My forehead was a grease slick by noon. Blotting papers were a wallet staple.
The real issue? Every mattifier just swapped oil for flaky, tight skin. A lose-lose.
It’s a water-based serum from The Ordinary. Under $7. They claimed it could balance oil without dryness — a bold promise.
10% Niacinamide
A high dose of the oil-regulating, redness-calming vitamin.
1% Zinc
Tackles sebum production and has a slight astringent effect.
No Nonsense
The bottle is clinical. The dropper works. That’s it.
Photo: Harper Sunday / Unsplash
Two main players. Niacinamide tells your pores to chill on oil production. Zinc PCA helps mop up what’s already there.
- Niacinamide: Regulates sebum & minimizes pores
- Zinc PCA: Absorbs excess oil
- Tamarinus Indica Seed Gum: Light texture
- Pentylene Glycol: Hydration + penetration
Photo: Nora Topicals / Unsplash
Texture is like slightly sticky water. Absorbs in 8 seconds — leaves a faint, velvety film.
Surprise: It didn’t do much for two weeks. Then I noticed my nose wasn’t reflecting light in Zoom calls. A quiet victory.
Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash
Oil production cut by about 60%. Pores look cleaner, but not “vanished.” Zero dryness. Didn’t touch hormonal chin acne, though.
Photo: kimia kazemi / Unsplash
It’s not magic, but it’s effective. The only thing that’s ever reduced oil without starting a flake war.