My forehead was a headlight by noon. Every single day.
The real problem wasn’t the oil—it was the enlarged pores and texture that came with it. Shine is one thing, but orange-peel skin is another.
This is Paula’s Choice‘s 10% Niacinamide Booster. $49. I was skeptical a single serum could replace my whole mattifying routine.
10% Niacinamide
The clinical sweet spot for regulating oil and smoothing pores.
No Silicones
A shocker for an oil-control product—it’s a water-light liquid.
Layerable
Meant to be mixed into your moisturizer or used solo.
Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash
Niacinamide is the star, but the supporting cast does the heavy lifting. This isn’t a one-ingredient wonder.
- Niacinamide (10%): Calms inflammation and tells your sebum glands to chill
- Acetyl Glucosamine: Gently exfoliates to fade post-acne marks
- Vitamin C Derivative (Ascorbyl Glucoside): Brightens without irritating oily skin
- Licorice Root Extract: Soothes redness from past breakouts
Photo: Linh Ha / Unsplash
Texture is like slightly viscous water. Absorbs in 3 seconds—leaves zero film. You forget you used it.
By week two, my makeup didn’t slide off my nose. The surprise? It didn’t *over*-dry. My cheeks felt normal, not tight.
Photo: Lesly Juarez / Unsplash
Shine reduced by about 70%—I still get dewy, but not greasy. Pores look cleaner, less stretched. Zero effect on active breakouts, though.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
It’s a brilliant regulator, not a miracle. You’ll still need blotting papers on humid days—but you’ll use half as many.