Transforming your botanical mother tinctures (alcoholic or hydroglycerin) into a skin-friendly serum is straightforward, especially with the ingredients you offer. Below is an easy, customizable formula and method your customers can follow at home.
When referring to "serums" in the layering step of your skincare routine, we mean lightweight, fast-absorbing products with a high concentration of active ingredients. Serums are designed to target specific skin concerns—such as hydration, brightening, anti-aging, or soothing—and are typically applied after cleansing but before moisturizer and oils
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: Tailor your serum to your unique skin needs by choosing the extracts and actives that suit you best.
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: Homemade serums are fresher, with no unnecessary preservatives or fillers.
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: Avoid unwanted chemicals, fragrances, or allergens by selecting every ingredient yourself.
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: Making your own serum often costs less than buying premium pre-made products.
You can use either alcoholic tinctures or hydroglycerin tinctures as your botanical extract base. Both deliver plant actives to your skin, but:
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: Use the lower end of dosage for sensitive skin. Alcohol can help with penetration but may be drying for some.
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: Gentler and more hydrating, suitable for sensitive or dry skin.
You can also use hydrosols (floral waters) or distilled water as part of your serum for extra hydration or to dilute the formula for sensitive skin.
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(alcoholic or hydroglycerin)
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(main base)
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(1% or 1.5%)
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(optional)
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(optional, for dilution or added hydration)
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| Ingredient | Ratio (% of Total) | Function/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Tincture | 5–10% | Active extract; start low for sensitive skin |
| Aloe Vera Gel | 70–80% | Hydrating, soothing base |
| Hyaluronic Acid Serum | 10–15% | Deep hydration; use 1% or 1.5% |
| Vegetable Glycerine | 2–5% | Moisturizing; adjust for skin type |
| Vitamin E Oil | 1–2% (optional) | Antioxidant, skin barrier support |
| Vitamin C Serum | 5–10% (optional) | Brightening, antioxidant |
| Hydrosol/Distilled Water | Up to 10% (optional) | For dilution or extra hydration |
1 ml ≈ 20 drops. Adjust ratios for skin sensitivity and texture preference.
| Ingredient | 10ml Serum (drops) | 30ml Serum (drops) | 50ml Serum (drops) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical Tincture | 10–20 | 30–60 | 50–100 |
| Aloe Vera Gel | 140–160 | 420–480 | 700–800 |
| Hyaluronic Acid Serum | 20–30 | 60–90 | 100–150 |
| Vegetable Glycerine | 4–10 | 12–30 | 20–50 |
| Vitamin E Oil | 2–4 (optional) | 6–12 (optional) | 10–20 (optional) |
| Vitamin C Serum | 10–20 (optional) | 30–60 (optional) | 50–100 (optional) |
| Hydrosol/Distilled Water | Up to 20 | Up to 60 | Up to 100 |
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Add aloe vera gel to a clean bowl as your main base. -
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Measure out the tincture (see dosage table). For alcohol-based tinctures, use the lower end for sensitive skin. -
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Add your preferred hyaluronic acid serum (1% or 1.5%). -
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Vegetable glycerine for extra moisture.
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Vitamin E oil for antioxidant protection.
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Vitamin C serum for brightening.
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Hydrosol or distilled water to adjust texture or dilute for sensitive skin.
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Mix all ingredients until smooth and gel-like. -
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Pour into a sterilized dropper bottle. Store in the fridge for freshness, especially if using vitamin C.
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: Always test a small amount before full facial use.
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: Natural serums may separate; shake gently before each use.
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: Note the date and ingredients for reference.
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: Customize for skin sensitivity and preferred texture.
Empower yourself to create a serum that’s as unique as your skin!
