Make Your Own Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Make Your Own Hyaluronic Acid Serums 

Hyaluronic acid has become a staple in modern skincare, so we thought we'd break down what it actually is and share a couple of easy DIY recipes so you can make your own.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a type of glycosaminoglycan, essentially a very large, water-loving sugar molecule. It occurs naturally throughout the body, especially in connective tissue, where it helps maintain the structure of the extracellular matrix, the supportive “scaffolding” around our skin cells.

One of the reasons HA is so popular is its impressive ability to attract and hold moisture. It binds significant amounts of water relative to its size, which contributes to that hydrated, plump look in the skin. As we grow older, our natural levels gradually decline, which is partly why HA is also widely used in cosmetic injectables and lip fillers.

In topical skincare, hyaluronic acid stays within the surface layers of the skin because of its large molecular size. It does not reach the deeper layers, but it can still create a visible cosmetic effect by drawing moisture to the surface and helping the skin appear smoother, fresher and more hydrated. This is why hyaluronic acid serums are popular for giving the skin a plump, healthy-looking finish after application.

HA also layers beautifully with other products. Applying a moisturiser on top helps lock in that surface hydration and enhances the overall effect. You can use it daily if you like, or simply reach for it whenever your skin needs an instant boost of hydration.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum

For best results, apply hyaluronic acid serum to slightly damp skin. HA attracts water, so giving it a little moisture to work with helps it sit comfortably on the skin and improves that hydrated finish.

Recommended order in your skincare routine

1. Cleanser
2. Toner or hydrosol mist (leave the skin lightly damp)
3. Hyaluronic acid serum
4. Face oils and/or moisturiser

Using a moisturiser or oil after your HA serum helps seal in the surface moisture, supporting a smoother, more hydrated appearance. HA works well on its own, but it performs even better when followed by a cream or oil because these occlusive or emollient layers help slow water loss.

You can use HA morning or evening, or both if your skin enjoys it.

Simple 1% Hyaluronic Acid Serum Formula

Ingredients

Makes 100g -  Adjust batch volume with Go Native NZ's Batch Size Calculator 

98% | 98g distilled water
1% | 1g hyaluronic acid powder
1% | 1g Geogard 221 (preservative)

Method

1. Add the Geogard 221 to water and stir.
2. Slowly sprinkle the hyaluronic acid powder over the surface of the water and stir. It will clump together but try to incorporate as well as you can. (You can use an electric beater to help speed up the process.)
3. Leave covered, preferably overnight, until all the hyaluronic acid powder has melded in.
4. Pour into 100ml bottle or 5 x 20ml dropper bottles You can use your 20ml dropper bottle for application and refill it as needed.

Hero Hyaluronic Acid Serum Formula

Ingredients

Makes 100g -  Adjust batch volume with Go Native NZ's Batch Size Calculator 

90.5% | 90.5g distilled water
5% | 5g niacinamide
2% | 2g glycerin, certified organic
1% | 1g hyaluronic acid powder
0.25% | 0.25g allantoin 
0.25% | 0.25g aloe vera extract
1% | 1g Geogard 221 (preservative)

Method

1. Make an aloe vera juice by stirring the aloe vera extract powder into the water.
2. Stir in the glycerin, Geogard 221, niacinamide and allantoin, sprinkling in powders slowly.
3. Slowly sprinkle the hyaluronic acid powder over the surface of the water and stir. It will clump together but try to incorporate as well as you can. (You can use an electric beater to help speed up the process.)
4. Leave covered, preferably overnight, until all the hyaluronic acid powder has melded in.
5. Pour into 100ml bottle or 5 x 20ml dropper bottles You can use your 20ml dropper bottle for application and refill it as needed.

Video Tutorial - Make Hyaluronic Acid Serum 

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