Eye Rescue Recipe

Sanitize

Clean and sanitize your workspace and tools with alcohol wipes. Put on gloves. Ensure the amber dropper bottle and any utensils are sterile and dry.

Prepare water phase

Warm the distilled water to about 35–40°C (warm to the touch, not hot). Pour the measured distilled water (38 ml) into the heatproof beaker. Add the aloe vera juice (5 ml) and stir to combine.

Pre-disperse hyaluronic acid

In a small separate container, mix the vegetable glycerin (3 ml) with the sodium hyaluronate powder (0.25 g). Stir to form a smooth paste (this helps prevent clumping).

Combine and hydrate HA

Slowly sprinkle the glycerin-HA paste into the warm water mixture while stirring continuously with a whisk or magnetic stirrer. Continue stirring until uniform. Allow the mixture to sit and hydrate for 20–30 minutes, stirring briefly every 5–10 minutes so the hyaluronic acid swells and the serum begins to thicken slightly.

Dissolve water-soluble actives

When the hydrating base has cooled to below 40°C (room-warm), add the niacinamide powder (1.0 g), caffeine powder (0.5 g), and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 powder (0.5 g) directly to the hydrated gel. Stir gently but thoroughly until each powder is fully dissolved and the texture is uniform. Niacinamide and caffeine dissolve readily at these temperatures; peptides are temperature-sensitive so avoid hot temperatures.

Check and tweak viscosity

If the mixture is thicker than you prefer for an eye serum, stir in a small extra ml of distilled water (up to 2 ml) in 0.5 ml increments and re-check texture. If too thin, allow additional hydration time (another 10–20 minutes) — hyaluronic acid continues to thicken as it fully hydrates.

Incorporate oils

Add the squalane (1.5 ml) and tocopherol (0.2 ml) to the serum and mix vigorously for 30–60 seconds. Because oil content is low (<5%), it will disperse as a light, non-greasy finish. Continue stirring until the serum looks homogeneous.

Add preservative

Once the mixture is uniform and at room temperature, add the phenoxyethanol + ethylhexylglycerin preservative (0.5 ml). Stir thoroughly for 60 seconds to ensure even distribution. This is required because the formula contains water and will be stored.

Check pH and adjust if needed

Use pH test strips or a pH meter. Aim for a final pH between 5.0 and 6.0 (comfortable and compatible for niacinamide and peptides). If the pH is above 6.5, add lactic acid 10% solution one drop at a time, mixing and retesting after each drop until pH is within range. If pH is unexpectedly low, stop and dilute with a small amount of distilled water (0.5 ml increments) and retest.

Transfer and label

Using a sterile syringe or pipette, transfer the finished serum into the sterile amber dropper bottle. Seal tightly and label with product name, date made, and an expiration estimate (see storage).

Immediate patch test

Before first use around the eyes, apply a small drop to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours to check for irritation or sensitization. If any redness, burning, or itching occurs, discard and do not use near the eyes.

How to use

Dispense a tiny drop (about 0.1–0.25 ml) per eye area. Gently tap the serum around the orbital bone (under-eye and outer corner) with your ring finger until absorbed. Use morning and/or evening. Follow with sunscreen during daytime.

Storage & shelf life

Store the serum in the amber dropper bottle in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator. With the included preservative and good hygiene (clean hands, no double-dipping), expect a safe shelf life of approximately 8–12 weeks. Discard if the smell, color, or texture changes.