Gentle Curology Recipe

Sanitize

Sanitize work surfaces, utensils, glass mixing bowls and storage bottle by washing with hot soapy water and wiping with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Work in a clean area and wash hands thoroughly.

Measure ingredients with clean, dry utensils and a small digital scale or graduated measuring spoons for accuracy. Keep everything ready before starting.

Heat and combine

In a sanitized glass bowl, warm the distilled water to about 40–45°C (lukewarm). Add the aloe vera gel and whisk gently until homogeneous. Whisk in the vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol (or hyaluronic acid solution) until fully combined and slightly viscous.

Let the base cool to room temperature (under 30°C) before adding heat-sensitive actives.

Niacinamide

If using niacinamide powder, sprinkle the 0.5 tsp into 1–2 teaspoons of the warmed water portion and stir until fully dissolved. If using a premade 10% niacinamide serum, add equivalent volume to achieve ~2–5% final concentration in the total batch. Ensure full dissolution before proceeding.

Azelaic acid

If using azelaic acid suspension (recommended), measure and add it directly to the cooled base and stir until evenly distributed. If using powder, pre-dissolve in a small amount of warmed propylene glycol or ethanol if the formula permits, then blend into the base. Aim for approximately 10% azelaic acid final concentration.

Panthenol

Add the panthenol solution to the mixture and stir until uniform. Panthenol provides humectant and soothing benefits.

Stir in the cooled green tea infusion and chamomile hydrosol. Sprinkle in the allantoin powder (if using powder, pre-dissolve in a teaspoon of warm water) and whisk until fully dissolved. These calming ingredients reduce redness and support a gentle finish.

Add the recommended amount of broad-spectrum preservative according to the manufacturer's instructions for the batch size. Mix thoroughly.

Measure the pH with pH strips or a pH meter. Target pH: 4.5–5.5 (skin-friendly and compatible with niacinamide and azelaic acid). If pH is below target, add small drops (0.05 tsp increments) of diluted sodium hydroxide solution or triethanolamine, mixing and rechecking after each addition. If pH is above target, add small drops of lactic acid or citric acid solution, mixing and rechecking after each addition.

If using vitamin E oil, add and stir to incorporate. If using an essential oil, add a single drop only and mix. Avoid fragrances if skin is very sensitive.

Decant the finished serum into a sanitized amber glass dropper bottle or airless pump bottle. Label with the date and ingredient highlights. Allow the serum to rest 24 hours and recheck pH and appearance.

Storage: keep refrigerated or in a cool, dark place. Use within 3 months if preservative used; if no preservative, use as a small batch within 7–10 days and keep refrigerated.