Once I created hyaluronic acid serum In my kitchen, then made later niacinamide moisturizer. I’m a big fan of DIY kitchen concoctions (as they say now!). One of the most asked questions I get about those recipes is how to combine the two active ingredients.
This HA and niacinamide moisturizer does just that. You get all the moisturizing benefits of HA and the skin boosting benefits of niacinamide in one simple lotion.
The marriage of Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. We need it in our diet, but it has some amazing skin benefits. Research has shown that niacinamide helps with hyperpigmentation to even out skin tone. Other studies have shown that it improves skin protection and rosacea symptoms.
It also reduces moisture loss and improves acne and itching. In the year A 2005 study found that women who used niacinamide topically experienced significant skin benefits. They had better skin tone, fewer lines and wrinkles, and better elasticity.
Our skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid (HA) and is a major component of our skin and skin metabolism. HA plays a key role in wound healing and tissue repair and promotes growth.
Both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide add moisture to the skin, reduce inflammation and promote collagen. They complement each other well and are often combined or arranged. Hyaluronic acid is a good humectant and niacinamide improves overall skin health.
More skin loving ingredients
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are the active ingredients, but they need a little help being moisturizing. I chose a blend of oil, shea butter, beeswax and water that leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Carrier oil – This provides the amount of lotion. Sweet almonds, grape seeds, olives or avocados are some good options. I love avocado and olive oil for dry skin types.
Shea butter – smooth and soft; Shea butter It is full of essential fatty acids, softens the skin and reduces inflammation.
Hydrosol or distilled water – This lotion helps to plump and contains water soluble HA and niacinamide. Hydrosols are plant water left over from distilling essential oils. They provide many of the same skin benefits but are much gentler on the skin.
They love oil – Tamanu is a dark, rich color that is good for acne-prone skin or aging skin. It is rich in skin regenerating properties and antioxidants. If you don’t have any, jojoba, apricot kernel or any other skin oil will work. The idea is to add more active ingredients stored in the cream.
Add essential oils
I love adding essential oils to my DIY products. Not only do they smell good, they are anti-microbial, improve skin health and improve mood. Some of my favorite skin-friendly Essential oils They include lavender, wild orange, frankincense and geranium.
In this recipe, the essential oils are diluted to about 2%, but if you have more sensitive skin, you can reduce the amount by half.
Tips for making Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Moisturizer
I usually stick to my favorite oil based “lotions”. Basic lotion recipe. While they aren’t technically lotions since they contain no water, they do last longer. Since both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide dissolve in water, not oil, that doesn’t work for this recipe.
Unfortunately, water-based products have a very short shelf life. This moisturizer combines the best of both worlds and dissolves active ingredients using mostly oils, waxes, and butters with just enough water. Water helps the skin feel lighter and sink in beautifully.
I also chose some emulsifying wax to blend the water and oil together. Without it, the moisturizer will separate and not work. Beeswax helps thicken lotions, but does not replace emulsifying wax.
An important note on preservatives
Since this recipe involves water, it needs protection. Bacteria can start growing in water within minutes under the right conditions. By storing the product properly, using purified water (or better, hydrosol) and natural preservatives, the shelf life will be greatly extended.
Leucidal Plus is a good broad spectrum preventative that I have used in the past. Many people ask about using baby rosemary or vitamin E instead, but those aren’t really preservatives. They slow down oxidation and preserve the shelf life of oils, but they don’t prevent microorganisms from growing in the water.
If you do not want to use the preservative, then store the lotion in the refrigerator and use it within 2 weeks. That is, the protection is a safer option.
Here’s how to do it!
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide moisturizer
This soft, smooth lotion helps to moisturize the skin and lock in moisture. And it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy!
Product: 4 oz
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Add to the top of the double boiler: shea butter, tamanu, avocado oil, emulsifying wax and beeswax. Heat over medium heat until completely melted, stirring occasionally.
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Add the water or hydrosol, niacinamide powder, Lucidal Plus, and hyaluronic acid powder to another bowl and mix. Set aside.
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After the oil-based ingredients have melted, pour the mixture into the mixing bowl. Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes or until firm, but not frozen.
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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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Gradually add the water mixture to the mixer. Beat for about 1 minute or until completely combined.
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Pour the lotion into a clean jar.
This recipe is versatile. Use your favorite skin-friendly essential oil and carrier oil to customize skin benefits!
Shelf life and storage
As with any skin care product, this should be kept away from direct light and heat. Aka not near the steam shower or in the car! Also, be sure to use clean, dry hands when removing anything from the jar to prevent contamination.
You can store lotion in a pump lotion bottle or in an open squeeze bottle of sufficient size. This will help reduce any germs from hands reaching into the pot.
What are some of your favorite DIY skincare products? Leave a comment and let us know!
