My forehead was a grease slick by noon. A literal mirror.
This serum promised to fix that without the tight, squeaky-clean feeling of every other oil-control product.
It’s a water-based serum from The Ordinary. Under $7. The “pore-minimizing” claim got me — that’s usually a lie.
Niacinamide 10%
A high dose of the shine-regulating vitamin.
Zinc 1%
Calms inflammation and mops up excess oil.
No Nonsense
Just the actives. No fragrance, no silicones, no fluff.
Photo: Harper Sunday / Unsplash
It’s a two-ingredient show. Niacinamide is the multitasker; zinc is the bouncer. Together they tell your sebum glands to chill.
- Niacinamide: Regulates oil production and improves skin barrier
- Zinc PCA: Reduces sebum and has anti-inflammatory action
- Aqua (Water): The base – it’s very simple
- Phenoxyethanol: A preservative – that’s it
Photo: Chang Duong / Unsplash
Watery, slightly sticky. Dries down in under 30 seconds — feels like nothing. The surprise? It pills under heavy moisturizer if you rub.
By week two, my midday blotting paper habit was cut in half. But my nose pores? Still there. It controls oil, it doesn’t erase geography.
Photo: Clarissa Watson / Unsplash
Shine was visibly reduced. Texture felt smoother. But if you want a matte finish all day, you still need powder.
Photo: Harper Sunday / Unsplash
It’s not magic, but it’s the most effective, no-BS oil regulator I’ve used. A staple now.