How I Made a SkinCeuticals Dupe Without Going Broke (And How You Can Too)

Title: How I Made a SkinCeuticals Dupe Without Going Broke (And How You Can Too)

Look, I love SkinCeuticals. I love the science, I love the results, I love that glow it gives. What I don’t love? The price tag that makes me consider applying for a second mortgage.

So, I did what any slightly obsessed skincare formulator would do: I made it myself. That’s right, I made a DIY version of the famous CE Ferulic serum at home, and spoiler alert: it worked.

This post isn’t about trashing a cult favourite — it’s about proving that if your wallet isn’t as plump as your ideal skin barrier, you can still get high-performance skincare. Let me walk you through it, step by glorious, slightly nerdy step.

STEP 1: Water Phase Magic

This is your base. You mix together water, dipropylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol (to help push actives deeper), glycerin for hydration, a sprinkle of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (if you're fancy), and optionally some EDTA to stop metal ions from ruining the party.

STEP 2: The Vitamin C Moment

In goes the L-Ascorbic Acid — 15% of it. You stir and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Your mixture is now acidic enough to scare off weak formulations. That’s okay, we’ll balance it later.

STEP 3: Antioxidant Avengers Assemble

This part takes a little warmth. In a separate beaker, combine ferulic acid, tocopherol (Vitamin E), and PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides. Heat it gently to around 40–50°C until everything dissolves into a lovely clear phase. Then pour it into your water base and watch them come together like skincare soulmates.

STEP 4: Preservation & pH Feng Shui

Now we add phenoxyethanol — the preservative hero. Then comes the art of pH balancing. Mix a 2% Triethanolamine solution and add it slowly, drop by drop, until your serum hits a sweet spot between pH 2.8 and 3.2. Don’t eyeball it. Use a pH meter. Be scientific, not chaotic.

STEP 5: The Bottling Ceremony

Your serum is ready. Look at it. She’s glossy, stable, potent, and she cost less than a Pret lunch habit. Bottle her up in amber glass or airless pumps, label with love (and the date), and pop it in the fridge if you’re serious about shelf life.

In Conclusion: Big SkinCeuticals Energy, Small Budget

You don’t need a luxury budget to get scientifically-backed, results-driven skincare. With a little knowledge and a few good ingredients, you can create something that rivals the best in the business.

If you want to try it yourself, I stock most of these ingredients in small sizes (no need to buy a kilo of ferulic acid unless you're really committed).

DM me, leave a comment, or just start mixing. Your glow-up awaits — and your bank account will thank you.