My forehead could have lit a runway at 3 PM. Every single day.
The real issue wasn’t the oil, it was the texture — tiny bumps and clogged pores that makeup just caked onto.
This is the Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster. $49. I was skeptical of a single serum fixing both oil and congestion.
10% Niacinamide
The clinical sweet spot for regulating sebum and minimizing pores.
No Silicones
A huge plus — it layers under anything without pilling.
Concentrated Booster
You can mix it into your moisturizer or use it solo.
It’s a short, smart ingredient list. Niacinamide is the star, but the supporting cast does heavy lifting.
- Niacinamide: Calms inflammation and tells your oil glands to chill
- Acetyl Glucosamine: Gently exfoliates to smooth texture
- Vitamin C Derivative: Brightens without irritating oily skin
- Licorice Root: Fades post-breakout marks that linger for weeks
Water-light. Sinks in before you can even rub it in — 10 seconds, max. Leaves zero film.
By week two, my midday blotting sheets were half as used. The surprise? My skin felt…calmer. Less reactive.
Oil production is down 60%. Pores look tighter. But it’s not a zit zapper — you’ll still need a dedicated spot treatment.
It’s a brilliant, no-fuss regulator. Not magic, but the closest thing to a set-it-and-forget-it solution for shine.