The Ordinary
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A high-strength vitamin B3 serum with zinc, often chosen when shine and the look of pores are the main questions.
Explore ProductSkin Concern · 6 min
Oily Skin: Hydrate, Don’t Strip
Stripping oil prompts the skin to produce more of it. The counterintuitive fix for oiliness is often more hydration.
Editorial overview · written by the LumiRise editors · not medical advice · Reviewed & refreshed October 2026
Key takeaways
- Stripping oil can increase oil production as the barrier overcompensates.
- Lightweight, water-based hydration suits oily skin better than heavy creams.
- Niacinamide and salicylic acid are the two most relevant actives.
The instinct with oily skin is to remove oil — harsh cleansers, astringents, and skipping moisturiser entirely. That instinct usually backfires. When the barrier is stripped, skin often produces more oil to compensate, creating the shine you were trying to remove.
Hydrate first
Oily skin can still be dehydrated (lacking water). A lightweight, water-based hydrator — a gel serum or a light hyaluronic acid — gives skin the water it needs without adding oil. Skipping moisturiser is a common cause of rebound oiliness.
The two relevant actives
Niacinamide is widely discussed for moderating the appearance of excess oil over time, and salicylic acid (a BHA) travels into the pore to address congestion. Used sparingly — niacinamide nightly, salicylic acid twice weekly — they cover most oily-skin concerns without the irritation of aggressive stripping.
Don’t fear moisturiser
A light gel-cream moisturiser is appropriate for oily skin. The goal is not to remove all oil — skin needs some — but to keep the barrier balanced so it stops overproducing.
Sources & further reading
Skincare can involve health-related decisions. These are the reputable sources we drew on. We do not diagnose or promise treatment outcomes.
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Related products
Now that the how and why are clear, these are the products we would actually reach for. Some links are affiliate links.
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
A leave-on BHA solution formulated for acne-prone skin, best approached slowly and not every night by default.
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