DIY Lactic acid toner

Toners have a dual functionality. They can be used as a serum too. But when using AHA's, it needs to be used twice a week only and not daily. Lactic acid is an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). AHA's help in gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells thereby brightening skin. However excess usage can cause damage to the skin.

Lactic acid is gentle compared to glycolic acid and it has been working great for my skin. 

Few things to note:

You can make a serum or thick consistency by adding gelling agent or HA and reducing water for the replacement.

pH recommended by supplier's is between 3.5-5 for lactic acid serum/ toner. pH of the serum will be as low as 2 if we don't add alkaline pH buffer to raise pH since lactic acid is highly acidic. I have used TEA (triethanolamine) here but you can use L-Arginine or NaOH Solution. But if you don't have soaping experience, using NaOH solution will feel a bit scary.

Let us look at ingredients required to make this.

Ingredients required: (50g)

Lactic acid 3% (1.5g)

Rose hydrosol 87.9% (43.95g)

Propanediol 1,3 4% (2g)

Anti-acne extract 3% (1.5g)

Panthenol 0.5% (0.25g)

Sodium gluconate 0.1% (0.05g)

Preservative Euxyl K 712 1.5% (0.75g)

TEA (as per the pH)

Procedure:

1) Add all the ingredients in a beaker except TEA and stir slowly to dissolve everything.

2) You might see some crystals which is caused due to low pH. Add few drops of TEA, test pH and adjust pH to 4. Be careful while adding TEA, add only few drops (2-3) at a time else it will raise pH significantly and you need to decrease again by adding citric acid or lactic acid.

I have videos on my channel on how to check pH and how to calibrate pH meter. You can check that out.

If you want to make a bigger batch or alter, check my calculator for quick and easy conversion of percentages to weights, click here

Any substitutions possible? Yes

1) You can use any hydrosol and extract that you prefer.

2) EDTA can be used in place of sodium gluconate but check on the usage rates.

3) Any other water soluble preservative may be used but do remember that not all work at low pH and few drift with pH.

Where to Buy Ingredients - supplier links: (Click on the links to open)

You can check my page (Where to Buy Cosmetic Ingredients and Containers in India?) for local supplier details.

Do you want to watch this on Youtube? 👉 Click Here