My forehead was a lighthouse. You could see it from space.
This serum promised to fix that without turning me into a flaky desert — a rare feat.
It’s a water-based serum from The Ordinary. Under $10. The “cult-favorite” hype made me skeptical, but the price made it a low-risk experiment.
Niacinamide 10%
A high dose of the pore-refining, oil-regulating vitamin.
Zinc 1%
Adds a layer of sebum control and calms inflammation.
No Nonsense
The bottle has zero aesthetic appeal — it’s pure function.
Photo: kevin laminto / Unsplash
It’s a short, focused list. The two stars work together: niacinamide tells your pores to chill on oil production, zinc helps mop up the excess that’s already there.
- Niacinamide: regulates sebum & minimizes pores
- Zinc PCA: absorbs oil, reduces shine
- Tamarinus Indica Seed Gum: gives it that slick, slightly sticky texture
- Aqua (Water): the base — it’s very simple
Photo: Sonia Roselli / Unsplash
Texture is weird — like slightly sticky water. Absorbs in 8 seconds flat. Leaves a faint, tight film. Not moisturizing at all.
By week two, my midday blotting paper habit was cut in half. The surprise? It made my foundation sit better — no sliding off by 10 AM.
Shine is controlled, not eliminated. Pores look a bit tighter. Did it cure my oiliness? No. But it manages it like a competent manager — things run smoother.
It’s not magic, but it’s a brilliantly cheap workhorse. For the price, you get real science, not fairy dust.