So I slapped this on thinking, “10% niacinamide? My redness doesn’t stand a chance.” My face disagreed. Loudly. Within two minutes, it felt like I’d used a chemical peel—stinging, tight, that “oh shit” warmth.
Turns out, more niacinamide isn’t always better. Especially when your skin barrier is already throwing a tantrum. This is not a starter serum. It’s a finisher.
🧪 **The Numbers Game**
£14 for 30ml. The claim: “Maximum strength redness and pore control.” I bought it because I wanted results *now*—and Deascal markets itself as no-nonsense, active-heavy skincare.
1. **10% Niacinamide** – That’s double the standard effective dose. Most derms cap recommendations at 5% for daily use.
2. **Zinc PCA** – Meant to calm oil production. It does. But it can also dry you out if your skin’s already tight.
3. **Lightweight water base** – No oils. No silicones. Absorbs in about 12 seconds.
🚨 **What’s Actually Inside**
It’s a stripped-back formula—which is good for purity, bad if you need buffer ingredients. The niacinamide is the star, but it’s a harsh star.
– **10% Niacinamide**: Reduces inflammation and pore size—but at this concentration, it can trigger histamine reactions (flushing, stinging) in sensitive skins.
– **Zinc PCA**: Regulates sebum. Drying if overused.
– **Glycerin**: The only real hydrator here. It’s doing heavy lifting.
– **Xanthan Gum**: Thickener. Makes it feel silky, but doesn’t soothe.
💡 **Texture & Reality Check**
Watery, slightly tacky. Dries down fast—almost too fast. First week, I used it every night. Bad idea. My cheeks looked like I’d been crying.
Week three: I switched to every *other* night, buffering with a moisturizer underneath. That’s the trick. This stuff needs a pillow. If you slap it on bare skin, expect fireworks.
💡 **One Thing**
Mix 2 drops into your moisturizer. It dilutes the strength without ruining the formula. You still get the benefits—without the burn.
✅ **Did It Work?**
Redness? Actually less. Pores? Smaller. But it took a month, not a week. And I had to baby my skin the whole time.
**Buy if** you have oily, acne-prone skin that’s never reacted to niacinamide before.
**Skip if** you have rosacea, eczema, or get red from wind.
**Worth it?** For £14? Yeah—but only if you’re patient and careful. This isn’t a gentle nightly treat. It’s a tool.
❌ **Final Call**
It works. But it’s not beginner-friendly. Deascal should’ve called this “Advanced” not “Booster.” My skin is tougher now—but I earned those stripes.
**6.5/10** — Effective but needs handling with care.
🛍️ **Where to Buy**
Boots or Deascal’s own site. Don’t get the 30ml—get the 15ml travel size first. Trust me.