My forehead was a grease slick by noon. Every single day.
The real magic? It didn’t just blot—it trained my skin to produce less oil over time. A subtle rebellion.
A no-frills serum from The Ordinary. Under $10. They promised pore refinement and I was deeply skeptical.
Niacinamide 10%
High concentration to regulate sebum and calm redness.
Zinc 1%
The mineral that actually tackles excess oil production.
Water-Based
The key—it layers under anything without pilling.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
It’s a two-ingredient powerhouse. No filler, no fragrance. Just the stuff that works.
- Niacinamide: regulates oil & minimizes pores
- Zinc PCA: reduces sebum activity
- Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract: a mild, plant-based preservative
- Aqua (Water): the base
Watery texture—absorbs in 8 seconds flat. Leaves a slightly tacky film for a minute. Not silky, just efficient.
The surprise? It dried out a patch near my mouth. Had to avoid that area. A reminder: potent stuff needs smart zoning.
Shine cut by 70%. Pores looked tighter, clearer. Zero effect on deep blackheads—that’s a job for salicylic acid.
It’s a brilliant, blunt tool. Not a delicate experience, but a highly effective one.