Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar & Nourishing Facial Serum
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Homemade Facial Serum
Many people have asked me if I’m going to eventually sell lotions and creams in addition to my handmade soap. While I’m not to that point (teaching science is still my main focus), I have been making lotions and serums for my own use. I decided to share one of those recipes on this week’s blog post. I also decided to share how to make your own Apple Cider Vinegar. Both of these recipes are easy and you get a wonderful sense of gratification when you use them. I also feel living a simple, homemade lifestyle means embracing the beauty of natural, handcrafted products.
All you need is a big jar, apples, sugar and filtered water.
DIY Apple Cider Vinegar
Let’s start with ACV. Making your own apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a rewarding process that results in a raw, probiotic-rich vinegar that can be used in cooking, cleaning, and even as a health tonic. Store-bought versions can be pricey, but with a little patience, you can have your own homemade batch right from your kitchen. I have linked items in Amazon if you don’t have something on hand.
Ingredients & Supplies:
Chopped apples (fill the jar halfway)
Filtered water
1 cup sugar per gallon of water
A few splashes of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the Mother) I like Bragg brand. Our local grocery store carries it.
Fabric bowl cover or cheesecloth (see previous post for making your own)
Rubber band, clothespin or string
I use a variety of apples. I chop everything up, stems, seeds and all!
Instructions:
Fill the jar halfway with chopped apples.
Dissolve the sugar in filtered water and pour over the apples, ensuring they are fully submerged. Stir well.
Add a couple of splashes of raw apple cider vinegar to help jumpstart the fermentation. It will ferment without this, but this speeds things up.
Cover the jar with a fabric bowl cover (directions to make bowl covers are in a previous post) and keep it in the dark.
Stir the mixture daily for two weeks. This ensures that the apples on top do not develop mold. I haven’t had a problem with mold if this is done daily. I do it when the coffee is making in the morning so I don’t forget. I also just let it set on my counter covered for the 2 weeks.
After two weeks, strain out the apple pieces and transfer the liquid to a clean jar.
Allow it to ferment for another 2-3 months in a dark place. Patience is key. Put it on your calendar and forget about it. You can check the pH when you think it is ready (needs to be down around a 2) or use your taste buds.
Once it reaches the desired acidity, transfer it to individual flip-top bottles for storage.
Understanding the 'Mother' in ACV
During the fermentation process, you may notice a cloudy, jelly-like substance forming in the vinegar. This is called the 'Mother', a beneficial colony of acetic acid bacteria and cellulose that helps create the vinegar. It is completely natural and a sign that your ACV is fermenting properly. Unlike mold, which appears fuzzy or has an off-putting odor, the Mother is safe and packed with probiotics that enhance the health benefits of the vinegar.
I just grabbed a bowl cover out of the drawer and placed it on top.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:
Digestive Health – ACV contains probiotics and enzymes that aid digestion.
Immune Boosting – Its antibacterial properties help support the immune system.
Blood Sugar Regulation – Some studies suggest ACV can help balance blood sugar levels.
Natural Cleaning Agent – The acidity makes it a powerful, non-toxic household cleaner.
Hair & Skin Toner – It can be diluted and used as a natural facial toner or hair rinse.
I just wrap some fabric around and clip with a clothespin. I also leave it out on the counter so I can stir it daily for 2 weeks.
DIY Nourishing Facial Serum
I have purchased many facial serums and I honestly think this one rivals many and I have everything in my cabinet to make it. It helps that I have many ingredients for making soap that overlap with skincare. I have found this simple facial serum deeply hydrates, balances, and nourishes my skin. It’s perfect for all skin types, particularly those prone to dryness or irritation. I’ve selected ingredients that work together to moisturize, soothe inflammation, and promote a radiant complexion. I don’t have time for a multistep routine in the morning. It is pretty much, wash, moisturize and a some makeup when it comes to my face. So this serum I can use day or night.
Serum ingredients. Sometimes I add a few drops of Argan oil.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp Castor Oil (deeply moisturizing and clarifying)
Jojoba Oil (fill ¾ of a 2 oz bottle; balances oil production)
2-3 drops Lavender Essential Oil (soothing, reduces redness)
2-3 drops Frankincense Essential Oil (anti-aging, improves skin elasticity)
2-3 drops Vitamin E Oil (preserves the serum and promotes healing)
Adding Castor oil to my bottle.
Instructions:
Add castor oil to a small glass dropper bottle. I use a stainless steel funnel.
Fill the bottle about ¾ full with jojoba oil.
Add 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil.
Add 3-4 drops of frankincense essential oil.
Add a couple of drops of vitamin E oil.
Shake gently to combine all ingredients.
Jojoba added after the castor oil. Add EOs and vitamin E and that’s it!
How to Use:
After cleansing, apply 2-3 drops to damp skin.
Massage gently in upward circular motions.
Allow it to absorb before applying makeup or sunscreen.
Use morning and night for soft, glowing skin.
Benefits of the Ingredients:
Castor Oil – Moisturizes, fights bacteria, and soothes irritation.
Jojoba Oil – Closely mimics skin’s natural sebum for deep hydration.
Lavender Essential Oil – Reduces redness, irritation, and promotes relaxation.
Frankincense Essential Oil – Helps with fine lines and promotes skin elasticity.
Vitamin E Oil – A natural antioxidant that protects and repairs the skin.
I love lavender. I add it to so many of my recipes.
Both of these homemade recipes allow you to embrace simple living while using natural, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re crafting a nourishing facial serum or fermenting your own apple cider vinegar, these projects bring a sense of connection to nature and self-sufficiency. I’m always looking for suggestions for things to write about. I used the last of my serum last night and realized I could share the recipe with you! I’ll try to post an update in 2 weeks when I filter the apples out of the vinegar. Until then, enjoy some sunshine.😊
Roxanne
