Niacinamide 5% + Zinc PCA Intensive Pore Tightening & Lightening Serum

1. Start with a clean slate
Cleanse your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat dry until the skin is just slightly damp—this helps the serum spread evenly and absorb better.

2. Morning routine (AM)
- Step 1 Apply 2–3 drops of the serum to fingertips.

- Step 2 Dot across the forehead, cheeks, and chin, then gently glide outward.

- Step 3 Wait about 60 seconds to let it fully absorb.

- Step 4 Follow with a lightweight moisturiser.

- Step 5 Always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect against UV-triggered pigmentation.

3. Evening routine (PM)

- Cleanse as usual.

- Apply Niacinamide + Zinc serum directly to clean skin.

- Follow with a barrier-repairing moisturiser or night cream.

- On retinol nights, apply retinol first → wait 2–3 minutes → then layer this serum to buffer sensitivity and reduce dryness.

4. How to layer with other actives
AHA/BHA (e.g. Glycolic or Salicylic Acid)
Use your acid cleanser or exfoliant first. This clears buildup so the serum can absorb effectively.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Apply vitamin C first, then this serum. Both brighten and refine texture without conflict.

Retinol
At night, apply retinol first, wait 2–3 minutes, then layer this serum. Niacinamide soothes, hydrates, and supports barrier repair.

High-Strength Benzoyl Peroxide
Use on alternate nights (not layered). This prevents compounded dryness or irritation.

5. Pro tips

Store in a cool, dry place to preserve potency—heat can reduce niacinamide’s effectiveness.

If your skin has oily zones, like the T-zone, apply an extra drop in just that area.

Feeling sensitive after exfoliation? Apply this serum post-mask to calm the skin and reduce redness.

Why these steps matter:
5 % niacinamide and 0.5 % zinc PCA work best when layered properly—this allows both oil-balancing and barrier-repair benefits to take full effect while keeping your skin calm, clear, and hydrated throughout the day.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – 5%
A well-tolerated multi-tasking ingredient that visibly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, improves uneven skin tone, and helps fade post-blemish marks. At 5%, it delivers brightening and barrier-supporting benefits while remaining gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive or blemish-prone skin.

Zinc PCA
A mineral salt that helps balance oil production and supports skin clarity. Zinc PCA also has mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for calming active breakouts and regulating sebum without over-drying.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Hydrates and soothes the skin while helping to reinforce the barrier. Especially useful in formulas targeting blemishes, panthenol reduces the risk of dryness or irritation during treatment.

Glycerin + Propanediol
Skin-friendly humectants that draw moisture into the skin while improving absorption of active ingredients. They ensure the formula feels lightweight and non-sticky, with a fresh finish.

pH-balanced base (~5.0–5.5)
Formulated to maintain skin’s natural acidity and barrier function. Compatible with daily routines and easily layered with exfoliants, vitamin C, or retinol.

Free from: Fragrance, Essential oils, Silicones, Drying alcohols

What you get is a daily serum that targets visible pores, uneven tone, and surface oil with precision — making it a go-to for combination, oily, or acne-prone skin seeking clarity and balance without harshness.

Oily & Combination Skin
Clinically shown to reduce surface oil by ~23%, this serum keeps skin matte and balanced—without over-drying or irritation.

Enlarged or “Orange-Peel” Pores
Regulates oil flow and strengthens pore walls, helping visibly refine and tighten the appearance of stretched pores over time.

Post-Blemish Marks (PIH)
Slows pigment transfer to gently fade red or brown post-acne spots—without harsh bleaching agents or exfoliants.

Redness & Active Breakouts
Targets inflammation and acne-causing bacteria for visibly clearer, calmer skin that feels less reactive.

Sensitive, Blemish-Prone Skin
Lightweight, water-based formula at a skin-friendly pH—non-stripping, non-comedogenic, and gentle on disrupted barriers.

Oil Control Under Makeup
Creates a smooth, shine-free base that grips makeup throughout the day—no mid-morning sliding or patchiness.

Why it outperforms look-alikes:
⚬ Clinically aligned 5% niacinamide (not 2 % that under-performs, nor 10 % that can irritate).
⚬ 0.5% zinc PCA—a sebum-balancer most brands skip because it costs more than plain zinc.
⚬ Skin-friendly pH ≈ 5.5 preserves natural flora; water-gel texture means zero clogging fillers.

The result: one small bottle that checks off oil control, pore refinement, and tone balance—without the trial-and-error cost of juggling three separate serums.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – 5%
A well-tolerated multi-tasking ingredient that visibly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, improves uneven skin tone, and helps fade post-blemish marks. At 5%, it delivers brightening and barrier-supporting benefits while remaining gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive or blemish-prone skin.

Zinc PCA
A mineral salt that helps balance oil production and supports skin clarity. Zinc PCA also has mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for calming active breakouts and regulating sebum without over-drying.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Hydrates and soothes the skin while helping to reinforce the barrier. Especially useful in formulas targeting blemishes, panthenol reduces the risk of dryness or irritation during treatment.

Glycerin + Propanediol
Skin-friendly humectants that draw moisture into the skin while improving absorption of active ingredients. They ensure the formula feels lightweight and non-sticky, with a fresh finish.

pH-balanced base (~5.0–5.5)
Formulated to maintain skin’s natural acidity and barrier function. Compatible with daily routines and easily layered with exfoliants, vitamin C, or retinol.

Free from: Fragrance, Essential oils, Silicones, Drying alcohols

What you get is a daily serum that targets visible pores, uneven tone, and surface oil with precision — making it a go-to for combination, oily, or acne-prone skin seeking clarity and balance without harshness.

AQUA, NIACINAMIDE, GLYCERIN, PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, ZINC PCA, XANTHAN GUM, CARAMEL, POLYSORBATE 20, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SALIX PURPUREA BARK EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, TRIETHANOLAMINE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM PCA, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, ERYTHRITOL, LACTIC ACID, CARRAGEENAN, PHELLODENDRON AMURENSE BARK EXTRACT, SODIUM ACETYLATED HYALURONATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER, HYDROLYZED SODIUM HYALURONATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN