5 Best Niacinamide Serums for Oily Skin to Control Shine

If you have oily skin and are exploring niacinamide serums, you’ll find options that balance oil production, minimize pores, and brighten your complexion—though each has its own strengths and limitations. From affordable formulas packed with zinc to more targeted blends with tranexamic acid or hydrating hyaluronic acid, it’s vital to consider how ingredients like niacinamide, BHA, and arbutin work together. Still, selecting the right serum depends on your specific skin concerns and routine, making it worth examining the nuances before making a switch.

Niacinamide 10% + Tranexamic Acid 4% Serum with Arbutin, Hyaluronic Acid, 33ml

If you have oily or dull skin, this serum might be helpful for you. It contains Niacinamide 10% and Tranexamic Acid 4%. These ingredients work together to tackle different skin issues. Niacinamide controls oil, reduces redness, and helps with pores. Tranexamic acid brightens your skin and cuts down dark spots. Arbutin also helps brighten your skin, and Hyaluronic Acid keeps your skin moist without making it greasy. The serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly, so you can add it to your daily routine easily. It may take some time to see big changes, but it is gentle and good for regular use.

Best For: People with oily, dull, or uneven skin who want a simple serum to brighten, clarify, and hydrate.

Pros:

• Combines ingredients to improve dull skin, pores, and brightness in one step.
• Light and watery texture that feels nice on the skin.
• Suitable for all skin types and cruelty-free.

Cons:

• You need to use it for a while to see big results.
• It has a slight pink tint, which may stain clothes.
• If your skin is sensitive, you might feel some irritation—patch testing can help.

Niacinamide 15% Face Serum, 30ml

The Niacinamide 15% Face Serum is a great pick if your skin gets oily or breaks out easily. This serum has 150,100 ppm of Niacinamide, which helps shrink big pores, smooth skin, and make your face look brighter. It also has Tranexamic Acid to lighten dark spots. Zinc PCA helps control oil and keeps breakouts away. The formula is in a clear glass bottle, making it light and quick to absorb. You can use it every day. Just put 2-3 drops after washing your face, then follow with your usual sunscreen for the best results.

Best for: People with oily or acne-prone skin who want to reduce pores, dark spots, and shine. It’s a light and fast serum perfect for daily use.

Pros:

• Shrinks pores and smooths skin
• Brightens skin and fades dark spots
• Controls oil and helps prevent pimples

Cons:

• Test on skin first to avoid irritation
• Needs daily use to see full effects
• High niacinamide levels might cause sensitivity for some

This serum is simple to add into your daily routine. It helps your skin look clearer, smoother, and more even.

Minimalist Niacinamide Serum with Hyaluronic Acid (1 Fl Oz / 30 ml)

The Minimalist Niacinamide Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is good for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps control oil and makes skin look smoother. The serum has 5% Niacinamide, which reduces redness and shrinks pores. It also evens out skin tone so your face looks clearer in a few weeks. The bottle contains 1% Hyaluronic Acid, which gives deep moisture and keeps your skin soft. It doesn’t have any fragrances, silicones, or parabens. It is safe for sensitive skin, but you need to use it regularly to see the best effects.

Best for: People with oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin who want clearer, balanced, and hydrated skin.

Pros:

• Works on skin to reduce blemishes and even skin tone in about two weeks
• Contains gentle 5% Niacinamide for sensitive skin
• Adds moisture with 1% Hyaluronic Acid and soothes with Aloe Vera

Cons:

• Needs consistent daily use for best results
• Doesn’t have added fragrance or scent, which might feel plain
• The 5% Niacinamide may be less effective for very tough skin issues

Avène Hyaluron ACTIV B3 Serum, Hydrating & Firming

Avène Hyaluron ACTIV B3 Serum is a good pick if you want to hydrate and firm your skin. It works well for oily or combo skin and makes your skin look brighter without feeling heavy or greasy. The serum is lightweight. It has Niacinamide, which helps your skin stay elastic and reduces redness. It also has Pure Hyaluronic Acid to give deep hydration and make your skin look plump.

This serum absorbs quickly, so you can layer it under moisturizers or sunscreen easily. Some people might find it a little sticky or not enough for very dry skin. A few users feel it tightens their skin or makes it dry, so they add extra moisturizer.

Overall, it gives good hydration and firmness for everyday skincare.

Best for: People with oily or combination skin who want a light, hydrating, and firming serum to boost their glow without feeling heavy or greasy.

Pros:

• Absorbs fast and doesn’t stick, good under other products
• Makes skin look more radiant, hydrated, and firm with regular use
• Contains Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, which help reduce redness and hydrate deeply

Cons:

• It might feel a little sticky after applying
• Not as strong for very dry skin needing heavier moisture
• Some people feel it makes their skin tight or a little dry and add extra lotion to fix that

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Smoothing Serum

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this serum can become a helpful part of your daily routine. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% helps reduce pimples, controls oil, and makes your skin feel smoother. It has a high amount of niacinamide, which evens out skin tone and shrinks pores. Zinc helps stop breakouts. The gel is light and quickly absorbs into your skin. It doesn’t feel heavy or sticky, even if you wear makeup. Many people see their skin become softer and brighter after about a month.

Some people might feel a little dry or mild irritation at first. But overall, it is a gentle and affordable option. Use it regularly and layer it with your moisturizer for the best results.

Best For: People with oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin who want to reduce pimples, manage oil, and improve skin texture.

Pros:

• Helps clear pimples and reduces oil
• Light, fast-absorbing gel
• Good for sensitive skin because it’s gentle and fragrance-free

Cons:

• Might cause mild dryness or irritation at first
• It can take a few weeks to see clear changes
• Use carefully if you use strong acids like AHAs or BHAs to avoid irritation

Factors to Consider When Choosing Niacinamide Serums for Oily Skin

When choosing a niacinamide serum for oily skin, it’s important to evaluate its oil control capabilities to help reduce shine and prevent breakouts throughout the day. You’ll also want a non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky feel, making it suitable for layered skincare routines. Additionally, check if it can work well with other actives you use and offers pore-minimizing effects while maintaining proper hydration levels, so your skin stays balanced rather than over-drying.

Oil Control Capabilities

Since niacinamide is good at controlling oil, choosing the right serum is important. Look beyond just the amount of niacinamide. Think about how the serum is made and what other ingredients it has. Serums with 10-15% niacinamide usually work best to reduce oil and shrink pores. But their effectiveness depends on how they are formulated.

Adding ingredients like Zinc PCA or Zinc Gluconate can make the oil-control effects stronger. These ingredients help stop the skin from producing too much oil. It’s also important to pick a serum that feels light and not greasy. A lightweight, non-oily serum can keep your skin matte and prevent shine without clogging pores.

Using the right serum regularly helps manage oil and can reduce pimples caused by too much oil. Just make sure to choose a serum that suits your skin type and feels comfortable on your skin.

Non-Greasy Texture

Choosing a niacinamide serum that feels light and non-greasy is important for oily skin. These serums help keep your skin shine-free and comfortable. Look for ones with watery, lightweight textures that soak in quickly and don’t leave a oily film. Serums with less oil and no heavy ingredients like silicones are better. Products labeled as oil-free and non-comedogenic also work well. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera add moisture but won’t make your skin oily. It’s good to pick a serum with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, as these feel lighter on oily skin. Choosing the right non-greasy serum makes your skin feel fresh and reduces shine throughout the day.

Compatibility With Actives

Layering niacinamide with other active ingredients needs some care. Niacinamide has a low pH, which can change how stable and how well it gets absorbed. This is especially true when you pair it with acids or retinoids that need specific pH levels.

If you’re using acids like AHAs or BHAs, it’s best to apply them at different times or in separate routines. This prevents the ingredients from canceling each other out or causing irritation. On the other hand, some ingredients like tranexamic acid, arbutin, and zinc work well with niacinamide. They can be mixed in the same formula without losing effectiveness.

Higher amounts of active ingredients may cause irritation, especially if you have oily or sensitive skin. To get the most benefits and keep your skin safe, layer your products carefully. This way, you enjoy clear, healthy skin without problems.

Pore-Minimizing Effects

Choosing the right niacinamide serum for oily skin is more than just reading the label. You want a serum that can help shrink your pores over time. Niacinamide helps control oil production. When your skin produces less oil, your pores look smaller and smoother. Use the serum every day for about four to eight weeks. Most people notice a difference in their pore size after this time. Niacinamide also helps your skin stay firm and tight. It stops pores from getting clogged with dead skin and oil. For better results, look for serums with other ingredients like zinc or tranexamic acid. These can boost the pore-shrinking effects. Be patient and pick a good formula. With regular use, niacinamide can help you get smaller, more even-looking pores.

Hydration Balance

Since it’s important to stay properly hydrated when you have oily skin and use niacinamide, you should pay attention to what products you pick. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid help lock in moisture. They work well with niacinamide because they keep your skin from getting too dry and oily. When your skin stays hydrated, its barrier gets stronger. This helps reduce irritation and lessens the chance of producing too much oil if your skin feels dry.

But be careful with heavy creams or greasy lotions. They can clog your pores and make oily skin worse. Look for light, non-comedogenic serums. These products add enough moisture without making your face shiny or causing breakouts.

Getting the right moisture balance helps niacinamide do its job better. It helps control oil, makes your skin look clearer, and keeps your skin healthy.

Skin Sensitivity Safety

When choosing niacinamide serums for oily skin, think about how sensitive your skin might be. Some formulas can cause irritation or redness. Pick products that are fragrance-free and labeled hypoallergenic. These help lower the chance of skin reactions. Start with a lower amount of niacinamide, such as 5%. Using less can help prevent your skin from getting too upset.

Introduce new serums slowly. Try applying a small amount first to see how your skin reacts. Do a patch test on a small part of your skin before using it on your face. Ingredients like ceramides, aloe vera, or panthenol can strengthen your skin’s barrier. This can help reduce sensitivity and irritation.

If your skin turns red, burns, or feels itchy after using a serum, stop using it right away. This can prevent more problems and help you decide if the product is right for you.

Absorption Speed

Choosing a niacinamide serum that absorbs quickly can really improve your skincare routine. If you’re busy or don’t like waiting, fast-absorbing formulas are helpful. Light, water-based serums tend to soak into the skin faster than thick creams. They are perfect if you have oily skin and want a quick, light feel.

The pH level of the serum also matters. Products close to your skin’s natural pH of about 5.5 will go in better. This helps the niacinamide work more effectively. When a serum has fewer oily or heavy ingredients, it leaves less residue and feels lighter on your skin. This makes it easier for your skin to breathe and stay healthy.

High absorption speeds up the application and helps the active ingredients reach deep into your skin. This can give you better results. Just remember, very fast-absorbing serums might not leave enough moisture or protect your skin’s barrier. So, it’s good to find a balance that works for you.

Additional Beneficial Ingredients

Adding good ingredients to your niacinamide serum can make it work better for oily skin. But you should pick them carefully. Zinc PCA and Hexylresorcinol work together. They help reduce oil and stop breakouts. But if you use too much, they might dry out your skin.

Antioxidants like Vitamin C or Green Tea Extract help protect your skin. They also make your skin look brighter. Be careful, though. Using too many active ingredients can cause irritation.

Soothing ingredients like Allantoin and Panthenol are great for sensitive skin. They calm irritation and help strengthen your skin barrier.

Ingredients like Salicylic Acid or BHA help clear out pores and stop clogs. But they can dry your skin if you use too much.

Natural brightening ingredients like Licorice Root Extract or Arbutin add a glow to your skin. They work well with niacinamide because they help clarify and brighten. Just remember, you need to use them regularly to see results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Niacinamide Serums Prevent Acne Alongside Controlling Oil?

Your question about niacinamide serums and acne prevention is spot-on. These serums help regulate oil, reduce inflammation, and improve skin barrier health, making them effective for preventing acne while controlling excess shine.

How Long Does It Take to See Results From Niacinamide Serums?

You’ll probably notice some improvements within two to four weeks, but for full results like clearer skin and reduced oil, give it at least 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. Patience is key to seeing changes.

Are There Any Side Effects From Using High-Concentration Niacinamide?

You might experience mild side effects from high-concentration niacinamide, like redness or irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. To minimize risks, start with lower doses and patch test before regular use.

Can Niacinamide Serums Be Used With Other Skincare Products?

You can definitely use niacinamide serums with other skincare products. Just apply them in the right order, typically after cleansing and before moisturizer, and avoid mixing potent actives like vitamin C directly with niacinamide.

What Is the Best Application Routine for Oily Skin?

For oily skin, you should cleanse thoroughly, apply a lightweight toner if needed, then use your niacinamide serum before moisturizing. Always apply sunscreen during the day, and consider incorporating a mattifying primer for extra shine control.

Last update on 2026-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API