Ingredient guide · N

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and one of the most popular skincare ingredients in the UK. It is loved for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, smooth texture and brighten dull complexions without irritation. You will find it in everything from serums and moisturisers to toners and eye creams.

Niacinamide — While niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, in skincare it is produced syn… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics niacinamide works by supporting the skin’s natural ceramide production which helps reinforce the barrier and reduce moisture loss. It also inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin’s surface, visibly improving uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks over time. Its soothing and sebum-regulating properties make it a versatile multi-tasker in both leave-on and rinse-off formulas.

Key benefits

  • Strengthens the skin barrier
  • Helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
  • Visibly brightens and evens skin tone
  • Calms redness and irritation
  • Improves skin texture and smoothness
  • Regulates excess oil production

Best for

dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, blemish-prone skin

Where it comes from

While niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, in skincare it is produced synthetically for purity and stability. It can also be derived from plant sources such as wheat germ, rice bran or yeast.

Products with Niacinamide

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

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