HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum: Benefits, Ingredients & How to Use (UK Guide)

Uneven skin tone, enlarged-looking pores and dull texture are among the most common skin concerns searched for in the UK — and niacinamide is consistently the ingredient dermatologists point to first. HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum takes that single, well-studied active and formulates it at a high 10% concentration, developed with Korean skincare science, to target tone, texture and moisture in one lightweight step.

This guide breaks down exactly what the serum contains, what the clinical testing behind niacinamide actually shows, how to use it correctly, and who it’s suitable for — so you can decide if it belongs in your routine.

What Is HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum?

HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum is a 30 ml lightweight, fast-absorbing facial serum built around a high concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3), developed with advanced Korean skincare science. It is designed to work on three visible fronts at once: tone evenness, pore appearance and skin texture, while supporting the skin barrier with moisture-balancing ingredients.

The formula contains no added parabens, is dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested, and is formulated to sit comfortably under makeup — making it suitable as a daily-use, AM or PM step rather than an occasional treatment.

The Science Behind Niacinamide

Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is the water-soluble, active form of vitamin B3, and it is one of the most extensively studied ingredients in cosmetic dermatology. According to DermNet New Zealand, an authoritative dermatology reference, topical vitamin B3 supports the skin’s lipid barrier, improves moisture retention, and has been studied for its effects on pigmentation, redness and general skin ageing.

A randomised, double-blind clinical trial published in Dermatologic Surgery found that twice-daily topical niacinamide reduced the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmented spots and skin yellowing over 12 weeks, while also improving measured skin elasticity. A related trial reached similar conclusions on niacinamide’s effect on skin yellowing, wrinkling and red blotchiness using instrumental measurement, not just visual assessment.

Separately, a head-to-head study published via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) compared a cosmetic niacinamide-and-peptide regimen against prescription-strength tretinoin for periorbital wrinkles, and found the niacinamide-based regimen was comparably well tolerated over the study period.

This independent research base is separate from — and supports the plausibility of — HL/Skin’s own brand-reported testing described below, which was carried out specifically on the HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum formula.

Key Benefits

Based on the product’s own instrumental testing, HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum is associated with the following improvements:

• Backed by advanced Korean skincare science
• Dermatologically tested and ophthalmologically tested
• Up to 8 hours of continuous moisturisation²
• Improvements in skin tone evenness, skin brightness and pore appearance³
• Reduced visibility, size, volume and depth of wrinkles¹
• Improved smoothness and overall skin texture³
• Suitable for use under makeup
• Suitable for diverse skin types
• Contains no added parabens

¹ Tested on 34 women, aged 44–65, using instrumental measurements after 60 days of use.   ² Tested on 32 women, aged 25–60, using instrumental measurements.   ³ Tested on 36 women, aged 44–65, using instrumental measurements after 60 days of use.

Full Ingredient List

Beyond niacinamide itself, the formula includes several supporting actives commonly used to reinforce hydration and the skin barrier:

Full INCI list: Aqua, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Dipropylene Glycol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin.

How to Use HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum

1. Cleanse the face and neck and pat the skin dry.
2. Apply a few drops of serum to the face and neck.
3. Gently press the serum into the skin until fully absorbed — avoid harsh rubbing.
4. Use once daily as part of your routine.
5. Follow with a moisturiser, and always apply SPF protection during the day.
6. Optional: gently massage into skin using a White Jade Gua Sha Tool for added circulation benefits.

Who Is HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum Suitable For?

This serum is formulated for adults looking to address:

• Uneven skin tone or dullness
• Visible pores and uneven texture
• Early signs of fine lines and wrinkles
• A need for lightweight, non-greasy hydration that layers well under makeup
• Diverse skin types looking for a daily barrier-supporting step

As with any new active ingredient, those with very reactive or sensitised skin should patch-test on a small area first and introduce the serum gradually (e.g. every other day) before moving to daily use.

HL/Skin Range

HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum — 30 ml

Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum with 10% niacinamide. Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested, no added parabens, suitable under makeup.

View Product & Availability →

Fitting It Into a Skincare Routine

Niacinamide serums are generally formulated to layer well with most other skincare steps. A simple way to build it into a routine:

• Morning: Cleanse → HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum → moisturiser → SPF
• Evening: Cleanse → HL/Skin 10% Niacinamide Serum → moisturiser

If you already use HL/Skin Nourishing Eye Cream or HL/Skin Resurfacing Gelo Cleanser, the niacinamide serum sits naturally between cleansing and moisturising as the “treatment” step of the routine.

Frequently Asked Questions