My forehead could signal ships by noon. My nose was a grease slick by 10 AM.
The real problem? That shine wasn’t from hydration — it was my skin panicking and overproducing oil to compensate for being stripped clean.
This is The Ordinary‘s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. It’s $6.80. I tried it because every dermatologist on earth whispers its name for oil control.
10% Niacinamide
A mega-dose to regulate sebum and visibly refine pores.
1% Zinc PCA
Pulls double duty calming inflammation and mattifying.
Oil-Free Serum
A water-based gel that doesn’t add a drop of grease.
Photo: Angelina / Unsplash
It’s a brutally simple formula. Two hero ingredients, no fragrance, no fluff. They work by telling your oil glands to chill out, not by nuking them.
- Niacinamide (10%): Regulates oil production and minimizes pore appearance
- Zinc PCA (1%): Mattifies and reduces redness
- Aqua (Water): The base
- Glycerin: A dash of hydration so you don’t dry out
Texture is a slick, slightly sticky water gel. Absorbs in 15 seconds — leaves a velvety, *not* tight, finish.
By week two, my midday blotting paper habit was cut in half. The surprise? It didn’t stop all oil, just made it… civilized. Less “pizza face,” more “healthy glow.”
My pores looked tighter. Shine was delayed by hours. But it’s not a pore vacuum — blackheads didn’t magically vanish.
It’s not magic, but it’s the closest thing to a reliable oil bouncer for your face. For the price, you’d be silly not to try it.