How To Make Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seeds contain antibacterial and antifungal properties that make them a popular supplement or remedy for commonly found skin ailments. It can be applied topically in small amounts undiluted, or can be mixed into soaps, lotions or creams for more aesthetically pleasing topical application. It can be found widely in drug stores and even grocery store pharmacies, but some people are interested in making their own product so that they know exactly what goes into what they are applying to their bodies. You may wonder how to make grapefruit seed extract at home to ensure that there are no additives that you do not know about. The process is relatively fast and can be completed in a few steps, although it does require some chemical use and can be daunting if you have not done it before.
1) Use a high-powered industrial blender to reduce the seeds to powder, the finer the better.
2) Dissolve the seed powder in plain dechlorinated water to purify it.
3) Gradually dry the water-powder mixture at a low and steady temperature, which will result in a concentrated powder.
4) Dissolve the powder in glycerin, preferably vegetable or plant-oil based.
5) Add ascorbic acid and any other natural acids that may be deemed necessary or beneficial.
6) Heat the mixture under pressure to catalyze any reactions in the acids; otherwise the extract will remain neutral which you do not want.
7) Filter the mixture once it has cooled, then expose it to ultraviolet spectrum light to deactivate enzymes that would otherwise break down the active ingredients.
The process can be completed in relatively few steps, but if you are not familiar with handling glycerin, ascorbic acid or enzymes, it may be best to purchase commercially made grapefruit seed extract instead. It is widely available in chain stores and any additives you may worry about will be listed clearly on the packaging. You may not own the equipment necessary for making the extract at home, as it is generally only available to chemistry laboratories and the people that work in them. Additionally, glycerin can be somewhat dangerous when handled improperly, as can certain enzymes and acidic additives, making it even more important that you understand what you are doing. If you are familiar with working with chemicals and have access to a lab, then making grapefruit seed extract can be a fun and useful project as well as a learning experience.