If you have oily skin and want an effective skincare addition, choosing a niacinamide serum can make a difference. The best formulas in 2025 combine at least 10% niacinamide with ingredients like zinc PCA, which controls oil, or tranexamic acid, which helps fade dark spots. These serums are lightweight and fast-absorbing, aiming to balance oil production and prevent breakouts. Understanding how each active ingredient works can help you find a product that suits your skin’s needs—stay tuned.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Smoothing Serum
- BOOSTS BRIGHTNESS & SMOOTHNESS: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% visibly improves skin radiance and smooths texture in one...
- HYDRATING FORMULA: Lightweight water-based serum that reinforces the skin barrier and provides hydration in as little as...
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Smoothing Serum is good for people with oily or breakout-prone skin. It has a light gel texture that feels smooth and absorbs quickly. The serum contains 10% niacinamide, which helps shrink pores, control oil, and even out skin tone. It also has 1% zinc, which fights excess oil and helps reduce breakouts.
This serum is gentle and works well with other skincare products. You can layer it under your moisturizer or makeup without it feeling sticky. When you use it regularly, it can help decrease redness, clearer skin, and smoother texture. Since it has no strong scent and is simple in formulas, it’s safe for sensitive skin too.
Who should use it: People with oily or combination skin who want smaller pores, less oil, and better skin texture and tone.
Pros:
- Shrinks pores and reduces oil
- Absorbs fast and feels light
- Affordable and shows results in a few weeks
Cons:
- Might cause dryness or irritation at first, especially for sensitive skin
- Not enough alone for very deep acne or scars
- Needs daily use to see the best results
This serum is easy to use and can help your skin look clearer and feel smoother over time.
ANUA Niacinamide 10 + TXA Serum, 30ml
- KOREAN GLASS SKIN : Containing 10% Niacinamide, 4% Tranexamic Acid and 2% Arbutin, a powerful trio of ingredients to...
- GENTLE YET EFFECTIVE SERUM FOR EVERYDAY USE : Infused with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid to protect damaged skin...
ANUA Niacinamide 10 + TXA Serum is a great choice if you have oily or combination skin. It helps reduce big pores, uneven skin tone, and excess oil. The serum is lightweight and comes in a 30ml bottle. It has 10% niacinamide, which brightens dark spots, controls oil, and makes your skin smoother. It also contains 4% tranexamic acid and 2% arbutin to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides hydrate your skin and keep your skin’s barrier strong. Vitamin B12 adds extra glow to your skin. The formula absorbs quickly, feels light, and doesn’t leave a greasy feel. It works well for all skin types and is good to use daily. Regular use can help you get clearer, more even skin, and support your goal of healthier skin in 2025.
Best For: People with oily or combo skin who want smaller pores, less dark spots, and even skin tone for a bright, clear look.
Pros:
- Contains 10% niacinamide to brighten skin and shrink pores
- Hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid and ceramides
- Feels light and absorbs fast, suitable for all skin types
Cons:
- The high niacinamide level might cause irritation if you have very sensitive skin and use too much
- It takes time—several weeks—for you to see real results
- Does not have added fragrances, which some people prefer in scented products
Minimalist Niacinamide Serum for Acne & Oil Control (1 Fl Oz)
- [ REMOVES & PREVENTS ACNE MARKS & BLEMISHES ]: High grade pure Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) added in this serum is...
- [ BALANCES OIL, REDUCES OPEN PORES & HYDRATES ]: Gives you much needed clear matt look throughout the day by balancing...
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the Minimalist Niacinamide Serum can help. It has 10% pure Vitamin B3, which fights dark spots and acne marks. You can see improvements within two weeks. The serum also helps control oil, shrink large pores, and calm redness. It has ingredients like aloe vera and Matmarine that keep your skin hydrated. The formula does not contain fragrances, silicones, sulfates, parabens, or dyes. It is gentle and safe for sensitive skin. Use it every day to strengthen your skin barrier, reduce oil, and get a clearer, matte look over time.
This serum is best for people with oily or acne-prone skin. It aims to reduce shine, hide spots, and make your skin look smooth. Because it is strong, some sensitive skin types might feel mild irritation or redness at first. It is important to use it daily and be patient. It may not add enough moisture if your skin is very dry. If you need extra hydration, try the Minimalist 5% Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid instead.
10% Niacinamide + Zinc PCA Serum for Oily Skin
- 3-in-1 Trial Hero: Travel-Friendly 10ml (0.34 fl.oz) – Control Oil, Repair Barrier & Soothe Redness instantly.
- Oil & Acne Control: 10% Niacinamide (clinical strength) reduces excess sebum and shrinks pores. Zinc PCA targets acne...
If you have oily skin, acne-prone skin, or sensitive skin, a serum with 10% Niacinamide and Zinc PCA can help. This small bottle is easy to carry in your bag. It helps control how much oil your skin makes. It also makes your pores smaller and makes your skin look smoother.
The 10% Niacinamide works fast to improve your skin. It acts twice as quickly as lower amounts. Zinc PCA fights bacteria that cause pimples. It also helps prevent your skin from becoming too dry. The serum has ingredients like Pro-Vitamin B5 and Polyglutamic Acid. These help rebuild your skin’s barrier and keep your skin moist. Allantoin helps calm redness and irritation.
This serum is gentle and doesn’t cause breakouts. It is good for daily use. It works well to keep your skin balanced and healthy.
Who should use it: People with oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin who want a gentle but effective serum to control oil, reduce pimples, and calm redness.
What’s good about it:
- Contains 10% Niacinamide for quick oil control and smaller pores
- Fights bacteria that cause pimples
- Keeps skin moist and helps repair the skin barrier
Things to keep in mind:
- You need to use it every day to see best results
- It comes in a small size (10ml), so you may need to buy it often
- Some sensitive skin types may feel mild irritation, even with a gentle formula
Factors to Consider When Choosing Niacinamide Serums for Oily Skin
Choosing the right niacinamide serum involves considering several key factors to maximize its benefits for oily skin. You should look at the concentration level, as serums typically range from 2% to 10%, and higher percentages may cause irritation. Additionally, compatibility with your skin, other ingredients, texture, absorption rate, and price all play important roles in making an informed decision.
Concentration Level
When choosing a serum with niacinamide, the amount of it in the product is important. If you have oily skin, look for serums with 10% or more of niacinamide. These usually work better to control oil and shrink pores. If you’re in a hurry to see results, higher amounts can help you notice changes faster. But, be careful. Stronger formulas can cause irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive. It’s a good idea to do a patch test first.
Serums with about 5% niacinamide are gentler. They might take longer to work, but they are less likely to cause problems. Check the label to see how much niacinamide is in the product. Choosing the right amount for your skin type can give good results without causing issues.
Skin Compatibility
When picking a niacinamide serum for oily skin, it’s best to choose products that match your skin type. Look for labels that say they are good for oily or acne-prone skin. These products are less likely to cause more oil or breakouts. Make sure the serum is non-comedogenic. This means it doesn’t have ingredients that can clog your pores, like heavy oils or silicones. Ingredients such as Zinc PCA, Salicylic Acid, and Niacinamide help control oil and reduce shine. Choose lightweight, water-based serums that absorb quickly and don’t feel greasy. Adding soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera or Allantoin can calm red or irritated skin. Pick products that are gentle and work well with your skin. This will help you get clearer, healthier skin and keep oil under control.
Additional Ingredients
Adding certain ingredients with niacinamide can make it work better for oily skin. Zinc, especially zinc PCA, helps control oil. It reduces shine and stops acne. Think of it as a light switch for oil. Hyaluronic acid gives the skin a boost of hydration. It keeps the skin moist without clogging pores. This is good for oily skin that still needs moisture. Tranexamic acid helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It works with niacinamide to even out skin tone. Calming ingredients like allantoin or soothing plant extracts can also calm redness and inflammation.
When buying a serum with these ingredients, look for zinc at around 1-2%. Hyaluronic acid should be in small amounts as a humectant. Tranexamic acid is best in small doses too. Using these ingredients together can help create clearer, healthier skin.
Texture & Absorption
Choosing a niacinamide serum that feels light and absorbs quickly is very important if you have oily skin. Look for formulas that are water-based and thin. These absorb into your skin fast and don’t leave a sticky or greasy layer. Serums that are gel-like and smooth usually go deeper into your skin. This makes them work better without feeling heavy. Fast absorption is helpful if you use other products like moisturizer or sunscreen. It helps them go on smoothly and evenly. Drinking in active ingredients like niacinamide helps your skin stay clear and reduces oil. When picking a serum, pick one that feels light and absorbs fast. It keeps your skin feeling fresh and clean all day.
Price & Value
When shopping for a niacinamide serum, price can vary a lot. It’s important to think about what you get for what you pay. Cheaper options under $10 can work well, especially if they come in bigger bottles. Larger bottles mean less money per use and more value. Expensive serums over $30 often have special ingredients like ceramides or tranexamic acid. These can help control oil and improve your skin. Higher niacinamide levels, like 10-12%, may give better results. Some high-end brands with these levels might save you money because you don’t need to buy more often. When picking a serum, compare the price with the quality of ingredients and reviews. A higher price does not always mean it works better. Look for products that are affordable but also have good ingredients. This way, you get the best value and can help your skin look and feel better.
Routine Compatibility
To make sure your niacinamide serum works well with your skincare routine, it’s important to pick the right products. First, choose a lightweight serum that doesn’t feel greasy. It should blend easily with oil-control products you already use. Check if the serum is safe to use with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients can cause irritation or make the serum less effective if not compatible. Look for serums that contain soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. These can help prevent dryness from oil-controlling products. Make sure the serum says it is non-comedogenic and oil-free. This means it won’t clog pores. Also, check the pH level. The best pH for your serum is between 5.5 and 6.5. This helps keep your skin healthy and helps niacinamide work better. By paying attention to these points, you can build a simple, effective skincare routine that fits your oily skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Niacinamide Help Reduce Pore Size on Oily Skin?
You want to know if niacinamide reduces pore size on oily skin. It can, by regulating oil, minimizing inflammation, and strengthening your skin barrier, which helps pores appear smaller and less noticeable over time.
Is There an Ideal Time of Day to Apply Niacinamide Serums?
You should apply niacinamide serums twice daily—once in the morning and again at night—after cleansing and before moisturizer. Doing so maximizes their benefits, helps control oil, and enhances your skin’s overall appearance.
Are Niacinamide Serums Suitable for Sensitive, Oily Skin Types?
You’ll find niacinamide serums are suitable for sensitive, oily skin because they help reduce irritation and control excess oil. Just patch test first, choose gentle formulations, and incorporate them gradually into your routine for best results.
How Long Does It Typically Take to See Results?
You’ll typically notice improvements within two to four weeks of regular use, but it can take up to eight weeks for full results. Stay consistent, and you’ll likely see reduced oiliness and clearer, brighter skin over time.
Can Niacinamide Cause Breakouts or Irritation?
Niacinamide can cause breakouts or irritation if you have sensitive skin or use it too aggressively. Start slowly, patch test, and observe how your skin reacts. Most people tolerate it well and see benefits over time.
Last update on 2025-09-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
