My forehead could signal planes by 11 AM. It was a whole thing.
The real issue wasn’t just the shine—it was the texture. My pores looked like a topographic map of the moon.
It’s a $6 serum from The Ordinary. The claim? “Targets visible shine and congestion.” A bold promise for a tiny bottle.
10% Niacinamide
A high dose of the oil-regulating vitamin.
1% Zinc
The mineral that calms inflammation and mattifies.
No Nonsense
Just the actives. No fragrance, no fluff.
Photo: Valerie Elash / Unsplash
This isn’t a cocktail. It’s a targeted strike. Niacinamide tells your sebum glands to chill. Zinc soothes the redness that often comes with oil.
- Niacinamide: Regulates sebum production & minimizes pores
- Zinc PCA: Reduces shine & calms skin
- Aqua (Water): The base, that’s it.
Texture is watery, slightly sticky. Absorbs in 15 seconds—leaves a faint, dry-touch film. Not silky. This is function over feel.
By week two, my midday blotting sessions were cut in half. The surprise? My makeup stopped migrating to my chin crease by lunch.
Shine? Significantly reduced. Pore appearance? Slightly improved. Blackheads? Still there. This isn’t a pore vacuum. It’s an oil moderator.
It’s not a miracle, but it’s a remarkably effective tool for the price. I keep buying it.