How to make a simple peptide serum at home: the short answer
Peptides are fragile: most are added as a supplier-made solution in the cool-down phase, below 40 °C, at the use level on the supplier's technical data sheet, into a water-based gel at a skin-friendly pH. Here is the book's simplest starter formula, Recipe 01 · Daily Hydrating Peptide Serum (100 g, cold process, target pH 5.0–5.5).
1. Sanitize and weigh in grams
Clean tools and surface, tare a clean beaker on a 0.01 g scale. Work by weight, never by volume.
2. Make the water phase
Stir until clear, sprinkle the hyaluronate over the surface, cover and let it hydrate 30–60 minutes.
3. Add the peptide below 40 °C
Stir gently to avoid foam. Up to 8% of this peptide solution is within supplier guidance; start at 4%.
4. Check pH, bottle and label
Adjust to pH 5.0–5.5 with a drop of 10% citric acid or 10% sodium hydroxide. Fill a clean dropper or airless bottle; label name, batch number and date. Personal batch: use within 3 months, stored cool and dark.
5. Patch test first
Apply a little to the inner forearm once daily for 48 hours before facial use. Stop if redness, itching or stinging appears.
Cosmetic formulas for personal, educational use; not medical advice. No injectable, oral or "research" peptides. Use levels drawn from published supplier ranges; always follow your supplier's TDS. If you sell products, compliance (including MoCRA) is your responsibility.
