My forehead was a solar panel by noon. Every single day.
The real issue wasn’t just the shine — it was the texture. All that oil made my pores look like craters.
It’s a water-based serum from The Ordinary. Under $7. They claim it regulates sebum. I was skeptical but desperate.
Niacinamide 10%
A high concentration of the shine-control vitamin.
Zinc 1%
The mineral that calms angry, breakout-prone skin.
Oil-Free
Crucial. It won’t add to the problem it’s solving.
Photo: Trần Văn Sơn / Unsplash
It’s a two-ingredient show. No frills. Niacinamide is the star, Zinc is the backup singer that actually does most of the work.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Slows your oil pumps down
- Zinc PCA: Reduces inflammation and bacterial growth
- Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract: A mild plant preservative
- Aqua (Water): The base — it’s mostly this
Photo: Laura Chouette / Unsplash
Texture is like slightly sticky water. Absorbs in 10 seconds — leaves a faint, weird tightening sensation.
By week two, my midday blotting sheets were half as used. Unexpected downside? It can pill under moisturizer if you rub.
Shine reduced by about 40%. Pores looked a bit more refined. Did not magically stop all breakouts — that’s a myth.
It’s not a miracle, but it’s a legit tool. For the price, it makes a noticeable dent in the grease.