DIY Face Serum Recipe | Hydrating Autumn Glow Serum
Make this DIY face serum with aloe vera, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and brighten skin this autumn. Easy 5-minute 100ml recipe.
Ingredients (Approx. 130.2 g Base Formula)
The base ingredients total 130.12–130.20 g when Witch Hazel is included. Solubiliser and preservative will increase the final batch weight. Their quantities must be established before making a finished formulation.
Method / Steps
Begin by pouring the Rose Water into a clean, sanitised mixing container. This forms the refreshing base of your facial mist.
Add the Witch Hazel, if using, and stir gently until evenly combined. For a gentler facial toner, consider an alcohol-free Witch Hazel product.
In a separate small container, premix the Sandalwood Essential Oil with a suitable cosmetic solubiliser, following the solubiliser supplier's recommended ratio and mixing instructions.
Slowly add the premixed essential oil mixture to the Rose Water base. Stir gently until thoroughly dispersed.
Add a suitable broad-spectrum preservative at its recommended concentration and according to the supplier's compatibility and processing instructions. Check and adjust the pH as required for the preservative and skin compatibility.
Mix thoroughly, inspect the finished mixture for separation, and transfer into a clean, sanitised fine-mist spray bottle once the formulation has been assessed.
Benefits of Each Ingredient
Rose Water: A gentle floral water that provides a refreshing, lightweight base for facial toners and mists. Helps give the skin a fresh, comfortable feel.
Sandalwood Essential Oil: Adds a warm, woody botanical aroma to the mist, creating a soothing and luxurious sensory experience. Must be used within appropriate facial leave-on limits.
Witch Hazel: An optional ingredient often included in toners for its astringent properties. May be particularly appealing in formulations designed for oily skin, although alcohol-containing versions can be drying.
Solubiliser: Helps incorporate the Sandalwood Essential Oil into the water-based formulation, reducing the risk of concentrated oil droplets contacting the skin.
Broad-Spectrum Preservative: Helps protect the water-based formulation against microbial contamination when correctly selected, dosed and validated.
Why You'll Love This Facial Mist
Instant Refresh: A lightweight mist that provides a fresh, cooling sensation during the day.
Floral & Woody Aroma: Combines delicate Rose Water with the comforting botanical scent of Sandalwood.
Simple Skincare Addition: Easy to incorporate into your skincare routine as a refreshing toner or facial mist.
Customisable: Witch Hazel can be omitted or included depending on your skin type and formulation preferences.
Tips & Tricks
Use a fine-mist spray bottle for a light, even application.
Always premix essential oils with a suitable solubiliser before incorporating them into a water-based formulation. Simply shaking the bottle is not an adequate substitute.
If your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, consider leaving out the Witch Hazel and Sandalwood Essential Oil.
Confirm the identity, purity and recommended dermal usage limit of your Sandalwood Essential Oil before use.
Avoid spraying directly into the eyes. For facial application, keep the eyes closed or spray onto clean hands first.
Perform a patch test before using the finished formulation.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store in a clean, tightly closed spray bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Shelf Life: A reliable shelf life cannot be assigned without confirming preservative effectiveness, microbial quality, packaging compatibility and formulation stability.
Do not store or use an unpreserved water-based mixture as a shelf-stable facial mist. Discontinue use if you notice an unusual odour, colour change, visible contamination or separation.
Important Formulation Notes
Although the mixing method is straightforward, this water-based leave-on formulation requires appropriate solubilisation, preservation and pH control. The recipe is a starting guideline rather than a finished, validated cosmetic formula.
Before making the formulation for regular use or distribution, establish the complete formula by weight, verify ingredient compatibility and conduct suitable stability and preservative efficacy testing.
Disclaimer
The formulations and recipes provided by Refined Naturals are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are suggested guidelines that have not been developed, tested, or approved by a certified or licensed cosmetic formulator. Refined Naturals makes no guarantees regarding the performance, stability, safety, or suitability of any formulation, and results may vary depending on skin type, ingredient quality, formulation method, and storage conditions. Users are responsible for conducting their own testing, including stability, compatibility, and safety assessments prior to use or distribution. Always perform a patch test before use, and apply sunscreen (SPF) during the day when using active ingredients. All products created using these recipes are used at the user's own risk, and Refined Naturals will not be held liable for any adverse reactions, damages, or losses resulting from their use or misuse. Colour and consistency may vary from batch to batch. For external use only. Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Not tested on animals.
The formulations and recipes provided by Refined Naturals are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are suggested guidelines that have not been developed, tested, or approved by a certified or licensed cosmetic formulator. Refined Naturals makes no guarantees regarding the performance, stability, safety, or suitability of any formulation, and results may vary depending on skin type, ingredient quality, formulation method, and storage conditions. Users are responsible for conducting their own testing, including stability, compatibility, and safety assessments prior to use or distribution. Always perform a patch test before use, and apply sunscreen (SPF) during the day when using active ingredients. All products created using these recipes are used at the user's own risk, and Refined Naturals will not be held liable for any adverse reactions, damages, or losses resulting from their use or misuse. Colour and consistency may vary from batch to batch. For external use only. Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Not tested on animals.
