Vitamin C is a gold-star ingredient for the skin. You’ll find it in all kinds of skin creams for its antioxidant powers and ability to rebuild collagen. But instead of buying expensive creams with synthetic forms of vitamin C, you can make your own using camu camu, an antiviral, vitamin C-packed fruit found in the Amazon rainforest. Combined with aloe vera’s healing properties, this Vitamin C serum recipe with camu camu works to lighten and rejuvenate skin.
Why Vitamin C?
When applied to the skin, vitamin C does three awesome things for your skin:
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals and other nasties that come from daily environmental and sun exposure
- Vitamin C lightens the appearance of age spots.
- Vitamin C accelerates collagen production, which prevents the fine lines and wrinkles from forming.
Why Camu Camu?
L-ascorbic acid is a synthetic form of Vitamin C that’s often used in both expensive and homemade skin serums. While it provides potent skin benefits, it can also degrade quickly. Serums with ascorbic acid usually only last about a week before they start to oxidize and turn yellow, which means the vitamin C has become inactive.
The Amazonian Camu Camu plant contains the highest level of natural occurring vitamin C in the world. The small berries are at least 30 times more potent than oranges. So you get the vitamin C skin benefits – plus other antioxidants, vitamins and minerals – from a naturally derived ingredient (source).
DIY: Camu Camu Vitamin C Serum
Materials
- 4 teaspoons aloe vera gel
- 2 teaspoons glycerin
- 2 teaspoons camu camu powder
Instructions
- Combine camu camu and glycerin, mix well.
- Add aloe vera and stir to combine.
- Transfer to small container (one with a dropper is the easiest to use)
- To use, smooth 2-4 drops onto (clean) face, neck and chest twice a day. Let it absorb and follow with moisturizer.
Sounds like a great idea, except the molecule of the powder is too large to penetrate the skin. Just like with sodium hyaluronate serums, they won’t penetrate the skin unless the powder is of low molecular weight or you find it in liquid extract. You’re better off mixing plain L-ascorbic acid with the glycerin and the aloe if you’re wanting a DIY vitamin C serum.
very useful and informative blog keep it up and wel done
visit also http://livinghope4all.com/how-to-make-vitamin-c-serum-at-home/
Can any shelf life extenders ( preservatives naturally derived) like radish root and grapefruit seed extract and the natural preservative from mountain rose herbs help keep Vit c. More long lasting?
It is a little gritty, but if you dissolve in warm distilled water that helps.
Help! This dosent dissolve compleetly?? The serum is gritty and leaves a Sandy brownish orange residue on my skin ;( Can anyone suggest a brand that dissolves completely?
I used a glass bowl to mix the ingredients but I let it sit in hot water then dried before combining everything. Then I stirred till it wasn’t gritty.
Why does it feel real sandy? Will it dissolve some in the mix?
I’m using nature made camu camu and it orange color. For my face serum . does the color make a difference. 2tsp camu camu 2 water 2 aloe vera is that correct.
Does the color make a difference in making the serum for your face. Mine is darker not light. Please let me know if you can help me.
Can I make larger batches? How long will it keep?
Do you have a source for camu-camu powder. What should O be looking for in purchasing camu-camu? Thanks!
Mountain Rose Herbs
great idea! only, i think it’s not good to use vitamin c products during the summer (sunny) months…?
Good question! If you’re planning to be out in the sun a lot this summer try just using it at night.
Great recipe !
I’ve never thought using camu camu for beauty routine!!