In this post, I’m going to show you how to create a powerful, effective DIY Skin Brightening Serum using three of the best skin-brightening ingredients: niacinamide, licorice root extract, and alpha arbutin. The serum has a gel-like texture that absorbs easily into the skin, making it perfect for daily use.
Let’s dive straight into how to make this serum, with a 100-gram batch as our goal.
DIY Skin Brightening Serum Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Grams |
| Phase A | |
| Propylene Glycol | 3 |
| Xathum Gum | 0.3 |
| Phase B | |
| Distilled Water | 76.7 |
| Aloe Vera Juice | 10 |
| ETDA | 0.2 |
| Allantoin | 0.3 |
| Propanediol | 2 |
| Niacinamide | 3 |
| Licorice Root Extract | 2 |
| Alpha Arbutin | 2 |
| Liquid Germall Plus | 0.5 |
Method
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Equipment
Before you begin with your DIY Skin Brightening Serum, ensure that your workspace is thoroughly sanitized, and you have all necessary protective gear: gloves, hair net, protective glasses, and a face mask. Clean and sanitize all your equipment to maintain hygiene throughout the process.
Sanitise all your equipment
Step 2: Measure the Key Ingredients
- Propylene Glycol: Start by measuring the propylene glycol. This ingredient helps to solubilize the other components and provides a silky texture to the serum.
- Xanthan Gum: Next, measure the xanthan gum, which is responsible for giving your serum its gel-like consistency. Combine it with the propylene glycol and stir well. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Create the Base Solution
- Distilled Water: In a separate beaker, measure the distilled water. Avoid using tap water, as it contains impurities and minerals that could affect your serum’s stability.
- Aloe Vera Juice: Measure the aloe vera juice, known for its hydrating and soothing properties, and add it to the distilled water.
- EDTA: Measure and add EDTA, a chelating agent that prevents metal ions from destabilizing the serum.
- Allantoin: Measure the soothing allantoin, known for calming irritated skin and promoting healing, and add it to your water mixture.
- Propanediol: Measure propanediol, which provides hydration, and incorporate it into the beaker.
Step 4: Add the Skin Brightening Ingredients
- Niacinamide: This powerhouse ingredient regulates oil production, treats pigmentation, and reduces redness. Measure and add it to your water mixture.
- Licorice Root Extract: Known for its ability to even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation, licorice root extract is a must-have. Measure it and mix it into the solution.
- Alpha Arbutin: This potent brightener helps reduce dark spots by inhibiting melanin production. Measure and add it to the mixture.
Step 5: Combine and Mix
Thoroughly mix the water solution. Gradually incorporate a bit of this mixture into the xanthan gum and propylene glycol blend you set aside earlier. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
Step 6: Preserve and Adjust the pH
- Add Preservative: Measure and add a preservative to your serum to prevent bacterial growth and mold.
- Check and Adjust the pH: Use pH strips or a pH tester to measure the serum’s pH. For niacinamide to work best, aim for a pH of around 6. Adjust as needed using small amounts of a pH raiser, testing until you reach the desired level.
Your DIY Skin Brightening Serum is ready!
And there you have it—your own homemade brightening serum. You can find all the ingredients to make it yourself or purchase the ready-made serum here:
Bright and Radiant Serum/ Ingredients Used
