If you are interested in skin cosmetics, the substance niacinamide, i.e. vitamin B3 , and the products that contain it probably tell you something. Niacinamide is a great multifunctional active ingredient that visibly improves the appearance, tone and structure of the skin and has an irreplaceable place in caring cosmetics.
Recently, we hear more and more about it, especially due to the growing popularity of The Ordinary brand, whose shining star is the niacinamide serum. And we are not surprised.
Niacinamide provides an even skin tone by proven to reduce redness, prevent hyperpigmentation and fade blemishes including acne scars; promotes collagen production, thus fighting against the signs of skin aging, such as fine wrinkles or loss of firmness; regulates sebum production; shrinks enlarged pores and minimizes acne formation. At the same time, it protects the skin from adverse environmental influences and makes the skin more resistant. In short, Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types and will benefit everyone.
Its other indisputable advantages are simple and highly variable use, cheap price and great availability.
Which brings us to the nitty-gritty… making a niacinamide serum.
You can mix your niacinamide serum yourself. In few minutes. No dirty dishes. And at a fraction of the price that serums from it normally sell for.
The need for it is, of course, niacinamide. Niacinamide is a fine white powder that dissolves in water. The serum will therefore be water-based.
The water can be distilled water or, even better, hydrolate or flower water - that will give the serum additional great abilities and effects, plus a subtle fragrance. You can choose from many types and thus fine-tune the serum directly for your skin type and desired properties.
During production, we used fairy water, which is suitable for oily and problematic skin.
Tea tree hydrolate will also have a beneficial effect on problematic or skin-afflicted skin.
Rose water brings relaxation, regeneration and refreshment not only thanks to its characteristic aroma.
If your skin is oily, shiny and with significantly enlarged pores, definitely reach for rosemary water.
Dry, sensitive and stressed skin will be pleased with orange blossom water, neroli.
Lavender water will brighten and tone the skin.
Water from geranium, nutmeg will bring softening, brightening and relief from skin rashes.
Tired, gray and irritated skin deserves cornflower water.
Significant refreshment, hydration and increased elasticity will be supported by aloe vera water.
In order for the serum to be applied well and pleasantly, to have a silky texture, a kind of elasticity, richness and "shape", we add xanthan gum, a natural active substance that not only thickens the serum very nicely, but also, according to some studies, helps it "lock" on the skin water and hydrate it.
An absolutely luxurious feature of xanthan gum is its functionality when cold - there is no need to heat the product for thickening. We simply mix it into the mixture at room temperature and thicken it in a flash.
In our serum, you will also find inulin - a plant fiber that acts as a natural conditioner in cosmetics, both for skin and hair. Hydrates, smoothes, softens and softens. Although we recommend it, the serum will be great without it.
Since we are mixing a water-based serum, a preservative must be used to ensure that the product does not spoil. We use Leucidal, a 100 natural preservative, the origin of which we think is very sympathetic – it is produced by fermenting radishes. Leucidal will also be represented by other preservatives, such as Cosgard or Dermosoft.
And that's all. Four or five ingredients are enough for a great, multifunctional serum that will do good for every skin type. So come mix it up!
What is needed?
For approx. 50ml of serum
- 2 grams (4%) of niacinamide
- 0.5 grams (1%) of inulin
- 0.5 grams (1%) xanthan gum
- 0.3 grams (0.6%) of Leucidal preservative
- 46.7 grams (93.4%) flower water (distilled water)
How to do it?
Prepare a container and weigh all the ingredients into it. Don't be alarmed - white "cuckies" will form first, which will not be able to be mixed at first. Therefore, cover the container with a clean cloth, lid or foil and let the mixture rest in it for a few minutes. The ingredients absorb water and begin to dissolve. After a few minutes, mix well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
You can slightly influence the density of the serum by the intensity of the mixing - if you want the serum to be stiffer, whip the serum or use a stick blender for mixing. Alternatively, you can increase the density by adding a pinch of xanthan gum. On the contrary, if you want the serum to be more liquid, simply dilute it with a drop of floral (distilled) water.
Once you have reached a pleasant consistency, use a funnel to pour the serum into the selected containers - we recommend bottles with a pipette or a pump.
How to use it?
Use the serum on cleansed skin ideally in the morning and evening before applying creams or oils.
