Measuring Powder Ingredients by Weight vs. Volume

Thank you for your question regarding measuring powder ingredients like Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide).

It's great that you are formulating yourself! When working with cosmetic ingredients, especially powders, it is generally not accurate to measure them by volume using tools like syringes or measuring cups. This is because the density of powders can vary significantly depending on how they are packed, the particle size, and other factors. The same volume of powder can have different weights.

Percentages in cosmetic formulations are almost always calculated by weight. A percentage concentration (like 4%) means the weight of the ingredient as a proportion of the total weight of the formulation.

For example, to make 100 grams of a formulation with 4% Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), you would need:

• 4 grams of Vitamin B3 powder (such as Safe-B3 or Extreme-B3)
• 96 grams of your other ingredients (like water, base cream, etc.)
• Total = 100 grams

Measuring 4ml of powder will likely result in a weight much less than 4 grams, leading to a lower concentration than intended. While your final product might be measured in milliliters (volume), the calculation of the percentage of solid ingredients should be based on weight for accuracy and consistency.

Therefore, the correct method for measuring powder ingredients like Vitamin B3 is to use a precise scale that can measure in grams (preferably a scale accurate to 0.01g or 0.1g for small batches). Weigh the required amount of powder and then add it to the other ingredients, also measured by weight.

Using a scale ensures that you achieve the desired concentration accurately, which is important for the effectiveness and safety of your formulation.