Hydrating hyaluronic acid and niacinamide moisturizer

Once upon a time you created Hyaluronic acid serum In my kitchen, I later made a Niacinamide moisturizer. I’m a big fan of DIY kitchen mixes (as you can tell by now!). One of the most frequently asked questions I receive regarding these recipes is how to combine the two active ingredients.

This HA and niacinamide moisturizer does just that. You get all the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid and the skin-boosting benefits of niacinamide in one easy-to-use 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 also has some great benefits for the skin. Research has found that niacinamide can help treat hyperpigmentation to make skin tone more even. Other studies show that it improved the skin barrier and symptoms of rosacea.

It also reduces moisture loss and improves acne and blemishes. A 2005 study found that women who used niacinamide on the skin had significant skin benefits. They had better skin tone, fewer lines and wrinkles, and better elasticity.

Our skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid (HA) which is a large part of the skin’s metabolism. HA plays a key role in wound healing, tissue repair, and growth stimulation.

Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide add moisture to the skin, reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen. They complement each other well and are often combined or placed together. Hyaluronic acid is a good moisturizer, while niacinamide also improves overall skin health.

More skin-loving ingredients

While hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are the active ingredients, they need a little help to become hydrating. I chose a blend of oils, shea butter, beeswax, and water that leaves the skin soft and moisturized.

Carrier oil – This provides the bulk of the preparation. Sweet almonds, grape seeds, olives, or avocados are some good options. I love avocado and olive oil for drier skin types.

Shea butter -Soft and creamy, Shea butter Full of essential fatty acids, it softens the skin and reduces inflammation.

Hydrosol or distilled water – This helps dilute the lotion and incorporate the water-soluble HA and niacinamide. Hydrosols are the plant water left over from essential oil distillation. They provide many of the same skin benefits but are gentler on the skin.

They love oil – Tamanu is a dark, rich color that is great for acne-prone or aging skin. It has skin rejuvenating properties and is rich in antioxidants. If you don’t have any, jojoba, apricot kernel, or any other skin oil will do the trick. The idea is to give the cream an extra boost of concentrated active ingredients.

Add essential oils

I love adding essential oils to my DIY products. Not only does it smell beautiful, it’s antimicrobial, improves skin health, and lifts your mood. Some of our skin-friendly favorites Essential oils Includes lavender, wild orange, frankincense and geranium.

The essential oils are diluted to about 2% in this recipe, but you can halve the amount if your skin is more sensitive.

Tips for making hyaluronic acid and niacinamide moisturizer

I’ll mostly stick to easy oil-based “lotions” like my favorites Basic lotion recipe. Although it’s technically not a lotion because it doesn’t contain any water, it lasts longer. This will not work with this recipe since the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are water-soluble, not oil-soluble.

Unfortunately, water-based products have a much shorter shelf life. This moisturizer combines the best of both worlds and uses mostly oils, waxes, and butters with just enough water to dissolve the active ingredients. The water also helps it feel light on the skin so it sinks in beautifully.

I also chose some emulsifying wax to help blend the water and oils together. Without it, the humidifier separates and does not work. Beeswax helps thicken the lotion, but it does not replace emulsifying wax.

Important note about preservatives

Since this recipe contains water, it requires a preservative. Bacteria can begin to grow in water within minutes under the right conditions. By storing the product properly, using distilled water (or better yet, hydrosol), and natural preservatives, it greatly extends the shelf life.

Leucidal Plus is a good broad spectrum preservative that I have used before. Many people wonder about using rosemary extract or vitamin E instead, but these are not actually preservatives. It helps slow the oxidation process and preserve the shelf life of the oils, but it will not prevent microbes from growing in the water.

If you do not want to use a preservative, store the preparation in the refrigerator and use it within two weeks. However, a preservative is the safest option.

Here’s how to make it!

Shelf life and storage

Like any skin care product, it should be stored away from direct light and heat. Aka not next to a steamy shower or in the car! Also be sure to use clean, dry hands when removing anything from the jar to help prevent contamination.

You can store the lotion in a pump solution bottle or squeeze bottle with a large enough opening. This helps reduce any germs that may transfer from the hands to the bowl.

What are some of your favorite skincare items that you can make? Leave a comment and let us know!