This homemade smoothing face serum formulation, shows that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. You don’t always need a shelf full of complicated formulas to achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin. This beginner-friendly formula features niacinamide as the star active, renowned for its ability to refine skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and promote a smoother, brighter complexion.
This serum is made with just three ingredients, it's also lightweight, fast-absorbing, and gentle enough for daily use, making it a great addition to any skincare routine.
In this article, we’ll cover: what is a smoothing serum, how to use it, our simple formulation, and the key ingredients.
What is a smoothing facial serum?
A smoothing facial serum is a skincare product formulated to improve skin texture and promote an even complexion. By delivering a high concentration of active ingredients in a lightweight formula, serums penetrate the skin effectively, targeting concerns such as roughness, enlarged pores, and uneven tone.
Our formula focuses on niacinamide, an ingredient celebrated for its versatility and effectiveness in promoting smoother, brighter, and healthier skin.
How to use the smoothing facial serum
After cleansing, apply 2–3 drops of the serum to your face and neck. Gently pat it in until fully absorbed, then follow up with your moisturizer or sunscreen (if used in the morning). This serum can be used both morning and evening, and because niacinamide is gentle, it’s suitable for most skin types. For best results, apply daily.
The ingredients of the smoothing facial serum
Here’s what makes this serum so effective despite its simplicity:
1. Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is one of the most researched and widely loved skincare actives. At just 2%, it provides multiple skin benefits without the risk of irritation:
- Improves skin texture: Smooths rough patches and gives skin a more refined appearance.
- Minimizes pores: Helps regulate sebum production, which can make pores appear smaller over time.
- Strengthens the skin barrier: Encourages ceramide production, improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
- Brightens the skin: Reduces dullness and helps even out hyperpigmentation.
- Gentle on all skin types: Unlike some actives, niacinamide is well-tolerated by sensitive, oily, and dry skin alike.
At 2%, this formulation is beginner-friendly and effective for daily use. For more advanced formulations, niacinamide can be used at higher concentrations (up to 10%).
2. Distilled Water
Water is the foundation of almost every skincare product, and in this case, it forms the bulk of the serum. Using distilled water instead of tap water is important because:
- It’s free from minerals, chlorine, and contaminants that could destabilize the formula.
- Provides a clean, safe base for dissolving niacinamide.
- Ensures the serum feels lightweight, refreshing, and fast-absorbing.
- Think of distilled water as the carrier that delivers niacinamide deep into the skin.
3. Liquid Germall Plus
Because this is a water-based product, it must be preserved to prevent bacteria, mold, and yeast from growing inside the serum. Liquid Germall Plus is an excellent preservative for beginners because:
- It’s broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against bacteria, yeast, and mold.
- It’s water-soluble, making it easy to incorporate into the formula.
- Works at a low percentage (just 0.5%), so a little goes a long way.
- It doesn’t affect the texture, color, or scent of the serum.
Without a preservative, the serum would spoil within a few days, so this ingredient is absolutely essential for safety.
Smoothing Face Serum (100 grams Batch Formula)
Distilled Water – 97% (97g)
Niacinamide – 2% (2g)
Liquid Germal Plus– 0.5% (0.5g)
Step-by-step method to make the face smoothing serum
Step 1: Clean and sanitize your workspace and equipment. This is crucial to keep your serum safe for use.
Step 2: Weigh 97.5% distilled water into a clean, sanitized beaker.
Step 3: Add 2% niacinamide powder to the distilled water and stir until dissolved.
Step 4: Add 0.5% Liquid Germall Plus preservative and stir gently to combine. Set aside to let it fully dissolve. Make sure no particles remain.
Step 5: Pour the finished serum into a sterilized dropper bottle, and it’s ready to use.
FAQs
Q: Can I increase the percentage of niacinamide?
Yes, niacinamide is generally used at 2–10%. For beginners, 2–5% is a safe and effective range.
Q: How long will this serum last?
With the preservative, your serum should remain safe and effective for about 3–6 months if stored properly in a cool, dry place.
Q: Can I use this serum with other actives?
Niacinamide pairs well with most ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and peptides. However, avoid layering it with very low pH products like strong vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to prevent potential irritation.
Q: Is this serum safe for sensitive skin?
Niacinamide is one of the gentlest actives available. At 2%, it’s unlikely to cause irritation and is safe for all skin types.
Final thoughts
Making your own skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. This three-ingredient smoothing serum is proof that effective formulas can also be simple. With niacinamide as the active, you’ll be giving your skin the support it needs to stay smooth, clear, and healthy, all from the comfort of your own home.

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