Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment for combination skin
Niacinamide
Acetyl Glucosamine
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract
Portulaca Oleracea Extract Purslane ExtractSuperior
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best serums for combination skin.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Excellent suitability for your combination skin and oily shine concerns is provided by the high concentration of niacinamide, which effectively controls oil production and enhances barrier resilience, complemented by ascorbyl glucoside for skin brightening.
- Panthenol and licorice root extract further support your skin by offering humectant benefits and soothing properties, respectively, ensuring a balanced and comfortable feel.
- The product is safe for your skin, containing no harsh ingredients and featuring soothing components that minimize irritation risk.
How to apply
- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
People Say
★4.2Overall rating based on 1.1k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users with oily, combination, and aging skin frequently report significant improvements in skin texture and a visible reduction in the appearance of enlarged pores and "orange-peel" skin. Many praise its ability to smooth and brighten the complexion. A notable minority with sensitive skin experienced irritation, redness, or burning due to the high concentration of niacinamide.
Highlights
Minimizes enlarged pores Often Mentioned
- “pores stay clear and appear smaller”
- “visibly reduce the appearance of my pores”
- “tightened and smoothed my enlarged pores”
- “helps reduce the look of pores”
- “pores are less noticeable”
Smoother skin texture Often Mentioned
- “skin looks clearer and more even”
- “smooths out rough, orange-peel texture”
- “skin is a lot clearer and smoother”
- “skin feels great after using”
- “softens skin”
Brightens skin tone Sometimes Noted
- “skin looks brighter and healthier”
- “freckles looked lighter”
- “fades brown spots”
- “complexion looked brighter”
- “helps with redness and hyperpigmentation”
Lightweight non-sticky texture Sometimes Noted
- “absorbs very well... no tacky or sticky residue”
- “formula feels light and absorbs quickly”
- “sinks in without being tacky”
- “liquid-gel texture”
- “absorbs quickly without feeling sticky”
Causes skin irritation Sometimes Noted
- “burned so bad on application”
- “made my skin feel super dry”
- “irritates skin”
- “caused redness and stinging”
- “skin barrier felt compromised”
Expensive price point Sometimes Noted
- “expensive for on-going use”
- “pricey price”
- “little pricey for sustained use”
- “quite expensive for a small bottle”
- “wish it was cheaper”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “more pimples appears”
- “cystic breakouts”
- “caused tiny bumps”
- “broke me out”
No visible results Rarely Noted
- “didn't see any difference”
- “no noticeable improvement”
- “pores... still looking a bit bigger”
- “just ok... nothing to write home about”
- “not effective”
Sources: lovi.care, paulaschoice.com, sephora.com, reddit.com, projectvanity.com, bellyrubzbeauty.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Paula's Choice 20% Niacinamide Treatment one of the best fits for combination skin?
This treatment is one of the best fits because its high concentration of niacinamide effectively controls oil production and strengthens your skin barrier, while vitamin C brightens the skin. Panthenol and licorice root extract add comforting moisture and soothing care, helping keep your combination skin balanced and calm with a low risk of irritation.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?
A high concentration of niacinamide controls oil and strengthens your skin, while ascorbyl glucoside helps brighten it. Panthenol and licorice root extract also support a balanced, comfortable feel by keeping your skin hydrated and calm.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.
What does Acetyl Glucosamine do for combination skin?
Acetyl Glucosamine helps keep combination skin hydrated and smooth while evening out dark spots and patchiness. It also increases water content and supports skin renewal, making dry areas feel soft and oily zones balanced.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This treatment goes in your evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Putting treatments in the evening keeps your routine simple and adds safety around sun exposure.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
How often should I use this serum?
This treatment is best applied in the evening as part of your routine. It is very safe for your combination skin, using soothing components to help minimize any irritation.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
This treatment is a very good fit for combination skin and is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts, though a small number of reviewers have reported breakouts. The formula uses a high concentration of niacinamide to help control oil production while soothing ingredients help keep your skin calm and balanced.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Treatment with ascorbyl glucoside-arginine complex lotion significantly decreased pigmentation scores and melanin index while increasing lightness in solar lentigos of Japanese females compared to placebo over 24 weeks.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Facial masks containing low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea protect sensitive skin from photothermal stimulation and improve skin barrier function during photorejuvenation.
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2005Topical 2% N-acetyl glucosamine reduced facial hyperpigmentation in an 8-week split-face clinical test, with an even greater effect observed when combined with 4% niacinamide.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007N-acetyl-glucosamine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers successfully delivered the hydrophilic agent through the skin and reduced melanin distribution in healthy volunteers.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2016Topical cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid, N-acetyl glucosamine, and gamma-amino butyric acid improved skin hydration by 24.28% to 33.60%, elasticity by 11.98%, and skin lightening by 5.26% over 2 months in 20 female participants.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2019Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.
Experimental Dermatology, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025Topical purslane at 5% and 10% concentrations achieved alleviation of symptoms and lesion remission comparable to topical 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in 34 subjects with oral lichen planus over 90 days.
BMC Oral Health, 2023Portulaca oleracea extract ameliorated skin barrier damage and inflammation induced by combined exposure to glycolic acid and UVB in HaCaT cells.
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022Topical application of a crude extract of Portulaca oleracea accelerates wound healing by decreasing wound surface area and increasing tensile strength in Mus musculus JVI-1, with the greatest contraction achieved at a single dose of 50mg compared to other dosages.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2003
Ingredients
Water, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract Purslane Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Lecithin, Pullulan, Panthenol, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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