use it within a few weeks. If it turns yellow or orange, it has oxidized.
This is for a 5% vitamin c serum which should be gentle enough for a beginner. Always do a patch test first.

Affordable DIY Vitamin C Serum Recipe You Can Make at Home

Vitamin C Serum Recipe

Ingredients