# The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Singapore.

Brand: [The Ordinary](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/the-ordinary)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for oily skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your oily skin due to niacinamide for seboregulation and glycerin for humectant action, offering moderate moisturizing benefits that hydrate the skin.
- While it provides general skincare benefits like hydration, these are mostly supportive and not directly targeted at your oily shine concern.
- The formula is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin): Low (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/dark-spots): Low
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Exposure of epidermal full-thickness skin equivalents to a blend of betaine, pentylene glycol, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhodiola rosea root extract significantly increased antioxidant, skin barrier, and oxidative stress biomarkers while reducing the negative impact of hydrogen peroxide on MMP3, MMP12, FBN2, ANXA1, and HGF, whereas a blend of Narcissus tazetta bulb extract and Schisandra chinensis fruit extract significantly increased 8 growth factors, 7 signaling, 7 structural/barrier function, 7 oxidative stress biomarkers, and specific microRNAs over control levels. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30373163/))
- Topical 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, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical 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, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 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, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin highly praise this emulsion for its ultra-lightweight hydration and ability to fade dark spots without irritation. It is frequently noted for improving skin texture and reducing redness, though some users with drier skin or stubborn hyperpigmentation find it requires layering with a richer moisturizer or takes time to show visible results.

- Liked: Lightweight & fast absorbing (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle & non-irritating (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture & tone (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Small bottle size (often mentioned)
- Liked: Versatile application (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Insufficient hydration (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging design (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slow or minimal results (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
- Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
- Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion a weak match for oily skin?

This product is a weak match for your oily skin because its hydration benefits are mostly general and do not directly target your oily shine. A moisturizing treatment for oily skin needs peptides and hydrating agents with a lightweight texture, no heavy oils, and ingredients that support the skin barrier without causing extra oiliness or breakouts.

### Which ingredients make this treatment a poor fit for oily skin?

This treatment is a weak match for your oily skin because its hydrating benefits are mostly supportive and do not directly target your oily shine concern. To work well for this skin type, a moisturizing treatment needs ingredients like peptides and soothing extracts that manage oil while maintaining a lightweight texture without heavy oils.

### What does Niacinamide do for oily skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily skin by significantly reducing excess oil production and shine. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture without clogging pores.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### What does Glycerin do for oily skin?

Glycerin helps keep oily skin hydrated without feeling heavy and supports the skin barrier. Because this product is a weak fit for your skin, an ideal product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and ingredients that balance oil while protecting the skin.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [International Journal of Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/)

### Where does this treatment go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, though an oily skin needs a product with strong oil-balancing ingredients rather than general hydration.

### Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this moisturizing treatment with retinol by applying the treatment after your retinol has absorbed to help keep your skin soft. This routine is unlikely to cause irritation because the formula has a very safe profile, but an oily skin type also needs ingredients like niacinamide to control shine.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this treatment?

This moisturizing treatment is a weak match for your oily skin, as its hydration benefits are mostly supportive rather than directly targeting oily shine. Oily skin needs a product of this type that features oil-controlling ingredients to manage shine while keeping the skin balanced.

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This product is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as its formula is gentle and free of harsh ingredients. However, because it provides only basic hydration rather than targeting excess shine, oily skin needs a lightweight formula containing ingredients that help control oil.

### Can I use this treatment around the eyes or on my body?

You can safely use this moisturizing treatment on your body and around your eyes, as the formula is gentle and well-tolerated. However, because skin is very thin around the eyes and varies in thickness across body areas, a product for oily skin like this needs lightweight ingredients that hydrate without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [MEDI-PEEL Peptide 9 Volume White Cica All-in-one Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medi-peel/peptide-9-volume-white-cica-all-in-one-essence/for/oily-skin) — High fit — S$41.73 at Amazon
- [LANEIGE Water Bank Moisture Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/laneige/water-bank-moisture-cream/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — S$38.31 at Amazon
- [Medi-Peel Peptide 9 Volume Tox Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medi-peel/peptide-9-volume-tox-cream/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — S$37.42 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.40 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/troiareuke/h-cocktail-purifying-ampoule-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$168.51 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$33.87 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$28.72 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$70.21 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.40 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$36.48 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$63.44 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$33.87 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$70.21 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.40 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$36.48 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$89.14 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/troiareuke/h-cocktail-purifying-ampoule-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$168.51 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — S$63.44 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Singapore has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-5-face-and-body-emulsion/for/oily-skin