Can I add active ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide to a slugging balm?

Yes, but compatibility is the key challenge. Ceramides and niacinamide must be dispersed correctly in an anhydrous or minimal-water base without phase separation or degradation. A skilled cosmetic chemist will run compatibility and stability checks for each active at your desired usage level, typically 0.5–5% for ceramides and 2–5% for niacinamide, before finalising the formula.