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

My nose looks like a strawberry. Always has.

The internet swears this serum can fix that — shrink pores, reduce oil, give you a filter IRL. I was deeply skeptical.

It’s the The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. $5.90. The claim? Visibly reduce enlarged pores. For that price, I had to try.

It’s a simple, targeted formula. Niacinamide is the star — it regulates oil and calms inflammation. Zinc is the backup singer for oil control.

• Niacinamide 10%: Oil regulator, inflammation soother
• Zinc PCA 1%: Mattifies, reduces shine
• Tamarinus Indica Seed Gum: That weird texture
• Carrageenan: More weird texture

Texture is weird. Like a thin, sticky glue. Absorbs in 20 seconds but leaves a faint, tacky film. Not silky. Not luxurious.

Week 2: My t-zone was noticeably less oily by noon. A genuine shock. But if I used too much? It pilled under my moisturizer like little rubber eraser bits.

Here’s the real talk: pores don’t physically shrink. But they can look smaller. After 4 weeks, mine were less clogged and way less obvious. The oil reduction was the real win.

It’s not a pore eraser. It’s an oil-blasting, clarity-boosting workhorse. Manages expectations brilliantly.