9 Unexpected New Ways to Use Your Favorite Drugstore Products

You've likely run into serums, creams, moisturizers, and cleansers boasting the beautifying powers of vitamin C. And you're probably acquainted with their price tags, too, which lean toward the splurge side. This is because vitamin C is a volatile ingredient, meaning it goes bad quickly, and researchers spend a lot of time and energy concocting products that'll have a longer shelf life. Extra research and better-working ingredients often result in more expensive price points. Take the middleman out by making your own serum, which requires obtaining a vitamin C powder (L-ascorbic acid). Mix it with distilled water to create a toner, or add glycerin to both water and powder to DIY a serum. Follow the advice and recipes at MakeupAlley.

NOW Foods Vitamin C Crystals, Powder ($19)