Does Niacinamide Really Reduce Pores? We Tested The Ordinary's Serum

Myth Busted

This viral serum promises to shrink pores, but does the science back up the hype?

Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results

1.🔬The Pore Shrink Promise

My bathroom shelf is a graveyard of pore promises. This one’s different — it’s cheap, it’s everywhere, and the science is solid.

The real draw? That 10% niacinamide concentration. Most brands use 2-5%. This is a straight-up megadose.

2.❓What You’re Actually Getting

It’s a $6 serum from The Ordinary. The claim? Visibly reduce enlarged pores. For that price, I had to call the bluff.

Water-light, almost like slightly sticky water.

None. It smells like a lab, in a good way.

A dropper bottle that feels suspiciously expensive for the price.

Photo: Lesly Juarez / Unsplash

3.🧪The Science Bit

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) regulates oil and improves skin barrier function. Zinc PCA helps with sebum control. That’s the pore-shrinking theory.

4.👁️The Reality Check

Absorbs in 8 seconds flat — leaves a faint, tight film. Like your skin drank it but wants you to know it’s working.

Week 2: My t-zone was noticeably less greasy by noon. The surprise? It pilled under my moisturizer like crazy. A total diva about layering.

💡

One Thing: Apply to bone-dry skin. Wait a full 90 seconds before your next step. No pilling.

5.✅Did My Pores Shrink?

Shrink? No. They look *less obvious*. Oil production halved, so they’re not stretched and shiny all day. The blackheads on my nose? Unmoved.

✅

Buy if

You have oily, shiny skin with clogged-looking pores.

⏭️

Skip if

You’re dry, sensitive, or hate fiddly layering routines.

💰

Worth it?

For $6? It’s a steal for oil control alone.

6.💡Final Call

It’s not magic. It’s a brilliant, cheap oil regulator that makes pores *appear* smaller. Manages expectations, delivers on science.

7.5/10

A brilliant, fussy workhorse for shine.

🛍️

Where to Buy: Sephora or the brand site. Buy two — you’ll use it, and the dropper is a fumbly mess at the end.