Ingredient guide · B

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a warming, spicy extract derived from the dried fruits of the Piper nigrum plant. In skincare and haircare it is used in tiny amounts to add a gentle stimulating sensation and to help other active ingredients absorb better. It brings a subtle fragrance and invigorating feel to creams, serums, scalp treatments and body oils.

Black Pepper — Black pepper comes from the small, dried, unripe fruits (peppercorns) of the Piper nigr… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics black pepper essential oil and CO2 extract function primarily as a circulatory stimulant and penetration enhancer. The naturally occurring piperine increases microcirculation when applied to the skin or scalp, creating a mild warming effect that can leave the complexion looking brighter and more awake. It is also valued for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support the delivery of other lipophilic ingredients across the skin’s surface, making it a useful addition to targeted serums, massage oils, hair growth tonics and energising body products.

Key benefits

  • Gently warms and stimulates skin and scalp
  • May improve the appearance of dull, tired-looking skin
  • Supports microcirculation for a healthy glow
  • Acts as a natural penetration enhancer for other ingredients
  • Provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors
  • Adds a spicy, invigorating scent to formulations

Best for

normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, dull skin, mature skin, scalp concerns

Where it comes from

Black pepper comes from the small, dried, unripe fruits (peppercorns) of the Piper nigrum vine, a perennial climbing plant native to the Western Ghats of India. The fruits are steam-distilled or extracted with supercritical CO2 to produce the essential oil or extract used in cosmetics.

Products with Black Pepper

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Black Pepper than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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