How to make a homemade face serum

What does a homemade serum need?

A usable formula needs more than an appealing ingredient list. Raw materials and water can introduce bacteria or fungi. An ineffective preservation system, unsuitable packaging or poor storage can allow contamination. Dipping fingers into a container adds another route for germs to enter. These are reasons to avoid improvising a serum recipe, not problems solved by choosing a nicer bottle.1

The FDA has no regulatory definition of "natural" for cosmetics, so the word is doing more decorating than explaining. Homemade cosmetics still need to be safe, and the container itself must not make the contents harmful. Plant ingredients also have limited evidence for many claimed benefits and can cause skin reactions. Choose ingredients for a specific purpose rather than assuming that botanical means better.34

How to make a simple DIY sheet mask

A sheet mask lets you customize a skincare step without promoting your bathroom to a cosmetics factory. This is a mask, not a leave on serum, and the practical option is to use an existing moisturizer rather than invent a stored mixture.2

1. 1Choose a sheet mask suitable for adding your own moisturizer. Read the mask and moisturizer directions before using them together.
2. 2Test the moisturizer on a small area first if it is new to you. The jawline or behind the ear are suggested testing areas for homemade masks.
3. 3Wash your hands, then gently cleanse your face with warm water to remove makeup, dirt and residue.
4. 4Put your moisturizer on the sheet mask and apply it gently. Follow the mask's directions for how long to wear it; do not extend the time or frequency.
5. 5Remove the mask as directed. Continue your usual skincare routine, including moisturizing and sun protection.

Which ingredients should you choose or avoid?

For a moisturizing mask, useful ingredients in formulated products include hyaluronic acid to help retain water, glycerin to soften skin and ceramides to support the skin barrier. These are ingredient selection tips, not instructions for mixing raw powders or choosing concentrations. If clogged pores are a concern, look for a finished facial product labeled noncomedogenic, meaning it is designed not to clog pores.56

Avoid lemon juice, lime juice and apple cider vinegar in homemade facial mixtures because their acidity can irritate skin. For masks, avoid rubbing alcohol, abrasive particles and essential oils applied directly to skin. Fragrance can also cause irritation or an allergic rash. Be especially careful about adding exfoliating ingredients if your routine already includes acids or retinol. Prescription and nonprescription medicines can also make skin more sensitive; ask your dermatologist about compatibility before adding a mask.25

Can you dilute or store a homemade mixture?

Do not add water to an existing cosmetic to turn it into a thinner serum. Water can introduce microorganisms and dilute the preservatives that control their growth. Keep containers clean, do not share cosmetics, and follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. Warm or damp conditions can encourage microbial growth and break down preservatives. As general safety guidance, do not assign an improvised mixture a shelf life or treat clean equipment as a substitute for suitable preservation.1

What should you expect, and when should you stop?

A moisturizing mask can give an immediate but temporary hydration boost. Do not use that short lived effect as a reason to apply it more often than directed. Wash the mask off immediately if you feel itching, burning or stinging. See a dermatologist if your skin feels worse afterward. Masks are an optional addition to cleansing, moisturizing and daily sunscreen, not a replacement for those steps or treatment for acne or eczema.25