Niacinamide is everywhere right now. Scroll through Pinterest or TikTok and you’ll see endless niacinamide before and after photos claiming smoother pores, brighter skin, and fewer dark spots in just a week.
But here’s the real question: can you safely make your own niacinamide serum at home?
Yes, you can — and I’m going to walk you through it step by step using a beginner-friendly method.
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Why Niacinamide Is So Popular Right Now
If you’ve been building your own face serum guide, you’ve probably seen this ingredient everywhere.
Here’s why niacinamide benefits skin care routines so much:
- Helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores
- Reduces redness and blotchiness
- Regulates oil production
- Fades hyperpigmentation
- Softens the look of fine lines
- Strengthens the skin barrier
In other words? It’s one of the most versatile ingredients in any facial serum.
And while products like anua niacin serum 10% are trending for their serum aesthetic and glass-skin vibe, making your own gives you control over ingredients and freshness.
Supplies You’ll Need
This is not a “mix it in your kitchen bowl” project. You need proper measuring tools for safety and accuracy.
Equipment
- Digital scale accurate to 0.01g
- 15 ml glass beaker
- Mini spatula or glass stir rod
- Aluminum foil
- ½ oz (15 ml) glass dropper bottle
- Gloves and clean workspace
Ingredients (For 15g Batch – 10% Niacinamide)
- 12g distilled water
- 1.5g niacinamide (10%)
- 0.3g vegetable glycerin
- 0.6g propanediol
- 0.07g broad-spectrum preservative (like Liquid Germall Plus)
- 0.3g calendula extract (optional soothing boost)
- 0.15g hyaluronic acid (1–1.5 million molecular weight for gel texture)
Step-by-Step: How to Make 10% Niacinamide Serum
Step 1: Weigh Your Water
Add 12 grams of distilled water into your 15 ml glass beaker.
Always measure by weight, not volume.
Step 2: Add Niacinamide
Weigh 1.5 grams of niacinamide and mix into the water.
Stir until fully dissolved. This can take about 5 minutes. Let it sit briefly until the solution becomes clear.
Step 3: Add Humectants
Add:
- 0.3g vegetable glycerin
- 0.6g propanediol
These help hydrate the skin and improve texture.
Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Add Preservative
Add 0.07g of your broad-spectrum preservative.
Do not skip this step. Any water-based facial serum needs preservation to prevent bacteria growth.
Step 5: Add Extract (Optional)
Add 0.3g calendula extract for soothing benefits.
This step is optional but great if you have redness-prone skin.
Step 6: Add Hyaluronic Acid (The Gelling Step)
Add 0.15g hyaluronic acid powder.
It will clump at first. You can:
- Stir it in gradually
- Or sprinkle it on top and let it hydrate
Cover with foil and let it sit for at least 3 hours. Overnight is even better.
After 24 hours, you’ll have a clear gel serum.
Step 7: Bottle It
Transfer the finished serum into a sterilized glass dropper bottle.
Label it with the date. Store in a cool, dry place.
How to Use Niacinamide Serum
If you’re wondering how to use niacinamide serum properly, here’s the simple routine:
- Cleanse your face
- While skin is slightly damp, apply 2–3 drops
- Massage over face and neck
- Let dry
- Follow with moisturizer
- Use sunscreen during the day
That’s it.
You can use it morning or night.
Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together?
There’s a lot of outdated info online saying you shouldn’t mix niacinamide and vitamin c.
Modern research shows they can be used together safely in most cases.
If you’re layering:
- Apply vitamin C first
- Let it absorb
- Follow with niacinamide
If you have very sensitive skin, alternate mornings and nights instead.
What Results Should You Expect?
Let’s be realistic.
You may see improved oil control and smoother texture within 1–2 weeks.
Dark spots and pigmentation take longer — typically 4–8 weeks with consistent use.
Niacinamide serum benefits are cumulative. It’s not a one-day miracle, but it is one of the most reliable long-term ingredients in skincare.
Is DIY Better Than Buying the Best Niacinamide Serum?
That depends on you.
DIY Pros:
- More affordable
- Ingredient control
- Customizable
Store-Bought Pros:
- Professionally stabilized
- Lab-tested
- No measuring required
If you love the serum aesthetic and convenience of products like anua niacin serum 10%, buying may be easier.
If you enjoy formulation and understanding your ingredients, DIY is empowering.
Safety Tips Before You Start
- Always patch test
- Use accurate scales
- Don’t exceed 10% for beginners
- Keep tools sanitized
- Discard if smell or texture changes
Remember, skincare is chemistry.
Recommended For You
If you’re building a glow-focused routine, you might also love:
- DIY green tea toner for sensitive skin
- Banana peel beauty hacks that actually work
- Calendula-infused face oil for sensitive skin
- Homemade turmeric face mask guide for hyperpigmentation
These pair beautifully with a niacinamide facial serum for a complete glow routine.