DIY Vitamin C Serum Formulation Questions

Hello! It's great that you're exploring making your own skincare. Regarding your questions about making a Vitamin C serum similar to Skinceutical C E Ferulic:

• Can you use distilled water from a pharmacy? Yes, distilled water or purified water available at pharmacies is generally suitable for cosmetic formulations. It is free from minerals and impurities found in tap water, which is important for stability and preventing unwanted reactions in your serum.
• Do you need to add preservatives? Yes, absolutely. Any water-based formulation is susceptible to microbial growth (bacteria, mold, yeast). Preservatives are essential to prevent contamination, ensure the safety of the product during use, and extend its shelf life. Without preservatives, your serum could become a breeding ground for microbes, which is harmful to your skin.
• Do you need opaque packaging? Yes, this is crucial, especially for a serum containing L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). L-Ascorbic Acid is highly unstable and degrades quickly when exposed to light and air, losing its effectiveness. Opaque or dark-colored bottles protect the serum from light degradation. Using an airless pump or a dropper that minimizes air exposure is also highly recommended to reduce oxidation.

Making a stable and effective Vitamin C serum like Skinceutical C E Ferulic can be challenging due to the instability of L-Ascorbic Acid. It requires careful pH adjustment, high-quality ingredients, and proper preservation and packaging.

I hope this helps with your DIY journey!