DIY Hyaluronic Acid Serum Recipe

ByMindy Benkert
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 DIY Hyaluronic Acid Serum is so easy to make and its ability to help your skin maintain moisture is unmatched.

Hyaluronic acid is all of the rave in anti-aging skincare.  Unfortunately as we get older, our skin loses hyaluronic acid. 

When hyaluronic acid is applied to the skin, it increases the moisture level in the skin and has been shown to reduce the signs of aging.

bottles of diy hyaluronic acid serum

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Contrary to the second part of its name, hyaluronic acid is not an actual “acid” per se. It will not burn your skin. Do not let the name scare you away because hyaluronic acid can be your skin’s best friend.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural glycosaminoglycan (polysaccharides that are an important component of connective tissues) that is naturally occurring in our bodies, with half of it being found in our skin.

Hyaluronic Acid in dropper bottle

It plays an integral role in maintaining and regulating moisture within our tissues. As we age the amount of hyaluronic acid production gradually slows down resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can retain moisture up to 1000 times its own weight in water giving you a more youthful look. (source)

Can Hyaluronic Acid be Used as a Serum?

Hyaluronic acid, on its own cannot be used as a serum but all you need are a few ingredients to make your own DIY Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid Every Day?

bottle of hyaluronic acid serum

Hyaluronic acid serum is applied topically to damp skin before you apply your moisturizer. It can also be used in conjunction with other face creams such as sunscreen or your daily moisturizer.

Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid Morning or Night?

Used regularly as part of your skincare regimen, hyaluronic acid will help plump up your skin decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is safe to use daily, but for people with the most sensitive skin, using in the morning and night may be a bit too much.

Hyaluronic acid basically acts like a sponge on your skin by attracting and retaining moisture due to its water-attracting properties. (source)

Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Serum Together?

These 2 powerhouse ingredients absolutely can be used together. For even better anti-aging results, you can whip up this DIY Vitamin C Serum Recipe and use it alongside your Hyaluronic Acid Serum. 

How to Make DIY Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

It is no surprise that hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in the beauty industry with many beauty brands adding hyaluronic acid into their creams and serums.

The downside is that some brands only add a small amount of hyaluronic acid into their serums and some even mix it with toxic chemicals.

You can make your very own diy hyaluronic acid serum from home with the same great benefits of the more expensive brands.

To make your own hyaluronic acid serum, you will need to purchase some high quality Hyaluronic Acid Powder.

High Molecular Weight or Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid?

There is some debate as to whether you should use a high molecular weight (or low molecular weight hyaluronic acid for your skincare recipes. Some sources think that low molecular weight HA penetrates better into the skin's surface.

While others think it actually causes inflammation in the skin. I would suggest doing your research on this topic if you are concerned at all. You can also add both to your serum if you like.

DIY Hyaluronic Acid Serum Ingredients

You will need a few ingredients to make your own serum including:

Hydrosol or Floral Water - A few good options would be Lavender or Rose Hydrosol.

Distilled Water - If you don't have floral water, you can just add more distilled water.

Vegetable Glycerin - Vegetable glycerin is a humectant that helps draw water to the skin. We will be using our glycerin to help disperse the hyaluronic acid into our serum as well.

Xanthan Gum - Xanthan gum is a natural gum polysaccharide that is used as a thickener.

Hyaluronic Acid - I have chosen a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for this recipe, but as we covered before, you can include both high and low in your recipe.

Dermosoft Eco 1388 - Because this is water based, we will be adding a preservative.

This preservative provides outstanding broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. It is a little weak against yeast. You could add an additional preservative to boost the yeast protection, but I recommend storing your serum in a bottle with a pump top to prevent any outside contamination. 

In the past I've recommended Geogard ECT as a broad spectrum preservative for water based products because it claims to be water soluble. But unfortunately the Benzyl Alcohol isn't completely water soluble which can lead to skin sensitization issues, which we don't want.

This formula calls for 1 gram of Dermosoft 1388 Eco.

I recommend purchasing a jewelry scale to accurately add preservatives to your formulations.

I have included a conversion as well, if you don't have a jewelry scale. You can add 3/16 teaspoon of the preservative Dermosoft 1388 Eco.

If you don't have measuring spoons this small, you can find them on Amazon here. Let's get to the recipe!

bottle of hyaluronic acid serum

DIY Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Yield: About 2 oz
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Materials

Instructions

  1. Combine your distilled water and Dermosoft 1388 Eco in a glass beaker and mix until incorporated.
  2. Add your hydrosol to the water, preservative mixture.
  3. Add Glycerin, Xanthan Gum and Hylaluronic Acid to separate small beaker and mix well.
  4. Slowly incorporate the Glycerin, Xanthan Gum and Hyaluronic Acid mixture to water beaker, mixing well to incorporate. Set aside to swell.
  5. When blend is clear, test pH and adjust to a skin friendly pH of around 5

Notes

Preservative: Dermosoft 1388 Eco requires the pH to be > 7 when adding. That is why we add this to the water phase at the beginning. At the end adjust your pH to around 5 for best results. Learn all about adjusting the pH of your skincare products here.

Shelf life: If you choose not to add a preservative to the serum the shelf life will be two weeks and must be stored in the refrigerator. If you add a preservative to your serum it can be used for up to three months and stored at room temperature.

Tips: For best results apply to damp skin and follow up with moisturizer of choice.

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© Mindy Benkert
Project Type: Beauty / Category: DIY Skin Care

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DIY Hyaluronic Acid Serum Recipe

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41 Comments

        1. Hi Tracey, Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a citrus seed based anti-microbial used as a preservative in skin care products. ... It is said to be anti-microbial, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, astringent and does also have some antioxidant activity. Use GSE at .2 to 1% to preserve most formulations.

          1. its not a preservative. Its an antioxidant. You need a broad-spectrum preservative. Keep in the refrigerator and use up within two weeks.

  3. I have tried to order these two products from Amazon but due to laws I can't get them shipped to here, any suggestions

  4. Hi Mindy
    I have purchased the hyalurinic in the 1% solution (liquid) can I still use your recipe above or does it need to be adjusted

    1. I have not tried this, but if it is just a liquid form of hyaluronic acid, you should be able to. I would probably use more of the liquid hyualuronic acid. Instead of a teaspoon, maybe try a tablespoon and see how it goes. Let me know how it goes!

  5. Mindy, I found that the hyalouric powder formed white lumps. Have you experienced this and is there a way to avoid it? thank you.

  7. Hi Mindy, I want to try this serum so bad but can't get the HA here in Canada. Is the Collagen powder the same thing? The ingredients say its Hydrolyzed Collagen 1 & 3 from bovine skin, from my research it sounds like the same stuff. I was just wondering if you knew for sure or if I just need to experiment.

  8. I am a crusty ole fart, whom does not especially like to look unkept like many of my old buddies. I learned bout the Hyaluronic Acid Serum about a year ago. I tried it, WOW it actually works. The bags under my eyes have diminished, and my skin is smooth and looks great. I get a lot of people who say I look much younger than my 68yrs. I buy and make my own serum. Iv made mistakes in the past because I did not include any preservative. I use it every day right after a shower. On my face and on my back.My back used to get so dry and itchy in the winter months. I really dont want to look beautiful, but I do want to look pleasant and interesting. You can sit on your ass and complain or you can try this SIMPLE recipe, and look pleasant. Youll be glad you did.

    1. Hi Mindy , Opps! I was so interested in having my say so about the Hyaluronic Serum, that I didnt bother to read the rest of the comments. I didnt know this was a lady's page . Sorry to butt in. But Im not embarrassed, I ment what I said. Its good stuff. Some of you older gals need to Quit using that stinky weird makeup, and be happy with who you are and your new smooth face. I would sure like it better. Thank You Mindy for the recipe with preservative.

  9. What did you use as an emulsifier? If you don’t use a proper emulsifier since you are using water & oil ingredients, the serum won’t combine well so I just wanted to make sure I’m putting together these ingredients properly.

    1. Hi Carson, the main ingredients are water, glycerin and your powder. They blend together quite well without an emulsifier.

  10. Hi, Mindy!
    I just made your amazing recipe for hyaluronic acid serum. It feels wonderful on my skin! Thank you! One question: Can I add vitamin C to this mixture (which includes the grapefruit seed extract)? I presume the liquid form of C would be best. Thank you very much for your response!

  11. Hi There, As for the preservative, you can not use grapefruit extract as a preservative it is an antioxidant.

    1. Hi there Diana, according to the research I've done Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a citrus seed based anti-microbial used as a preservative in skin care products. ... It is said to be anti-microbial, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, astringent and does also have some antioxidant activity.

  13. Hi Mindy, I just tried making the serum but the hyaluronic powder formed white lumps (I bought the one you recommended). How can I fix it? Also, which oil would you recommend adding in place of Frankincense? Thank you!

  14. Hi Mindy. I am having so much fun and enjoyment from all the things I am reading about.
    My BIG QUESTION IS: What is the difference between an extract and preservative oil? Please explain as I am having trouble figuring this on out to make the Hyaloronic Acid Serum. Thanks and have a blessed day.

    1. I am not sure I quite understand the question. There are different types of preservatives out there. Some are better for products containing water, which is why I use the Grapefruit Seed Extract in this recipe. It does look like an oil in appearance so I guess it could be called a preservative oil as well.

      1. I don't like a strong fragrance in the things I use on my face. So I have used the grape seed oil and lemon juice in my DUY Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Lemon Oil is acidic, should be able to use as a preservative, and it has a great aroma when I use it. What do you think?

  15. Thanks so much, Mindy. I've been using it for about 6 months with a couple of changes. I use Manuka honey in place of the glycerin and swapped geranium oil for the lavender. My 60 year old skin has never felt better!

  16. Hi dear plzz answer me. Can we add germall plus (preservative) in this HA serum instead of GSE? Somebody told me that germall plus is skin friendly preservative nd can increase the shelf life of HA serum upto 2 years . So plz tell me if you know about this preservative? Its pros nd cones? How much can i add if I follow your above recepie of making HA serum.

  17. How serum should be used? Is it beneficial to apply on the face before applying my homemade anti aging cream?

    1. Hems, yes, you would apply this to a damp face before applying your anti-aging cream. 🙂

  18. One quick comment. It would help me to make a more consistent product if you could also include the grams measurements to your recipes. Thanks so much!

    1. Hi Veronica, if your serum is too "jellyish" for your liking, you can try reducing the amount of xanthan gum you are using.

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