Once upon a time, I made hyaluronic acid serum in my kitchen, and later, niacinamide moisturizer. I’m a huge fan of DIY kitchen mixes (as you can tell by now!). One of the most asked questions I got about that recipe was how to combine the two active ingredients.
HA and niacinamide moisturizers do just that. Enjoy all the hydrating benefits of HA and skin-strengthening benefits of niacinamide in one convenient lotion.
Combination of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Although it is necessary for diet, it also has impressive benefits for the skin. Studies have shown that niacinamide may help reduce pigmentation, resulting in a more even skin tone. Other studies have shown it improves the skin barrier and rosacea symptoms.
It also reduces moisture loss and improves acne and blemishes. A 2005 study found that women who used niacinamide on their skin saw significant skin benefits. Skin tone has improved, fine lines and wrinkles have decreased, and elasticity has improved.
Our skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid (HA), which plays a large part in our skin and its metabolism. HA plays a key role in wound healing and tissue repair and stimulates growth.
Both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen. They complement each other well and are often combined or layered together. Hyaluronic acid is a good moisturizer, while niacinamide improves overall skin health.
More skin-loving ingredients
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are the active ingredients, but they need a little help to make them moisturizers. I chose a blend of oils, shea butter, beeswax, and water that leaves my skin soft and moisturized.
carrier oil – This provides the bulk of the lotion. Sweet almonds, grape seeds, olives or avocado are good choices. I love avocado and olive oil for dry skin types.
shea butter – Soft and creamy, shea butter is rich in essential fatty acids that soften the skin and reduce inflammation.
hydrosol or distilled water – This helps thin the lotion and incorporate the water-soluble HA and niacinamide. Hydrosols are the plant water left over after distilling essential oils. They offer many of the same skin benefits but are much gentler on the skin.
they like oil – Tamanu has a dark, rich color and is good for acne-prone or aged skin. It has a skin regenerative effect and is rich in antioxidants. If you don’t have it, you can use jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, or other skin oils. The idea is to provide the cream with additional concentrated active ingredients.
Add essential oils
I love adding essential oils to my DIY products. Not only does it smell great, it has antibacterial properties, improves skin health, and boosts your mood. Some of my favorite skin-friendly essential oils include lavender, wild orange, frankincense, and geranium.
This recipe dilutes the essential oils to about 2%, but you can halve the amount if you have more sensitive skin.
Tips for making hyaluronic acid and niacinamide moisturizer
I’ll often stick to easy oil-based “lotions” like my favorite basic lotion recipe. It’s not technically a lotion since it’s water-free, but it lasts much longer. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide both dissolve in water, not oil, so they won’t work in this recipe.
Unfortunately, water-based products have a much shorter shelf life. These moisturizers combine the best of both worlds and mostly use oils, waxes, and butters with just enough water to dissolve the active ingredients. Water also leaves your skin feeling lighter and helps it absorb beautifully.
We also chose an emulsifying wax to help bind the water and oil together. Without it, your moisturizer will separate and not work. Beeswax helps thicken lotions but does not replace emulsifying wax.
Important Note on Preservatives
This recipe contains water, so you’ll need a preservative. Bacteria can start growing in water within minutes under the right conditions. Properly storing items using distilled water (or hydrosol) and natural preservatives will significantly extend their shelf life.
Leucidal Plus is an excellent broad spectrum preservative that I have used before. Many people ask about using rosemary extract or vitamin E instead, but these aren’t actually preservatives. It helps slow oxidation and preserve the shelf life of the oil, but it does not prevent microorganisms from growing in the water.
To avoid using preservatives, store the lotion in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks. That means preservatives are a safer choice.
Here’s how to make it!
Hydrating hyaluronic acid and niacinamide moisturizer
This silky-smooth lotion hydrates your skin and helps keep it hydrated. And it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy!
produce: 4 oz.
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Add shea butter, tamanu, avocado oil, emulsifying wax, and beeswax to the top of a double boiler. Heat over medium heat until completely dissolved, stirring occasionally.
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In another bowl, add water, hydrosol, niacinamide powder, Leucidal Plus, and hyaluronic acid powder and mix well. Set aside.
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Once the oil-based ingredients have melted, pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Chill in the freezer for about 10 minutes or until firm, but do not freeze.
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Add essential oil. Using the whisk attachment on your mixer, beat the oil-based ingredients until smooth, creamy, and white.
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Slowly add water mixture to mixer while whisking. Whisk for about 1 minute or until completely combined.
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Pour the lotion into a clean bottle.
This recipe is versatile. Customize your skin benefits using your favorite skin-friendly essential oils and carrier oils!
Expiration date and storage
Like other skin care products, this product should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat. Not next to a steaming shower or in a car! You should also use clean, dry hands when removing the contents from the bottle to avoid contamination.
You can store lotion in a pump lotion bottle or a squeeze bottle with a large enough opening. This will help reduce germs from reaching the container.
What DIY skincare item are you most excited to make? Let us know by leaving a comment!
