Questions re: DIY containers and serum shelf life
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skincare Tools & Do-It-Yourself Skincare

Fri May 29, 2015 3:02 pm

Hi, I'm new here and am just starting out exploring DIY options for skin care.

I'd like to try Kassy's Vit. C+E & Ferulic with Jojoba serum.

Can you recommend what type of container I should use (glass/plastic, dropper/airless pump?) and also the best way to sterilize them before each use? (Hope these aren't dumb questions, haha.)

I'm planning to make small batches and use them up quickly instead of using preservatives (unless this is a bad idea?). How many times a day do you use the serum, and how long should I expect 1 fl.oz. to last (refrigerated or not)?

Thanks so much! I'm getting ready to order the supplies and ingredients from Lotioncrafter and can hardly wait to try it out. Very Happy

P.S. Is it okay to use stainless steel spoons to mix and measure these materials?

Fri Jun 05, 2015 7:22 am

Hey Maca,

I'm new here too but really into DIY so I'll try to answer your questions.

1. Container - I use dark tinted glass dropper, I think airless pump would be ok too although the consistency of serum may be too watery for it.

2. Wash it with ethanol (and wait a couple of minutes to dry) or boil it for a couple of minutes.

3. I'm usually not using preservatives too, cosmetics stay fresh for 10 to 14 days. Keep them in refrigerator.

4. I use my serums (not the one you're going to make but it applies to pretty much every one) 2 times a day. My 12g amount is just enough for these 2 weeks, so I guess if you don't want to use a preservative use 0,5 fl. oz. If you don't refrigerate, it will be useless after a couple of days (not sure, but I think 3-4)

5. Vit. C reacts with metal and turns into a harmful for the skin form so no, don't use stainless steel. I use glass stirrer.

Fri Jun 05, 2015 6:06 pm

Thanks so much for answering my questions, Lehti. It helps a lot. I didn't know about Vit. C reacting with metal!

I ordered all my materials today, but now I wish I'd ordered a glass stirrer. Very Happy

Can't wait to try out the serum and see how it (hopefully) helps my skin.

Sat Jun 06, 2015 4:23 am

You're very welcome Maca! Instead of glass stirrer you can use a plastic spoon (made of PP - polypropylene).

Yes, it's a rarely spoken but quite important fact about Vit. C. It may have a pro oxidative activity in presence of transitional metals. So combined with even traces of Fe (iron) it stimulates a creation of free radicals and accelerates cells' degenerative process.

Also with time, especially fast in presence of oxygen, Vit. C decays and also starts to have a pro oxidative activity (quite a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde this vitamin is, no? Smile

), so remember to always close your serum and don't leave it in a presence of light - UV rays destroy this vitamin quickly.

I hope it all doesn't sound too scary, haha. Just remember to protect your Vit. C. cosmetics from metals, air and light and it will be great. Good luck with your first DIY! Smile

Mon Jun 08, 2015 11:04 am

Can anyone let me know what pH the serum should be?

Mon Jun 08, 2015 1:52 pm

andreaNY wrote:

Can anyone let me know what pH the serum should be?

For Vit. C to be effective pH needs to stay below 3,5, but you don't want to go very low, as around pH 2,5 it may irritate the skin too much.

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