How to Make a 5% Niacinamide Serum for Skin Barrier Repair

Tri Organics
2026-03-09T15:12:45+05:30

To make a 5% Niacinamide serum for skin barrier repair, dissolve 5 grams of pure cosmetic-grade Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) powder into 94 grams of distilled water. Add 1 gram of a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative (like Liquid Germall Plus). Mix until clear, bottle it in a glass dropper, and apply daily to clean skin to boost ceramide production and heal a damaged skin barrier.

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If your skin constantly feels tight, looks red, or stings when you apply your normal moisturizer, your skin barrier is likely compromised. Over-exfoliating with harsh acids or using too many active ingredients can strip your skin of its natural defences.

The fastest way to fix it? Niacinamide.

While the market is flooded with 10% or even 20% Niacinamide serums, dermatologists agree that 5% is the magic number. Anything higher often causes the exact irritation you are trying to heal.

Here is exactly how to formulate a professional-grade, 5% Niacinamide serum in your own kitchen to repair your skin barrier safely and effectively.

Why 5% Niacinamide for Barrier Repair?

Your skin barrier is like a brick wall. The skin cells are the bricks, and lipids (like ceramides) are the mortar holding it all together and keeping moisture locked in.

When that "mortar" breaks down, moisture escapes, and irritants get in. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) directly stimulates your skin to produce more of its own natural ceramides.

At a 5% concentration, Niacinamide has been clinically proven to:

Increase ceramide synthesis.

Reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Calm redness and inflammation.

Regulate oil production without drying the skin.

What You Need (The Ingredients)

Formulating at home requires precision. Always measure your ingredients by weight (grams) using a digital jewellery scale, not by volume (teaspoons).

To make a 100g batch, you will need:

5g Pure Niacinamide Powder: Ensure it is cosmetic-grade (like the pure Vitamin B3 powder we stock at Tri Organics).

94g Distilled Water: Do not use tap water or mineral water; the minerals can ruin the formulation. Rose water or aloe vera juice can be used as alternatives.

1g Liquid Preservative: Because this formula contains water, a preservative (like Liquid Germall Plus or Phenoxyethanol) is absolutely non-negotiable to prevent mold and bacteria.

Optional additions: You can swap 1g of water for 1g of Glycerin to add extra hydration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sanitize Everything: Wipe down your digital scale, glass beakers (or glass bowls), spoons, and your final dropper bottle with rubbing alcohol. Let them air dry completely.

2. Weigh the Liquid: Place your beaker on the scale, hit "tare" (to zero it out), and weigh exactly 94 grams of distilled water.

3. Add the Active: Add exactly 5 grams of your Niacinamide powder to the water.

4. Mix: Stir the mixture gently. Niacinamide is highly water-soluble, so it will dissolve completely within a minute or two at room temperature. You do not need to heat this formula.

5. Preserve: Once the liquid is completely clear, add your 1 gram of liquid preservative. Stir well to ensure it is evenly distributed.

6. Bottle It: Carefully pour your finished serum into a dark glass dropper bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions (Formulation Troubleshooting)

What is the pH of a 5% Niacinamide serum? Niacinamide is most stable at a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. If you are just mixing it with distilled water (which typically has a pH around 5.8), your final product will naturally fall into the safe, effective range without needing a pH adjuster.

Can I mix this serum with Vitamin C? If you are using pure L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), it is best not to layer them at the exact same time. The low pH required for Vitamin C can cause the Niacinamide to convert into Niacin, which might cause temporary skin flushing. Use your Vitamin C in the morning and your DIY Niacinamide serum at night.

How long does this DIY serum last? As long as you used a proper broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative at the correct usage rate (usually 0.5% to 1%), your water-based serum will be safe to use for 3 to 6 months. Keep it stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

Ready to Start Formulating?

Repairing your skin barrier doesn't require a 12-step routine or a $60 designer serum. It just requires pure ingredients and a little bit of patience.

Grab your Niacinamide Powder today and take control of what goes on your skin.