5 Best Niacinamide Serums for Enlarged Pores (Recommended For 2026)

Open pores are one of the most common skin problems of Indians, especially for oily and combination skin types battling humidity, sun exposure and years of excess sebum. If you’ve been shopping for a serum for open pores that really works, one ingredient is always recommended, and that is niacinamide. 

Consistent use of niacinamide face serum over weeks helps to reduce the appearance of pores by regulating sebum production and strengthening the skin barrier, making pores look visibly smaller and less congested. It’s not an instant fix like a pore-blurring primer, but it’s one of the few actives with real clinical backing for this particular concern. If you have oily, enlarged pores, you can also use a brightening serum to help with any dullness or uneven tone.

Niacinamide Serums for Enlarged Pores

Here are the 5 serums for enlarged pores - 

1. Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Face Serum + Azelaic Acid

The 12% Niacinamide Serum from Foxtale utilises Double Encapsulation Technology to gradually deliver Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid to the skin, ensuring minimal irritation even at a high concentration. Niacinamide controls oil secretion and reduces the appearance of pores, and Azelaic Acid soothes active breakouts and reduces redness, so it’s a strong pick for anyone dealing with open pores on the face along with occasional acne.

In a clinical study, 94% of users reported less oiliness after 8 weeks of use. It’s also fragrance allergen-free and non-comedogenic, so it’s gentle enough for daily use, even if you’re new to serums.

Best for: Oily skin, acne-prone skin, open pores, and oily skin. 

2. Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Serum with Zinc

The Minimalist's Niacinamide Serum combines 10% Niacinamide with Zinc and Matmarine, a biotechnological marine extract that is specially formulated to control sebum and reduce the appearance of pores. It has a transparent formulation and shows consistent results reported by users with visibly large pores.

Best for: Affordable, dermatologist-tested choice for oily, blemish-prone skin. 

3. The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with Zinc PCA

The Derma Co’s formula combines 10% Niacinamide + Zinc PCA to help treat enlarged pores and post-acne marks in one step. Zinc PCA helps regulate sebum and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good choice if your enlarged pores come with lingering marks from acne rather than just active breakouts.

Best for: Combination to oily skin that has open pores and post-acne pigmentation. 

4. The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a very well-known serum that made this combination of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10%. Zinc 1% famous all over the world. The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is still one of the most well-known options for a pore serum that you can buy in India from Nykaa and other stores. This serum is simple and is made with water; it does not have any other ingredients in it. This makes The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% a good choice if you want to see how The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and zinc work on your skin without anything else getting in the way.

5. Dr Sheth’s 10% Niacinamide Ampoule Serum with Centella Asiatica

Dr Sheth’s ampoule serum is designed by a family of dermatologists for Indian skin. It combines 10% Niacinamide with Centella Asiatica to soothe redness and strengthen a compromised skin barrier while still providing potent oil control. This is a good option if your open pores are coupled with sensitivity or a damaged barrier from over-exfoliation or harsh products.

Best for: Oily, sensitive skin that needs to control pores without extra irritation. 

What is the best serum for pores?

The answer is not that simple because it depends on why your pores look big in the first place.

Here are a few things to think about:

●      If you have too much oil and acne, you should look for a serum that has niacinamide and azelaic acid or zinc. Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum offers this combination of ingredients. These ingredients help control the oil in your skin and calm down acne.

●      If you have acne scars and open pores,s a serum with niacinamide and zinc PCA is a choice. The Derma Co has a serum that combines these ingredients to help with both problems.

●      If your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, ed you should look for a serum that has niacinamide and Centella Asiatica, or cica. These ingredients are gentle on the skin. Still help to make your pores look smaller.

Using Niacinamide Serum for Good Results

Some simple things can make a difference in how well a Niacinamide face serum works on open pores.

●      You should put Niacinamide Serum on your face after you wash it and before you put on moisturiser. Just put 2 to 3 drops on your face when it is a little damp so it can soak in properly.

●      Start using Niacinamide Serum a little at a time. If you are new to using Niacinamide Serum, use it once a day at first;t then you can use it twice a day, ay especially if you are using a Niacinamide Serum that's 10% or 12%.

●      You have to wait and see the results because it takes time for the oil in your skin to get under control; it does not happen overnight.

●      Always use sunscreen when you use Niacinamide Serum. Sun damage can make your pores look bigger over time, so you need to use a sunscreen that protects you from all kinds of sun rays when you use any kind of Niacinamide Serum.

Conclusion 

Open pores get better with use, not strong products. If you start using Foxtales 12% Niacinamide Serum or other serums that dermatologists suggest,t you will see results in a week, not right away. You can use a brightening serum along with your niacinamide face serum if your skin looks dull or has tone. Also use sunscreen every day. Give your skin at least 6 to 8 weeks before you see if it's working. Clear and smaller pores are more about using skincare that dermatologists know works, not about finding a magic product. Niacinamide serum and consistent skincare are key. The basics of skincare are what really help.