My forehead was a grease slick by noon. A shiny, reflective surface you could check your lipstick in.
This serum promised to regulate that oil production, not just mattify it. The zinc is the key — it’s like a tiny bouncer for your sebum.
It’s a water-based serum from The Ordinary. Under $7. I was skeptical anything this cheap could handle my oil rig situation.
Niacinamide 10%
A high dose to visibly improve uneven skin tone.
Zinc PCA 1%
Targets excess sebum activity at the source.
No Oil, No Silicone
The real win for us oily folks — nothing to clog you up.
Photo: Clearcut Derby / Unsplash
It’s a short, focused list. Niacinamide is the multi-tasker, zinc is the oil regulator. That’s the whole pitch.
- Niacinamide: Fades post-acne marks, calms redness
- Zinc PCA: Acts as an astringent for pores
- Tamarinindus Indica Seed Gum: The gel texture
- Piper Nigrum Fruit Extract: A tiny bit of plant extract
Sticky. There’s no other word for it. It’s a clear gel that pulls a bit before it sinks in — about 45 seconds for me.
By week two, my makeup stopped sliding off my nose by 3 PM. Unexpected downside? It can pill if you layer too much or go in too fast.
Shine is down 70%. Pores look tighter. But it’s not a miracle — I still get a little oily. Zero effect on active breakouts, FYI.
It’s a brilliant, no-frills tool for oily skin. Not a full routine, but a workhorse you’ll keep in the lineup.