Does Niacinamide Really Reduce Pores? We Tested It

Myth Busted

We put the viral pore-refining serum to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.

Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results

1.🔍Pore Shrinkage Myth?

My pores looked like tiny craters. I needed proof, not promises.

I used it for a month — morning and night — and took weekly close-up photos under the same harsh bathroom light.

2.🧪The Viral Serum

It’s The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. $5.90. The claim? Visibly reduces pore appearance and controls oil.

Watery serum — not sticky at all.

None. Smells like a lab, in a good way.

Cheap glass dropper — it works, but feels fragile.

Photo: yunona uritsky / Unsplash

3.❌What’s Actually In It

It’s a short, focused list. Niacinamide is the star — a form of vitamin B3. Zinc is the sidekick.

4.✅The Reality Check

Applies like water. Absorbs in 10 seconds — leaves a faint, velvety film.

By week two, my midday shine was gone. Unexpected? My foundation started pilling over it. Annoying.

💡

One Thing: Let it dry for a full 60 seconds before your next product. Solves the pilling.

5.📊The Real Results

Pores didn’t shrink. They just looked cleaner and less dilated. Oil production cut by maybe 60%. Zero effect on blackheads.

✅

Buy if

You’re an oil slick by noon and want a matte finish.

⏭️

Skip if

You have dry or sensitive skin — this will likely irritate.

💰

Worth it?

For under $6? Absolutely. It’s a brilliant oil controller.

6.💡Final Take

It’s not a pore-minimizer. It’s an exceptional oil-blotter. Manage expectations and you’ll be impressed.

7.5/10

Brilliant for oil, not for pore size.

🛍️

Where to Buy: Direct from The Ordinary or Sephora. At this price, just get the full size.