3 Best Niacinamide Serums for Oily Skin in 2026
If you battle oily skin and want visible results, you’ll find these three niacinamide serums worth considering in 2025, but each has nuances that matter. The Ordinary’s formula combines 10% niacinamide with 1% zinc, targeting excess oil and pore size, yet some find it slightly drying. The Inkey List’s niacinamide offers high concentration with fast absorption, while their zinc serum adds calming benefits for sensitive acne-prone areas. Comparing ingredients, textures, and application routines is essential, as your skin’s reaction can differ based on formulation. Want to discover which one might suit your daily routine best?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Smoothing Serum
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might want to try this serum. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% can help small, affordable. It’s a light formula that absorbs quickly. It helps cut down oil, shrink pores, and brighten your skin.
This serum has niacinamide, which is a type of vitamin B3. It helps make your skin tone even and calms redness or irritation. Zinc is also part of it. Zinc controls how much oil your skin makes and fights pimples. You use this serum after washing your face and before putting on moisturizer. Some people find it a little sticky if they put on too much, but overall, it’s a good option for clearer, smoother skin.
Best for: People with oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin who want a cheap, effective serum to control oil, reduce pores, and even out skin color.
Pros:
- Light and quick to soak in
- Helps with pimples, oil, and big pores
- Can make your skin look better and brighter in a few weeks
Cons:
- Might feel sticky if you use too much
- Some might get minor skin reactions at first
- Not best for very dry or very sensitive skin
This serum is simple and works well for people who want clear, smooth skin without spending a lot.
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum, 10% Niacinamide for Acne & Brightening
The Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum has 10% niacinamide. It is good for people with oily or combination skin. This serum helps reduce acne, improve skin texture, and brighten dull skin. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It tightens pores, makes skin look clearer, and lowers redness. The serum also helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and controls excess oil. It feels light and slippery and can be layered under moisturizers easily. It absorbs fast and doesn’t leave a sticky feeling. Some people find their skin clearer after using this serum. But, some may get irritation or redness. It’s a good idea to test it on a small patch of skin first. Overall, it is an affordable choice to help improve your skin.
Best For: People with oily or combination skin who want a simple, effective serum to make skin smoother, lessen pores, and brighten dull areas.
Pros:
- Has 10% niacinamide to help with uneven skin tone and big pores.
- Absorbs quickly and feels light on the skin.
- Strengthens the skin and helps control oil and redness.
Cons:
- Some might get irritation or redness; patch test first.
- Results depend on skin type and how often you use it.
- Its pH level is 7.1, which is okay but not perfect for maximum effectiveness.
Niacinamide + Zinc PCA Serum for Oily Skin, 10ml
This Niacinamide + Zinc PCA Serum is a good choice if you have oily skin. If your skin gets oily, breaks out, or has big pores, this serum can help. It has 10% Niacinamide, which shrinks pores and controls oil faster than lower-dose serums. This means your skin looks less shiny, and breakouts can get better more quickly.
Zinc PCA fights bacteria that cause acne without drying out your skin too much. Pro-Vitamin B5 and Polyglutamic Acid help repair your skin and keep it hydrated. Allantoin and Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate soothe redness from breakouts. The serum is fragrance-free, so it’s gentle on sensitive skin.
The formula is non-comedogenic. That means it won’t clog your pores. It is safe to use every day. Just apply it, and it helps reduce shine and blemishes with confidence.
Who should use this: People with oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin who want to control oil, clear pimples, and calm redness.
Good things about it:
- It shrinks pores and reduces oil fast with 10% Niacinamide.
- It is gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.
- It helps repair and hydrate your skin, stopping it from feeling tight or dry.
Not-so-good things:
- The small 10ml bottle may mean you need to buy it often.
- It does not give quick dramatic changes. You need to use it daily for good results.
- It does not contain extra ingredients for special spots or scars.
This serum is simple to use. It works well for oily and sensitive skin. Use it every day, and it can help your skin look clearer, calmer, and less shiny.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Niacinamide Serums for Oily Skin
When choosing a niacinamide serum for oily skin, it’s important to consider how well it matches your specific skin type and whether the ingredient concentrations are balanced to prevent irritation while still providing benefits. You’ll also want to think about the formulation’s compatibility with other products you use, as some ingredients can interact negatively, reducing effectiveness or causing breakouts. Finally, don’t overlook practical factors like price, value, and packaging, which can influence how consistently you’ll be able to incorporate the serum into your routine.
Skin Type Compatibility
If you have oily skin, you know it can get shiny and clogged easily. That’s why choosing the right niacinamide serum is important. Look for serums labeled for oily or acne-prone skin. These are made to handle extra oil and help prevent breakouts.
Choose products with ingredients like Zinc PCA or Pro-Vitamin B5. These help control oil and keep your skin balanced. Pick lightweight serums that feel smooth and absorb quickly. Avoid thick, greasy formulas that can clog pores or make your skin shine more.
Check that the serum doesn’t have ingredients that can cause pimples. Fragrances and heavy oils can irritate your skin. The best pH level for your skin is around 7.1. This helps keep your skin’s barrier healthy and controls oil naturally.
Ingredient Concentration Balance
Choosing the right amount of niacinamide in your serum is important. If you have oily skin, you want a formula that works well without causing irritation. Most serums have between 5% and 10% niacinamide. This range usually gives good results and is gentle on the skin.
Serums with around 10% niacinamide can help tighten pores and control oil faster. But if your skin is sensitive, this higher amount might cause some redness or irritation. To get the best results without problems, look for serums that have ingredients like zinc or polyglutamic acid. These ingredients help control oil and protect your skin’s barrier.
Going above 10% niacinamide usually doesn’t give bigger benefits. It can even increase the chance of skin irritation. So, it’s better to choose a serum with a good balance of active ingredients and moisturizing agents. This way, you treat oily skin issues safely and keep your skin healthy.
Formulation Compatibility
Yes, making sure a niacinamide serum works well with your skincare routine depends on how the products fit together. Look for a serum with a pH around 5.5. This is close to your skin’s natural level and helps the serum do its job without causing irritation. Choose formulas that don’t have alcohol, added fragrance, or harsh chemicals. These ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Gel or lightweight serums are good because they absorb fast and won’t clog your pores or make your face look shiny.
Check if the serum has ingredients like Zinc PCA or Pro-Vitamin B5. These help control oil and keep your skin’s barrier strong. Make sure these ingredients don’t clash with the other products you use. Also, see if the serum works well with active ingredients like salicylic acid or retinoids. Using products that don’t fight each other helps prevent skin irritation and keeps your routine smooth.
In simple words, pick a gentle, well-balanced serum that fits with your other skincare products. This way, your skin can stay healthy and happy.
Price and Value
When you look for a niacinamide serum for oily skin, you want good quality without paying too much. You can find options that cost less than $10 or more than $30. Cheaper serums usually have about 10% niacinamide. This is a good amount to help clear your skin and reduce oil. Some products also have other ingredients like zinc or calming compounds. These help your skin even more and don’t add much to the price.
More expensive serums might look fancier or have extra features. But they don’t always work better for oily skin. To know what is a good deal, compare how much you get for each dollar. This helps you see the real value of each serum.
Choosing a simple, affordable serum that works well can help you take care of your skin over a long time. It also makes it easier to stick with your skincare routine. When you use a good serum regularly, you can see better results without spending too much.
Packaging Convenience
Packaging is important for a niacinamide serum. Good packaging makes it easier to use every day, especially if you’re busy. Pick small bottles that fit easily into your bag or purse. This way, you can apply the serum whenever you want. Look for bottles with pumps or droppers. These stop dirt from getting in and help the serum stay fresh longer.
Dark-colored or UV-protected bottles are also a good choice. They shield the serum from light, which can spoil the ingredients. Choose bottles that are easy to hold and use. This helps you apply the serum smoothly and without mess. If you travel a lot, pick bottles that don’t leak. That keeps your serum safe and stops spills in your bag.
Good packaging makes using niacinamide serum simpler and keeps it better for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Niacinamide Help Reduce Pore Size on Oily Skin?
Yes, niacinamide helps reduce pore size on oily skin by regulating oil production, strengthening skin barrier, and minimizing inflammation. You’ll notice smoother, clearer skin over time as it actively works to refine pores and improve overall skin texture.
How Long Does It Take to See Results From Niacinamide Serums?
You’ll typically see noticeable results from niacinamide serums within four to six weeks. Consistent use helps reduce oil, minimize pores, and improve skin texture. Be patient and keep a daily skincare routine for best outcomes.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects of Using Niacinamide Regularly?
Using niacinamide regularly might cause mild side effects like redness, irritation, or allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin. To avoid issues, start with a patch test and consult a dermatologist if you notice adverse effects.
Can Niacinamide Be Combined With Other Skincare Ingredients for Oily Skin?
Yes, you can combine niacinamide with ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, or zinc to target oily skin concerns. Just make sure you patch-test new combos and introduce products gradually to avoid irritation.
Is Niacinamide Suitable for Sensitive or Reactive Skin Types?
Yes, niacinamide suits sensitive or reactive skin because it’s gentle, reduces redness, and soothes inflammation. You can incorporate it gradually, monitor your skin’s response, and choose formulas with calming ingredients to guarantee minimal irritation.
Hi, I’m Rachel Powell, the founder and creative mind behind FashionBeautyLooks.com. With a passion for all things fashion and beauty, I’ve dedicated my career to helping others discover their unique style and enhance their natural beauty.