4 Best Niacinamide Serums for Oily Skin
If you’re testing Niacinamide serums for oily skin, compare The Ordinary 10% + Zinc 1% for shine control, but start thin. Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum is fragrance-free and easy to layer. COSRX 6X Peptide Collagen Booster is light and fast-absorbing under sunscreen. Dr. Sheth’s Gulab blends 5% Niacinamide with rose and glycolic acid for mild exfoliation. Weigh pore reach, sensitivity, and how each sits under moisturizer—the next step might surprise you.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
- BOOSTS BRIGHTNESS & SMOOTHNESS: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% visibly improves skin radiance and smooths...
- HYDRATING FORMULA: Lightweight water-based serum that reinforces the skin barrier and provides...
If you have oily, clogged skin and want an easy, affordable solution, try The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum. It helps make pores look smaller and fades blackheads as it reduces oil. The formula also smooths skin and evens out skin tone. The serum feels light and absorbs quickly. It doesn’t leave a greasy film and gives your skin a matte finish. This finish works well under makeup or sunscreen. Use it at night, and sometimes in the morning. Apply a thin layer after cleansing, then follow with your moisturizer. Start slow to avoid irritation, and don’t use too much at first. Some people might see a brief breakout or skin purge. Be gentle and pair the serum with a moisturizer for better results. Keep using it regularly over several weeks to see clearer, smoother skin.
Best for: People with oily, clogged skin who want an affordable way to lessen oil, shrink pores, and improve skin texture.
Pros:
- Controls oil and tightens pores.
- Leaves a matte finish and is fast-absorbing.
- Good under makeup or sunscreen.
- Affordable and lasts a long time.
- Shows visible changes over weeks.
Cons:
- May cause a quick breakout or irritation at first, especially for sensitive skin.
- Needs to be used gradually and with moisturizer to prevent stickiness.
- Results take time; it is not a magic fix. Use regularly to see benefits.
COSRX 6X Peptide Collagen Booster Toner Serum with Copper Peptides, Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid Facial Essence 150mL/5.07 Fl.Oz
- Skin Booster Toner: Skin Boosting Serum with 6 Peptides including Copper Peptides that improve skin...
- First Step of Skincare: This lightweight serum with a toner-like texture absorbs quickly into the...
This COSRX toner-serum is great for people with oily skin. It is light and quick to absorb. It mixes 6 types of peptides, including copper peptides, with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help tighten pores, boost firmness, and keep your skin hydrated. You only need 2-3 pumps after washing your face. Then, layer your moisturizer on top. The formula has no fragrance, so it is gentle and safe for most skin types. Use it as the first step after cleansing.
This product helps make your pores smaller. It makes your skin feel firm and elastic. It leaves a dewy look without feeling sticky. It works well when combined with other COSRX products. Compared to regular serums, this one covers more skin and gives good value because it has a large 150 mL bottle.
Some people might find they need 2-3 pumps each time. That can feel wasteful if you have a small face. Results can vary from person to person, and it may take time to see the full effects of the peptides. This toner-serum is not a replacement for stronger actives. It works best when paired with other treatments in your routine.
Best For: Oily skin that needs a light, multi-purpose product. It hydrates, helps pores look smaller, and fits well into a layered skincare routine with COSRX.
Pros:
- Light and non-sticky finish.
- Hydrates and makes skin look plump and dewy.
- Large bottle that lasts long and costs less per use.
Cons:
- You might need 2-3 pumps each time, which can seem wasteful.
- Results may take time and vary from person to person.
- Not enough alone if you want stronger effects. You may need to add other products.
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum 10
- BRIGHT AND HEALTHY COMPLEXION: Refine tone and improve texture while nourishing your skin! Embrace...
- SOOTHING AND NON-DRYING: Beneficial for acne prone skin and clogged pores. This serum is non-drying...
If you have oily or combination skin and want a simple, affordable niacinamide serum, Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum 10 is a good choice. It has 10% niacinamide, which helps with skin tone and pore size. It doesn’t have any added scent, so it’s gentle for sensitive skin.
You only need to use a few drops in the morning and at night. It absorbs quickly and works well under your moisturizer. The serum has a pH of 7.1, which helps keep your skin balanced. It is vegan and not tested on animals.
This serum feels light and hydrating. It adds moisture without making your skin greasy. It works well with hyaluronic acid and helps reduce moisture loss from weak skin barriers. It’s good for all skin types but works especially well for oily and combo skin. After a few weeks, it can help improve skin tone, smooth your skin’s surface, and make pores look smaller. It can give your skin a clear, glass-like glow.
Best For: People with oily or combo skin who want a simple, cheap, fragrance-free niacinamide serum that layers easily under moisturizers.
Pros:
- Affordable and reliable with 10% niacinamide
- No scent, so gentle for sensitive skin
- Light and quick to absorb
- Works well with moisturizers and other serums
Cons:
- You might need to use it for weeks to see big results
- Rarely, some skin may get irritated; a patch test is a good idea
- Not as dramatic as more expensive or stronger products
If you want a simple and easy niacinamide serum that fits your budget, this one can be a good choice for clear, balanced skin.
Dr. Sheths Gulab & 6% Glycolic Acid & 5% Niacinamide Face Serum
- Dr. Sheth's Gulab 6% Glycolic Acid 5% Niacinamide Face Serum Improves Skin Texture Uneven Skin...
- SKIN SERUM
This serum has 6% glycolic acid and 5% niacinamide. It is good for oily or combo skin that has rough texture or uneven tone. You can use it daily. It helps make skin smoother and brighter over time. But if your skin is sensitive or needs to heal, you might get mild irritation.
The formula combines 6% glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates, with 5% niacinamide to strengthen your skin barrier. It also has rose extract for a calming touch. Results show up slowly, not right away.
Oily or combo skin might like how the packaging keeps the product fresh. Just make sure to close it tightly and avoid using it on broken skin or right after scrubbing. How much your pores improve can vary from person to person.
Best For: People with oily or combination skin who want to smooth their skin and even out tone. It’s good for daily use to help exfoliate gently and support healthy skin.
Pros:
- Helps improve skin texture and color with regular use
- Reduces the look of big pores and dullness
- Light and easy to wear on oily or combo skin
Cons:
- Might cause mild irritation if skin is damaged or very sensitive
- Packaging needs to be closed tight to stay clean
- Improvements take time, you won’t see quick changes
This serum fits well into a simple skincare routine. Use it once a day and be patient. With consistent use, your skin can look smoother and brighter.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Niacinamide Serums for Oily Skin
When you’re choosing a niacinamide serum for oily skin, start with concentration levels—5% is a safe default, while 10% may boost oil control but can irritate sensitive or reactive skin. Also check pH compatibility and the formula type; serums with a pH around 5–6 tend to work better with sunscreen and other actives, and non-drying finishes can help you avoid the chalky feel that makes you skip your routine. Compare oil-control claims, look for non-greasy textures, and note layering compatibility with humectants or acids; test how it feels when you apply moisturizer on top and how it behaves under makeup, so you can balance efficacy with comfort.
Niacinamide Concentration Levels
Could 5% be the best amount for oily skin? Or is 10% really worth the extra risk? Usually, people use between 5% and 10% because it gives good results without causing too much irritation. If your skin is sensitive or easily upset, sticking closer to 5% is safer.
A 10% concentration is stronger. It can cause a burning feeling if used straight or if you don’t start slowly. It’s best to begin with a lower amount, like 5%, and see how your skin reacts. Do a patch test first to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction.
For oily skin, using niacinamide in this range can help reduce oil, clean up pores, and make your skin feel smoother after a few weeks. But concentration isn’t the only thing that matters. The product’s ingredients, pH level, and how you layer it with moisturizers or other skincare can also affect how it works.
Start with around 5%. Watch how your skin responds. If there’s no irritation, you can try a little more carefully. Always check for redness or stinging, and stop if you see any bad reactions. Adjust the amount based on how your skin feels.
Ph Compatibility Matters
When picking a niacinamide serum for oily skin, pH level is just as important as the ingredients or concentration. The reason is that how the serum works on your skin depends on its pH balance. pH affects how well niacinamide gets into your skin and how it interacts with oil.
For example, the Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum has a pH of 7.1, which is neutral. This makes it easy to layer with moisturizers because it doesn’t cause dryness or stickiness. For oily skin, a slightly acidic or neutral pH helps control oil without making your skin dry or greasy.
Also, if you use other products like acids or retinoids, check if their pH levels match. If not, the products might not stay stable or could cause discomfort, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
If a serum doesn’t show its pH on the label, it’s harder to trust how it will work with other products. It’s best to choose serums that tell you their pH. This helps you know if it will layer well and work properly on your skin.
Oil-Control Potential
Niacinamide helps control shine by balancing oil on your skin. It lowers the amount of surface oil, which gives your face a matte look. When you combine niacinamide with about 1% zinc, it can make your pores look smaller and reduce shine even more. Using higher amounts of niacinamide, like 10%, can be better at controlling oil, but it might irritate sensitive skin. To avoid that, use a small amount and do a patch test first.
Layering your products correctly helps too. Put a thin layer of niacinamide on your skin first. Then, apply your moisturizer. This method helps prevent stickiness while still controlling oil. If you have oily skin, you may see less oil and smoother skin after several weeks of regular use. Results can vary from person to person, so keep using the products consistently.
It takes time to find the right combination. Practice balancing actives like niacinamide with hydration. This helps prevent your skin from drying out too much. Patience is key. By trying different products and giving them time, you can find what works best for you.
Non-Drying Finish
A non-drying finish on oily skin works by using hydrating ingredients and light textures. These formulas give you niacinamide without making your skin feel heavy or oily. They help keep your skin matte or breathable so you can put on sunscreen or makeup over them easily. Some non-drying serums avoid a sticky or heavy feel after you put them on. Even for oily skin, these products can hydrate your skin and help protect your skin barrier. Over time, they can also reduce extra oil. It’s a good idea to do a patch test first, especially if your skin is sensitive or damaged. Look for ingredients that work well with niacinamide, like humectants or lightweight barriers. Also, check if the formula feels non-sticky on your skin. When you use a non-drying product, apply it after cleaning your face. Wait a little for it to soak in, then add your sunscreen or makeup.
Layering Compatibility
Is using niacinamide serum with other skin products easy, or does it need special care? After you wash your face, put on niacinamide before your moisturizer. This helps it soak in better and keeps other products from getting in the way. Pick a serum that absorbs fast and feels light so your makeup and sunscreen fit nicely on your skin. If you use strong stuff like retinol or acids, you can mix niacinamide with your moisturizer or use it at different times. This helps prevent skin irritation. Choose formulas that are fragrance-free and have a stable pH. These are less likely to cause problems on oily or sensitive skin. Start with a small amount of niacinamide. Wait a bit before adding more. This helps each layer soak in and keeps your skin from feeling sticky or looking clumpy. If you’re not sure how your skin will react, test a small patch first. Watch how your skin looks and feels. Change the order or timing of your products if they don’t work well together. Doing this helps your skin stay healthy and looks smooth.
Fragrance-Free Formula
A really important thing to look for is a fragrance-free formula. Products without added scents are less likely to cause irritation, especially for oily skin that is sensitive or reacts easily. Fragrance-free options also work well with layering your skincare. Since there is no scent, your other products won’t clash or cause problems. Many fragrance-free formulas use simple ingredients. This can help keep oily skin clear and prevent clogged pores or irritation. For those with sensitive or acne-prone oily skin, fragrance-free serums are usually easier to use every day without causing breakouts or redness. Plus, these products often have a clinical, quick-absorbing feel that leaves a matte or non-greasy finish. This helps your makeup and sunscreen stay put. Look for options with simple active ingredients and few fillers. Check how fast they absorb and how the finish works with the rest of your skincare routine.
Packaging Stability
Packaging stability is not flashy, but it is very important. It keeps your niacinamide serum safe and effective. Use opaque or amber glass bottles with UV protection. This blocks light that can break down the ingredients. Choose airtight containers, like pumps or droppers. They stop air from getting in and help keep the serum fresh. Follow the storage instructions and check the expiry date. Heat and light can make the serum lose its power faster. Make sure the cap seals tightly to prevent air from getting in and causing oxidation. Keep the bottle at room temperature. Avoid packaging that lets dust or debris in, like open droppers. This helps keep your serum clean and stable. If you notice any changes in smell, texture, or color, it may be time to get new packaging or a new serum.
Price and Value
When choosing niacinamide serums for oily skin, price isn’t the only thing to think about. Cheap options can still give you good results and last for months if you use them daily. Serums with higher niacinamide amounts, like 10%, cost more at first but may last longer if they work slowly over time. This can make them a better deal in the long run. Packaging tools like droppers or pumps help you use just the right amount and don’t waste product. Fragrance-free and simple serums are usually cheaper and are better for sensitive or oily skin types. They are less likely to cause irritation, saving you money on extra skincare products.
It’s important that the serum works well with your other skincare items, like moisturizers and sunscreens. When they layer nicely, you don’t waste product or see less good results. To find the best value, compare ingredient lists. Look out for added fragrances, and test how well the serum works with your daily sunscreen. This way, you get a serum that’s a good buy and helps keep your skin happy.
Last update on 2026-01-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API