My forehead could signal ships by noon. A constant, glossy film — makeup just slid right off.
The real issue? Not the oil itself, but the enlarged pores and texture it left behind. Like a permanent orange peel.
It’s The Ordinary‘s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Under $7. The claim? Control sebum, minimize pores. For that price, I had to try.
The Texture
Watery serum — not sticky at all.
The Dry-Down
Dries to a slightly tacky, velvety finish.
The Scent
None. It smells like a chemistry lab (in a good way).
Photo: Angelina / Unsplash
Two main players. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) calms inflammation and regulates oil. Zinc PCA is the mattifying mineral that absorbs excess sebum.
- Niacinamide 10%: Reduces redness & oil production
- Zinc PCA 1%: Mattifies & aids healing
- Tamrindus Indica Seed Gum: The slip agent — makes it spreadable
- Pentylene Glycol: Hydration + preservation
Photo: Kaeme / Unsplash
Applies like slightly thickened water. Absorbs in 8 seconds flat. That velvety tackiness? Means it’s working.
Week 2: My skin purged. Tiny, under-skin bumps surfaced before clearing out. Annoying but normal — it was pushing gunk out.
Shine reduced by 60% — I now blot once a day, not four times. Pores look tighter, but they’re not erased. Blackheads? Unchanged.
It’s not magic, but it’s the most effective budget oil-controller I’ve used. Manages expectations while actually managing oil.