Niacinamide for Oily Skin and Open Pores: Which Serum?
If you have oily skin and live in Pakistan, you have probably been told to "use niacinamide". It is good advice, but only half of it. Which niacinamide, how strong, and what to expect are where most people go wrong.
What niacinamide does (and what it does not)
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It is one of the best-researched skincare ingredients, and it does several useful things at once:
- Reduces oiliness. Regular use helps regulate sebum, so your T-zone looks less shiny by midday.
- Makes pores look smaller. Less oil and healthier skin around the pore make them less visible. It does not physically "close" pores, and nothing in a bottle can.
- Fades marks. It slows the transfer of pigment to the surface of the skin, which helps post-acne marks and uneven tone.
- Strengthens the barrier. It helps skin make more of its own ceramides, so it copes better with heat, pollution and actives.
Is 10% better than 5%?
Not necessarily. Much of the research on niacinamide uses concentrations between 2% and 5%, and those already show results. Higher percentages can work well for oily skin, but some people find 10% or more causes redness, itching or a "purging"-like rash. That is usually irritation, not purging.
A practical rule: if your skin is sensitive or you are new to actives, start with a lower-strength or blended product. If your skin is oily and tolerant, a 10% serum is fine. If it stings, drop to once a day or switch to something gentler.
How the popular niacinamide serums compare
| Product | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Very oily, acne-prone skin on a budget | High strength plus zinc for oil control. Simple, effective, but can irritate sensitive skin. |
| La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 | Dark spots and marks | A concentrated serum aimed at pigmentation, from a brand known for sensitive-skin formulas. |
| Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide) | Oily but sensitive skin | Niacinamide balanced with soothing propolis. A gentle starting point. |
| Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops | Dull skin that wants glow | A highlighting serum: brightens and adds a dewy finish rather than mattifying. |
| Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15 Serum | Stubborn pigmentation | Combines niacinamide with tranexamic acid (TXA), another well-studied brightening ingredient. |
| Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum | Marks plus dullness | Niacinamide with yuja (citron) extract for a brighter, more even tone. |
How to use niacinamide
- Apply after cleansing (and toner), before moisturiser. Two or three drops cover the whole face.
- Use it once a day for the first two weeks, then twice a day if your skin is happy.
- Always finish the morning routine with sunscreen. Without it, marks keep coming back and niacinamide cannot keep up. See our sunscreen guide.
Can you mix niacinamide with vitamin C?
Yes. The old warning about niacinamide and vitamin C "cancelling each other out" came from studies using conditions very different from modern skincare. Most people use them together without any problem. If you notice flushing, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.
It also layers well with hyaluronic acid (see our hyaluronic acid guide), retinol, and exfoliating acids. If you are using strong exfoliants, keep niacinamide but reduce how often you exfoliate.
How long until it works?
- Oil control: two to four weeks.
- Pores looking smaller: four to eight weeks, as oil levels settle.
- Marks fading: eight to twelve weeks, and only with daily sunscreen.
If you have acne too
Niacinamide helps acne-prone skin by calming redness and controlling oil, but it is not an acne treatment on its own. Pair it with a salicylic acid cleanser or treatment. Our acne-prone skin routine puts the whole thing together.
