Ingredient Guide
Niacinamide Usage Guide for Skincare Formulas
Niacinamide is one of the most useful water-soluble cosmetic ingredients for beginner and advanced skincare formulators. It is easy to use in serums, gels, lotions and creams, and it works especially well in simple water-based formulas.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 or Nicotinamide, is a water-soluble cosmetic active commonly used in facial serums, moisturisers, gels and lotions. In skincare formulas, it is valued for its ability to support a smoother, more even-looking complexion and improve the overall feel of the skin.
INCI name: Niacinamide
Recommended Usage Level
A practical starting range for niacinamide in cosmetic skincare formulas is:
- Beginner formulas: 2-5%
- General leave-on skincare: 2-5%
- More active-style formulas: 10% and above may be possible with a suitable cosmetic grade, depending on the full formulation and user suitability
For most beginner serums, 4-5% is a sensible starting point. Higher levels are not always better and may not suit every user, especially in formulas that also contain acids, exfoliating ingredients or multiple actives.
The niacinamide supplied by Bliss is a cosmetic grade with very low residual nicotinic acid content. This is useful when formulating at higher niacinamide levels, as nicotinic acid impurities can contribute to unpleasant skin sensations in some users. Even with a low-nicotinic-acid grade, high-strength formulas should still be carefully formulated, pH checked and patch tested.
Solubility and Formulation Notes
| Solubility | Water soluble |
|---|---|
| Best phase | Water phase or cool-down phase |
| Suggested pH range | Usually around pH 5-7 |
| Heat sensitivity | Best added with unnecessary heat avoided, especially in beginner formulas |
| Formula types | Serums, gels, lotions, creams and toners |
How to Use Niacinamide in a Serum
- Weigh your water phase ingredients, such as distilled water, aloe vera juice, glycerin or propanediol.
- Add niacinamide and mix until fully dissolved.
- Add your gum, polymer or thickener using the correct dispersion method for that ingredient.
- Add preservative according to supplier guidance.
- Check and adjust pH if required.
- Package into a clean container and label the batch clearly.
If you are new to cosmetic formulation, start with a simple water-based serum before combining niacinamide with too many other actives.
Beginner Niacinamide Serum Formula
The Bliss Formulator Hub includes a beginner-friendly Niacinamide Gel Serum formula. You can select the formula, enter your batch size, and the calculator will convert the percentages into gram weights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too many actives in one beginner formula.
- Ignoring pH in water-based formulas.
- Adding niacinamide to an oil-only formula, where it will not dissolve.
- Forgetting to preserve water-based products.
- Assuming a higher percentage will automatically make a better product.
Buy Niacinamide for Cosmetic Formulation
Bliss Essential Oil Co supplies Niacinamide for cosmetic formulation, suitable for use in DIY skincare and formulation projects.
Important Safety and Formulation Notes
This guide is for cosmetic formulation education only. Always check supplier documentation, patch test finished products, use suitable preservation for water-based formulas, and complete appropriate stability and safety checks before selling any cosmetic product.