DIY Facial Serums: Is a Homemade Serum Right For You?

(My contribution to the skincare blog: Kiseu.)

Ah, serums. The often-confusing and awe-inspiring products of the skincare world. Some people swear that their serum is the key to achieving glass skin, while others have no idea what a serum even is. 

If you’re new to serums, you can learn about their benefits and how to find the right one for you here. To recap, a facial serum is a concentrated shot of active ingredients to your skin that helps to directly treat whatever skin issues your targeting. 

It’s different from a moisturizer in that it goes above and beyond general skin hydration and maintenance, and penetrates deeper to improve the status of your skin. The market for serums is huge, and many serums contain lab-made molecules designed specifically for your skin. 

We’ve been on a massive DIY kick lately, (check out our DIY toner and eye cream guides, if you’re as crafty as we are!) and honestly, it’s so reassuring to know it’s possible to cut out dozens of chemicals from our routines. If you’ve got a love of homemade products, or just want to feel comfortable with every ingredient in your routine, a DIY facial serum might be for you. 

Why You Should Be Using a DIY Face Serum

Pro:The first and most obvious reason to make your own serum is that you know exactly what’s going on your face. Most serums that I’ve used have long, confusing ingredient lists, and I basically shrugged and put it on my face. 

Your skin is an organ, and it absorbs basically everything you put on it. If you want to avoid preservatives and harsh chemicals, homemade facial serums are for you. 

Con: Most DIY serums are made with pure essential oils. These can be great for your skin, but you lose access to a lot of amazing ingredients when you choose a homemade serum. For example, glycerin, peptides, and a molecule called DMAE are all ingredients popular in serums that are hard to add to your homemade formula. 

Commercial-made serums, while more chemically complex, will usually have higher concentrations of active ingredients that can seriously improve your skin. Depending on your skin needs, you might not get the same results with a DIY serum. 

Pro: Another important (and very persuasive) reason to DIY a facial serum is that it could save you tons of money. Have you checked out the serum market lately? It’s easy to find serums upwards of $200 for just a couple fluid ounces. 

It can be difficult shelling out that much cash for a product you’re not sure will actually improve your skin. If you make your own serum at home, you could be saving hundreds in the long haul. 

Pro: You can adjust your recipe to meet your exact needs. Maybe this is obvious, but a DIY serum is completely customizable. Does a certain oil clog your pores? Swap it out. Want an essential oil that fights a specific concern? No problem. 

You can’t just adjust a store-bought serum if it doesn’t work for you, but a DIY serum can be catered to your exact needs with a little experimentation. 

Alright, are you ready to dive into the world of DIY facial serums? It’s a lot easier than it sounds! Below, we break down a simple recipe so you can get glowing skin ASAP.

How to Make a Face Serum

This recipe is simple, easy, and customizable to your skin type! Even the least crafty skincare lover can make this, no-problem. 

What You’ll Need: 

1 tablespoon jojoba oil

½ tablespoon argan oil

2-4 drops of lavender essential oil

How to Make It:

All you have to do is combine the ingredients, shake it up, and enjoy! Apply this serum after you cleanse and tone, either morning or night. (Or both, if your skin loves this formula.)

Have a specific skin type you want to cater to? You have options. For example, dry complexions should use emu oil instead of argan oil, and oily skin thrives with a base oil like hemp seed, which is super light. If you’re looking for more customizations for your skin type, this blog breaks ingredients down perfectly. 

It really is that easy to make a homemade serum that helps your skin thrive. As the demand for more natural ingredients and health-conscious beauty increases, the internet has made it easier than ever to DIY your whole routine. 

If you’re ready to amp up your skincare routine from the regular cleanse, tone, moisturize cycle you’ve been in, a DIY serum could be the perfect solution. 

---