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Is Niacinamide Good for Dry Skin?

17.05.2026 | Skincare

 

Niacinamide is one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare - but for the wrong reasons. Most of the conversation around it centres on oily, acne-prone, and blemish-prone skin. That narrow framing has led a lot of people with dry skin to overlook it entirely. That is a mistake. Niacinamide is not just good for dry skin - it works on the very mechanisms that make dry skin dry in the first place.

This blog covers exactly why niacinamide benefits dry skin at a cellular level, whether it can actually cause dryness (it cannot), how to use it correctly in a dry skin routine, what to look for in a niacinamide product formulated for dry skin, and which INKEY List products to use and in what order.

Key products covered in this blog:


Niacinamide: More Than an Oily Skin Ingredient

To understand why niacinamide is good for dry skin, it helps to first understand what niacinamide actually is - and what it does that goes far beyond sebum control.

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide. It is an endogenous substance, meaning it occurs naturally in the body, and when applied topically it communicates directly with skin cells to trigger a range of biological responses. Unlike some skincare actives that perform one specific function, niacinamide is genuinely multi-functional. It regulates oil production in excess-sebum skin, yes - but it also stimulates ceramide synthesis, strengthens the skin barrier, inhibits melanin transfer to reduce the appearance of uneven tone, and calms underlying inflammation. As Healthline’s niacinamide overview confirms, few skincare ingredients operate across this many mechanisms simultaneously, which is part of what makes it so widely used and so well-studied.

The crucial point for anyone with dry skin: the ceramide-synthesis and barrier-repair functions of niacinamide are not secondary benefits. They are among its most clinically significant actions - and they are directly relevant to what happens in dry skin at a biological level.

One clarification worth making: niacinamide is not the same as niacin. Niacin is the form of Vitamin B3 associated with flushing, a temporary reddening of the skin caused by blood vessel dilation. Niacinamide does not cause flushing. It is one of the most well-tolerated actives in skincare, suitable for daily use, including by those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Quick facts about niacinamide:

  • Water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide)
  • Multi-functional: regulates oil, supports barrier, stimulates ceramides, calms inflammation, reduces uneven tone
  • Does not cause flushing - not the same as niacin
  • 10% concentration: the optimal starting point for dry skin - effective, gentle, suitable for daily use
  • Consistent daily use at 10% outperforms sporadic use at higher concentrations

For a full breakdown of how niacinamide works across all skin types and concerns, see our niacinamide ingredient guide. You can also browse the full niacinamide collection to see every product in the range.

With the basics established, the real question is this: what specifically happens in dry skin when niacinamide is applied, and what does the science say?


Why Niacinamide Is Good for Dry Skin - The Science

Niacinamide’s benefits for dry skin are not a matter of marketing. They are grounded in published clinical research and well-understood biological mechanisms. There are four distinct ways niacinamide works to address the core problems of dry skin - and each one is worth understanding clearly.

1. It Boosts Ceramide Production

Ceramides are lipids - fats - that sit between the skin cells in the outermost layer of the skin. Think of the skin’s structure like a brick wall: the skin cells are the bricks, and ceramides are the mortar. They hold the structure together, create a physical seal, and prevent water from escaping through the barrier.

In dry skin, ceramide levels are chronically depleted. This is not a temporary or seasonal issue - it is a structural deficit in the skin barrier itself. When ceramide content is low, the mortar between the skin cells is thin and weak, and water passes through the barrier far more easily than it should. The result is that familiar dry skin experience: tightness, flakiness, a rough texture, and a persistent feeling that no amount of moisturiser seems to fully relieve.

Niacinamide addresses this directly. Published clinical research in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology demonstrates that niacinamide stimulates ceramide synthesis in skin cells - meaning it actively signals to the skin to produce more of its own ceramides. This is not the same as applying ceramides topically (though that also helps - more on that later). Niacinamide works at the cellular level to increase the skin’s own ceramide output, which over time rebuilds the structural integrity of the barrier from the inside out.

For dry skin, this is one of the most important things any skincare ingredient can do. It does not just mask the symptom - it addresses the underlying structural cause. You can find a deeper dive into this mechanism in our niacinamide ingredient guide, and if you want to explore ceramide-focused products that complement this action, the ceramides collection is a useful starting point.

2. It Strengthens the Skin Barrier

Beyond ceramide synthesis, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier through broader mechanisms that directly reduce transepidermal water loss - commonly referred to as TEWL. TEWL is the process by which water continuously evaporates from the surface of the skin. In a healthy, intact barrier, this rate is controlled and low. In a compromised or dry skin barrier, TEWL is elevated - which is why dry skin feels perpetually dehydrated even when you apply hydrating products consistently.

Niacinamide tackles this structurally. By reinforcing the barrier’s function, it slows the rate at which moisture escapes. This is a meaningfully different action from what a humectant like hyaluronic acid does. Hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin - it addresses moisture content directly. Niacinamide improves the skin’s ability to hold onto that moisture by making the barrier less permeable. The two work on different parts of the same problem, which is precisely why combining them is so effective for dry skin.

A 2024 comprehensive review published in Drug Delivery and Translational Research, available on PubMed, consolidates clinical evidence for niacinamide’s role in skin barrier protection and confirms its anti-ageing and brightening benefits alongside its barrier functions. This is not a single study - it is a review of the accumulated clinical literature, which gives significantly more weight to these findings. For those dealing with a damaged skin barrier, niacinamide is one of the most evidence-backed ingredients to reach for.

3. It Reduces Inflammation and Redness

Dry skin and inflammation are closely connected. When the skin barrier is compromised, external irritants - environmental pollutants, harsh ingredients, temperature changes - penetrate more easily and trigger an inflammatory response. This shows up as redness, sensitivity, reactive flare-ups, and a general feeling that the skin is easily aggravated.

Niacinamide has documented anti-inflammatory properties. As noted in WebMD’s overview of niacinamide in skincare, it works by modulating inflammatory signalling pathways in the skin, calming redness and reducing sensitivity at the cellular level. For people with dry skin that is also reactive or easily irritated - a very common combination - this makes niacinamide particularly valuable. It is not just repairing the barrier; it is also calming the inflammatory activity that a weakened barrier allows.

This anti-inflammatory action also means niacinamide is well-suited for use alongside other actives. It does not exacerbate sensitivity. In fact, it can help buffer the effects of stronger ingredients like retinol, which is one reason the two are frequently used together.

4. It Locks In Moisture

The fourth mechanism ties the others together. By stimulating ceramide production and reducing TEWL, niacinamide creates better structural conditions for moisture to stay in the skin for longer. This is not the same as hydrating skin directly - niacinamide is not a humectant and does not draw water into skin. But it creates the architecture that allows other hydrating products to work more effectively and to last longer.

This distinction matters. Think of it this way: applying a hyaluronic acid serum to skin with a compromised barrier is like filling a bucket with a hole in it. The water goes in, but it escapes quickly. Niacinamide patches the hole. When you layer a humectant like hyaluronic acid with a barrier-repairing active like niacinamide, the combination is significantly more effective than either alone - particularly for dry skin.

To summarise the four core mechanisms:

  1. Stimulates ceramide synthesis - rebuilding the skin’s structural mortar
  2. Reduces transepidermal water loss - making the barrier less permeable
  3. Calms inflammation and redness - reducing sensitivity alongside dryness
  4. Creates the conditions for moisture retention - making hydrating products work harder and last longer

Now that the science is clear, there is one common concern worth addressing directly: does niacinamide actually make skin drier?


Does Niacinamide Dry Out Skin? And What Is the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin?

This question comes up often, and it deserves a direct answer - because the misconception keeps a lot of people with dry skin away from an ingredient that would genuinely help them.

The Short Answer: No - Niacinamide Does Not Dry Out Skin

Niacinamide does not strip the skin barrier. It does not act as an exfoliant. It does not deplete moisture levels or reduce lipid content. There is no mechanism by which niacinamide causes dryness in skin that is not already dry.

The confusion comes from niacinamide’s well-known sebum-regulating properties. For people with oily skin, niacinamide visibly reduces excess oil production - skin looks and feels less greasy. This “balancing” effect has somehow been interpreted to mean that niacinamide takes oil away from everyone, including those who already have too little. That is not how it works.

Niacinamide normalises excess sebum production in oily skin by regulating the activity of sebaceous glands. In skin that does not produce excess oil - dry skin, for example - there is no excess production to regulate. The sebostatic action simply does not apply in the same way. What niacinamide does in dry skin is stimulate ceramides and support the barrier, which are net positive, moisture-retaining actions.

If skin feels drier after introducing a new niacinamide product, the cause is almost certainly something else in the routine. A harsh, stripping cleanser is the most common culprit. Overuse of exfoliating acids is another. An incompatible formulation that contains drying alcohols or fragrance can also cause this. But the niacinamide itself is not responsible. For context on how niacinamide compares across skin types, the best and worst ingredients for oily skin blog is a useful read - it makes clear why niacinamide’s oily skin reputation does not make it unsuitable for dry skin routines.

Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin - Understanding the Difference

These two terms are frequently used interchangeably, but they describe different conditions with different causes - and understanding the distinction helps explain exactly why niacinamide is useful for both.

Dry skin is a skin type. It is primarily genetic and persistent. In dry skin, the sebaceous glands produce less oil than average, which means the skin’s natural lipid barrier is structurally thinner and weaker. Dry skin tends to feel tight, look dull, and be prone to flakiness. It does not dramatically shift with the seasons or with lifestyle changes - it is simply how that person’s skin functions.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition, not a skin type. It refers specifically to a lack of water in the skin, and it can affect any skin type - including oily skin. Causes include weather, air conditioning, overuse of active ingredients, certain medications, and diet. Dehydrated skin can look dull, feel tight, and even show fine lines that are not visible when skin is well-hydrated.

Dry skin lacks oil. Dehydrated skin lacks water. Niacinamide is beneficial for both - its ceramide-boosting action addresses the structural deficit in dry skin, while its barrier-strengthening reduces water loss in dehydrated skin.

Niacinamide does not treat dehydration by adding water to the skin. But by reducing TEWL, it helps prevent the water that is in the skin from escaping - which is exactly what dehydrated skin needs structurally. For more targeted support, the dry skin collection and dehydrated skin collection both offer products formulated around these specific concerns.

With the science established and the myths addressed, the practical question becomes: how do you actually use niacinamide on dry skin, and what should you layer it with?


How to Use Niacinamide on Dry Skin

Knowing that niacinamide is good for dry skin is one thing. Knowing how to use it correctly - in what order, with what products, at what time of day - is what actually determines how much benefit you get from it.

What to Layer with Niacinamide for Dry Skin

The most important layering principle for dry skin is this: niacinamide should not be working alone. It performs best when paired with ingredients that address both the water content and the barrier architecture of the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide is the foundational pairing for dry and dehydrated skin. Apply hyaluronic acid first, to damp skin immediately after cleansing - this is when it absorbs most effectively and draws the most moisture into the skin. Allow a moment for it to absorb, then apply the niacinamide serum. Hyaluronic acid draws water in; niacinamide then strengthens the barrier to help retain it. Together they address the symptom and the structural cause of dryness simultaneously. For more on why hyaluronic acid is a non-negotiable for dry skin, the 5 signs you need hyaluronic acid serum blog is worth a read.

Niacinamide + Ceramide Moisturiser is the seal that locks everything in. After your serum steps, follow with a ceramide-rich moisturiser to complete the barrier-focused approach: humectant draws moisture in, niacinamide repairs and strengthens the barrier structure, ceramide moisturiser seals and protects. This three-layer system is the most effective approach for dry skin. For more on building a skin-plumping, hydration-first routine, the how to get plump skin blog covers this in detail.

Can you use niacinamide with retinol? Yes - and for dry skin this combination is worth doing carefully. Apply niacinamide before retinol to help buffer any potential irritation, since retinol can increase dryness and sensitivity in some skin types. Both the what not to mix with retinol blog and our niacinamide ingredient guide confirm that this pairing is safe and can be done as part of the same routine.

For a deeper guide to building a complete routine, the skincare routine guide walks through every step in detail.

Dry Skin Morning Routine with INKEY List Products

  1. Oat Cleansing Balm - £15 - gentle, barrier-safe cleanse that does not strip lipids
  2. Hyaluronic Acid Serum - £9 - apply to damp skin for maximum moisture absorption
  3. 10% Niacinamide Serum - £10 - barrier support and ceramide synthesis
  4. Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser - £19 or Omega Water Cream - £11 - seal and protect

Dry Skin Evening Routine with INKEY List Products

  1. Oat Cleansing Balm - £15 - double cleanse or single gentle cleanse to remove the day
  2. Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum - £15 - deep hydration and barrier strengthening applied to damp skin
  3. 10% Niacinamide Serum - £10 - active barrier repair
  4. Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser - £19 - overnight barrier repair and sealing

A few important application notes:

  • Apply niacinamide to slightly damp or dry skin - both are effective
  • Use in the morning, evening, or both - niacinamide is appropriate for twice-daily use
  • A pea-sized amount is sufficient; more does not mean more benefit
  • Consistency matters more than frequency - daily use at 10% outperforms occasional use at 20%

Key layering rule: Always apply hyaluronic acid first on damp skin, allow it to absorb, then follow with niacinamide serum.

For a more comprehensive look at how these steps fit into a full skincare approach, the skincare routine guide walks through every step in detail.

With the routine in place, the next question is how to evaluate whether a specific niacinamide product is actually formulated well for dry skin.


What to Look for in a Niacinamide Product for Dry Skin

Not all niacinamide products are created equal, and the difference matters particularly for dry skin. A poorly formulated product can include drying alcohols, synthetic fragrance, or insufficient co-ingredients - any of which can undo the work niacinamide is trying to do. Here is what to look for when choosing.

Concentration: 10% Is the Sweet Spot

For dry skin, 10% niacinamide is the clinically validated concentration that delivers ceramide-synthesis and barrier-repair benefits without causing unnecessary irritation. Higher concentrations - 20%, for example - are not inherently more effective for dry skin concerns and can cause transient tightness, particularly in sensitive or already-compromised skin. The goal is consistent daily use, and 10% supports that far more practically than a higher dose used sporadically.

Hydrating Co-Ingredients

The best niacinamide products for dry skin do not rely on niacinamide alone. They include complementary ingredients that support hydration and barrier function alongside the active. Look for:

  • Hyaluronic Acid - draws and holds moisture at multiple skin depths
  • Glycerin - a lightweight humectant that supports moisture balance throughout the skin
  • Ceramides - directly reinforces the barrier function niacinamide is stimulating. Healthline’s guide to ceramides explains why they are considered essential for barrier health.
  • Allantoin - soothes, calms, and supports skin comfort
  • Squalane (plant-derived) - a non-comedogenic lipid that supports barrier integrity without heaviness

Format: Serum First

A serum delivers the highest active concentration to the skin. For dry skin, the most effective approach is a niacinamide serum as the active step - getting the full barrier-repair and ceramide-synthesis benefit at the serum layer - followed by a ceramide-rich moisturiser to seal everything in. Some moisturisers also contain niacinamide, which can create a layered system where the active is delivered at both steps. The Omega Water Cream is one example of this.

Formulation Quality: What to Check

  • Fragrance-free - synthetic fragrance is one of the most common causes of skin sensitivity and barrier irritation; avoid it entirely in a dry skin routine
  • Dermatologist-tested - provides baseline assurance of safety for sensitive skin
  • Optimal pH (around 6-6.5) - niacinamide is most stable and effective in this range; the INKEY List 10% Niacinamide Serum is formulated at pH 6.09 specifically for this reason
  • Non-comedogenic - particularly important for dry-combination skin

Checklist: What to Look for in a Niacinamide Product for Dry Skin

  • 10% niacinamide concentration
  • Contains hydrating co-ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides)
  • Fragrance-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • pH around 6-6.5
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Serum format for maximum active delivery

For the full niacinamide collection and how each product sits within a dry skin routine, browse everything in one place. If dehydration is also a concern, the dehydrated skin collection includes products specifically formulated for water-depleted skin. And for a complete breakdown of concentration differences and formulation science, the niacinamide ingredient guide is the definitive reference point.

Now that the criteria are clear, here is exactly which INKEY List products meet them - and why each one works for dry skin specifically.


The Best INKEY List Products for Dry Skin with Niacinamide

The following products form a complete dry skin routine built around niacinamide. Each one has been selected for its relevance to dry skin specifically - not just because it contains niacinamide, but because its full formulation addresses what dry skin needs. Browse the full dry skin collection for the complete range.

10% Niacinamide Serum - £10

Shop the 10% Niacinamide Serum

This is the primary niacinamide step in any dry skin routine. At 10% concentration, it delivers clinically effective ceramide synthesis and barrier repair with daily tolerability - suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive.

Key ingredients for dry skin:

  • 10% Niacinamide - ceramide synthesis, barrier repair, inflammation reduction
  • Hyaluronic Acid - hydrates alongside the active, preventing any transient tightness
  • Allantoin - soothes and calms sensitive or reactive skin
  • Squalane - non-comedogenic lipid support for the barrier

Formulated at pH 6.09 for optimal niacinamide stability and effectiveness. Fragrance-free. Use AM and/or PM, after cleanser and hyaluronic acid serum, before moisturiser.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum - £9

Shop the Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The ideal first step before niacinamide for dry skin. This serum delivers immediate, multi-depth hydration - it contains 2% Pure Hyaluronic Acid at three molecular weights, targeting the surface, mid-layer, and deeper layers of the skin simultaneously. It also contains Matrixyl 3000 peptide for additional support.

Apply to damp skin immediately after cleansing for maximum absorption and longer-lasting hydration. This product and the Niacinamide Serum work as a system: hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, niacinamide then strengthens the barrier to keep it there. For a deeper look at what this ingredient does and when you need it, the 5 signs you need hyaluronic acid serum blog is a useful resource.

Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum - £15

Shop the Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

The dedicated barrier-repair serum. Particularly relevant for dry skin that is also sensitive, stressed, or reactive - and an excellent evening first-serum step when the skin has maximum time to repair.

Key ingredients:

  • 2% Ectoin - strengthens the barrier and delivers deep hydration
  • 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid - multi-level hydration
  • 1% Barrier Blend (3 ceramides) - direct ceramide reinforcement of the barrier

Use this as the first serum on damp skin in your evening routine, then follow with the Niacinamide Serum. The two work in direct complement - Ectoin delivers deep hydration and ceramide reinforcement while niacinamide stimulates the skin’s own ceramide production and reduces inflammation.

Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser - £19

Shop the Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser

The essential sealing step for a dry skin niacinamide routine. This moisturiser is specifically formulated with Bio-Active Ceramides to address the structural ceramide deficit that defines dry skin - working in direct complement to the ceramide synthesis niacinamide triggers at the serum step.

Clinically proven to firm, plump, and reduce six signs of ageing in 28 days.

Key ingredients:

  • Bioactive Ceramide NP - firms, smooths, and structurally strengthens the barrier
  • Gransil Blur - instantly blurs fine lines and smooths skin texture
  • Shea Butter - soothes, comforts, and delivers emollient richness suited to dry skin

This is the richest option in the routine and is best suited to very dry skin and those also noticing early signs of ageing. Apply as the final step in both AM and PM routines to seal in all previous layers.

Omega Water Cream - £11

Shop the Omega Water Cream

An oil-free, gel-water moisturiser that contains 5% Niacinamide - creating a layered niacinamide delivery system across both the serum and moisturiser steps of the routine.

Key ingredients:

  • 5% Niacinamide - additional barrier support and tone-evening at the moisturiser step
  • 0.2% Ceramide Complex (Omega 3, 6, 9) - barrier reinforcement
  • 5% Glycerin - lightweight humectant for moisture balance
  • 3% Betaine - skin balance

This is the lighter-texture moisturiser option in this routine. Where the Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser suits very dry or ageing-dry skin with its richer, more emollient texture, the Omega Water Cream is better suited to dry-combination skin or anyone who prefers a more lightweight finish. If your skin is predominantly oily in the T-zone but dry on the cheeks, the Omega Water Cream is the more appropriate choice.

Oat Cleansing Balm - £15

Shop the Oat Cleansing Balm

The recommended first cleanse step for dry skin - and one of the most important products in this routine. It melts makeup and SPF effectively while leaving the skin soft and soothed rather than stripped.

Key ingredients:

  • 1% Colloidal Oatmeal - soothes, reduces redness, and calms sensitive or reactive skin
  • 3% Oat Kernel Oil - removes impurities while actively supporting the skin’s moisture

The cleanser step is the most common cause of barrier disruption in dry skin routines. Foaming and gel cleansers that create a squeaky clean sensation are typically stripping lipids from the barrier with every use - making it harder for any subsequent product, including niacinamide, to do its job. Starting with a balm cleanser that respects the barrier means niacinamide and all other actives are working from a stable, intact foundation. The Oat Cleansing Balm can also be used as a 10-minute nourishing mask for intensely dry or stressed skin.

Not sure which combination of these products is right for your specific skin? Take the INKEY skincare quiz to get a personalised recommendation.


Frequently Asked Questions About Niacinamide and Dry Skin

Can dry skin use niacinamide?

Yes. Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types, including dry skin. Its ceramide-boosting and barrier-strengthening properties make it particularly beneficial for those with dry or barrier-compromised skin. The misconception that niacinamide is only for oily skin comes from its popularity as a sebum-regulating ingredient - but its barrier-repair functions are equally important and directly relevant to dry skin. For a complete overview of how niacinamide works across all skin types, see our niacinamide ingredient guide.

Does niacinamide cause dry skin?

No. Niacinamide does not cause or worsen dryness. It does not strip the skin barrier, does not act as an exfoliant, and does not reduce moisture levels in any skin type. If skin feels drier after introducing a new niacinamide product, the cause is almost certainly another element in the routine - a stripping cleanser, an over-used exfoliating acid, or a formulation containing drying alcohols or synthetic fragrance - not the niacinamide itself.

How long does niacinamide take to work for dry skin?

Results from niacinamide build with consistent daily use over time. Reduced sensitivity and improved comfort are typically among the first improvements noticed, often within 2-4 weeks of regular use. More structural benefits - improved moisture retention, smoother texture, and stronger barrier function - typically become clearly visible at 6-8 weeks. For best results, use the 10% Niacinamide Serum daily and give the ingredient at least 8 weeks before evaluating progress. Consistency matters more than anything else.

Can I use niacinamide with hyaluronic acid for dry skin?

Yes - and for dry skin, this is one of the most effective combinations available. Apply the Hyaluronic Acid Serum first on damp skin, allow a moment for it to absorb, then follow with the niacinamide serum. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin; niacinamide strengthens the barrier to help retain it. Together they address both the symptom (insufficient moisture in the skin) and the structural cause (a compromised barrier that lets moisture escape) of dry skin. For anyone dealing with dehydrated skin alongside dryness, this pairing is particularly important.

Is niacinamide hydrating?

Niacinamide is not a humectant - it does not hydrate skin directly by drawing water in. However, by strengthening the skin barrier and stimulating ceramide production, it significantly improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture applied via other products. Think of niacinamide as the structure that keeps hydration in, rather than the source of hydration itself. When used alongside a genuine humectant like hyaluronic acid and sealed with a ceramide moisturiser, niacinamide makes the entire routine far more effective than it would be without it.


The Bottom Line: Is Niacinamide Good for Dry Skin?

The answer is yes - unambiguously. Niacinamide’s reputation as an oily skin ingredient is real, but it is incomplete. The same mechanisms that regulate excess sebum in oily skin - specifically the ceramide-stimulating and barrier-repairing actions - are precisely what dry skin needs most.

Niacinamide boosts the skin’s own ceramide production, rebuilding the barrier architecture that makes dry skin structurally weak. It reduces transepidermal water loss, slowing the rate at which moisture escapes through a compromised barrier. It calms inflammation, reducing the redness and sensitivity that so often accompany dry or barrier-damaged skin. And it creates the conditions for every other hydrating product in the routine to work harder and last longer.

The most effective approach for dry skin is to layer niacinamide strategically: apply hyaluronic acid first on damp skin, follow with the niacinamide serum, then seal with a ceramide moisturiser. This three-step system addresses moisture content, barrier integrity, and barrier sealing in one complete sequence. For anyone wanting to go deeper on the ingredient science, our niacinamide ingredient guide covers the full picture.

Niacinamide is not a one-skin-type ingredient. It works for dry skin. It works for dehydrated skin. It works for sensitive skin. What it requires is consistency and the right products around it.


Shop the 10% Niacinamide Serum - £10 - barrier repair and ceramide synthesis, daily use, all skin types.

Explore the full dry skin collection for everything formulated to support dry and barrier-compromised skin.

Not sure where to start? Take the INKEY skincare quiz and get a personalised routine built for your skin.