Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment for oily acne-prone skin
Niacinamide
Acetyl Glucosamine
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract
Portulaca Oleracea Extract Purslane ExtractHigh
- SuperiorOily Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few serums fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. 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 oily skin as niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine effectively refine texture and reduce blemishes by targeting inflammation and oil production.
- The inclusion of epigallocatechin gallate and ascorbyl glucoside further supports seboregulation and skin evening, complementing your goals for acne and oiliness.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no risk of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components like licorice root extract and allantoin.
How to apply
- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate 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 Niacinamide 20% Treatment a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?
Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment is a great fit because niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine smooth your skin and help control oil and blemishes. It also features soothing ingredients like licorice root extract and allantoin to calm your face without causing irritation, along with epigallocatechin gallate to further help balance oily skin.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?
This serum is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine help smooth texture and reduce blemishes by targeting oil production and inflammation. Epigallocatechin gallate and ascorbyl glucoside also support oil control, while soothing ingredients like licorice root extract and allantoin keep your skin calm with a low risk of irritation.
What does Niacinamide do for oily acne-prone skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
What does Acetyl Glucosamine do for oily acne-prone skin?
Acetyl glucosamine helps fade dark spots and uneven areas while keeping your skin hydrated and smooth. Studies show it is safe for daily use and works especially well when paired with ingredients like niacinamide.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?
This treatment goes in your evening routine, as treatments are placed then for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. It is safe for oily acne-prone skin, with no risk of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this treatment alongside retinol by applying this serum first and following it with your retinol product. This approach helps manage oil and blemishes while keeping your skin calm and comfortable.
How often should I use this serum?
This treatment works best when used in your evening routine. It is unlikely to cause irritation and helps calm your skin while balancing oil.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?
Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment is unlikely to cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin since it helps control oil and calm inflammation. Reviewers rarely report breakouts, and the gentle formula includes soothing ingredients that keep irritation low.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2013Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate significantly improved acne in patients compared to the control side during an 8-week clinical trial.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2013Licochalcone 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, 2015A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020Topical 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, 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 application of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica flavonoid-rich fractions individually and in combination significantly increased the wound healing rate and reduced oxidative stress compared to wound and Nolaver-treated groups.
Molecules, 2023Topical 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, 2023Facial masks containing low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea protect sensitive skin from photothermal stimulation and improve skin barrier function during photorejuvenation.
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025Portulaca oleracea extract ameliorated skin barrier damage and inflammation induced by combined exposure to glycolic acid and UVB in HaCaT cells.
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022
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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