If you're constantly battling oily skin and enlarged pores, Niacinamide might be the skincare ingredient you didn’t know you needed. Also known as vitamin B3, Niacinamide has quietly earned a reputation for balancing oil production, refining skin texture, and strengthening the skin barrier.

Let’s break down how it works, why it’s so effective, and how to make it a staple in your skincare routine.

What Exactly Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, sometimes listed as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. What sets it apart is its ability to soothe, strengthen, and regulate the skin without being harsh or drying. It’s one of the rare ingredients that can benefit nearly every skin type, including sensitive, acne-prone, or combination skin.

Learn everything you need to know about Niacinamide in detail.

Why Is Niacinamide Showing Up Everywhere?

It comes down to versatility. Niacinamide does more than just help with oily skin or visible pores — it also fades discoloration, reduces redness, and supports the skin’s protective barrier. You can use it with most other skincare ingredients, and it’s rarely irritating, which makes it easy to layer into just about any routine.

How Niacinamide Targets Large Pores

First, Why Do Pores Look Enlarged?

Pores appear more noticeable when they are clogged with oil, dead skin, or other buildup. Loss of skin elasticity —whether from sun exposure or aging — can also make them stretch and appear larger, especially around the nose and forehead.

How Niacinamide Works on Pores

Niacinamide addresses the underlying issue by moving beyond temporary fixes to target the root causes of pore enlargement. By regulating oil production and soothing inflammation, it creates an environment where pores can return to their natural size.
"Hakozaki et al. (2002) – niacinamide & pore size Br J Dermatol"

Here is the specific breakdown of how Niacinamide minimizes the appearance of pores:
 

• Regulates Oil Production: It controls excess sebum (oil) output, which prevents pores from becoming stretched and clogged in the first place.
   
• Improves Elasticity: By stimulating natural collagen production, it firms the skin structure around the pore. When the skin is tighter and more elastic, pores naturally look smaller.
   
• Strengthens Skin Barrier: Niacinamide boosts the production of ceramides. A stronger barrier maintains better skin health and hydration, which naturally reduces compensatory oiliness.
   
• Clears Congestion: It helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and debris—a common cause of the "stretched out" look associated with congested pores.
   
• Reduces Inflammation: By soothing redness and acne-related inflammation around the pores, it improves overall skin texture, making pores look less prominent to the naked eye.
   

Read Open Pores detailed guide here

How It Helps Control Excess Oil

1. What’s the Link Between Oil and Pores?

Too much oil on the skin doesn’t just cause shine — it mixes with dead skin and clogs pores, making them expand. This is especially common in people with overactive sebaceous (oil) glands.

2. Niacinamide Keeps Oil in Check

One of Niacinamide’s biggest benefits is its ability to regulate oil without drying out your skin. Instead of stripping away moisture, it subtly tells your oil glands to chill out. The result? Balanced skin that feels hydrated—not greasy.

3. Long-Term Impact on Skin Balance

When oil levels stay more consistent, your skin looks more even and feels smoother. You're likely to see fewer blemishes, reduced shine throughout the day, and a noticeable enhancement in your skin's tone and texture. It’s not an overnight fix, but with regular use, the difference becomes obvious.

How to Use Niacinamide for Best Results

When to Apply It
 

Apply Niacinamide Serum after cleansing and toning, whether in the morning, at night, or both. For best results, use it before applying heavier moisturizers or oils. Choose a serum with a 5% to 12% concentration to get effective benefits without causing irritation.

Pro tip: Apply it to slightly damp skin, then follow with a moisturizer. And don’t skip sunscreen spf 50 in the morning — Niacinamide strengthens your barrier, but SPF protects it.

Read our detailed guide on how to use Niacinamide Serum 

Watch for These Common Mistakes of Niacinamide

Although Niacinamide is well-tolerated, it can cause mild irritation if used alongside too many active ingredients all at once.

To avoid Niacinamide Mistake:
 

1. Start with once a day, then gradually increase to twice daily

2. Don’t layer it immediately with high-strength exfoliating acids (like AHAs or BHAs)

3. Patch test any new formula before going all in

Read our detailed guide on common niacinamide mistakes and how to avoid them.

How It Compares to Other Skincare Actives

Niacinamide offers a more gentle approach than ingredients like Salicylic Acid or Retinoids. While BHA (Salicylic Acid) cleans out pores from the inside and Retinol speeds up cell turnover, Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and balances oil from the source. It’s ideal for daily use and works well as a base layer if you're using stronger actives less frequently.

Final Takeaway

Niacinamide isn’t just a buzzy ingredient — it’s a clinically backed, skin-friendly option for managing oily skin and large pores. When used consistently, it helps even out tone, smooth texture, and cut back on excess oil without harsh side effects.

If you're looking for a long-term solution that won’t overwhelm your skin, niacinamide is a smart and reliable pick.

The rainy season promises unpredictable weather, soaring humidity levels and for oily skin, an extra dose of chaos. Here’s the truth: makeup doesn’t sit well on oily skin during this season. Wonder why? Because the excess humidity in air triggers unregulated sebum production, leaving your face greasy, your T-zone shinier and your foundation sliding off. 

To make matters worse, the said dampness can break down your makeup within minutes, turning your look into a blotchy mess. But don’t worry, with skincare for oily skin and the proper makeup products, you can keep your look fresh, matte & long-lasting all day.

Read ahead for the best tips, tricks and product picks to enjoy the monsoon stress and shine-free.

Why Monsoon Weather Is Challenging for Oily Skin

Monsoon air is heavy with moisture, which triggers your skin to produce more sebum, causing unwarranted shine. When this excess sebum mixes with sweat and dirt, clogging pores, the result is random breakouts. That’s why understanding the right makeup products and skincare routine for oily skin becomes crucial during the rains. On top of that, makeup has a harder time staying on oily or sweaty skin.

The solution? Prep your skin properly & make smarter makeup choices like breathable bases, non-comedogenic products suited for monsoon conditions.

Makeup Steps for Oily Skin

1. Cleanse & Cleanse Again

Start your routine with a double cleanse, especially if you’ve just stepped in from the rain. The process means using two steps to clean your skin: first, micellar water to break down makeup, sunscreen & dirt; second, a gentle facewash to clear out deeper impurities. It’s a must. Turn to our 2-in-1 Foxtale’s Hydrating Facewash that combines both. This gentle, non-stripping cleanser removes makeup and nourishes your skin perfectly for rainy days.

2. Don’t Skip the Moisturiser

Skipping moisturiser is the biggest red-flag for people with oily skin. The truth is, hydrated skin means balanced oil production, as it helps regulate sebum and prevent future breakouts. Our top recommendation is Foxtale’s Moisturizer for Oily Skin, formulated with the hero ingredient, Niacinamide, mattifies shine and prevents clogged pores. Cica Extract helps calm irritation & slow-release Azelaic Acid pearls in the formula gently exfoliate and promote cell renewal. It provides all-day hydration with 8+ hours of oil control while keeping your skin grease-free.

3. Use a Mattifying Primer

A primer benefits oily skin by blurring our pores, controlling oil and creating a smoother base. For a healthy and protective skin barrier, opt for a mattifying primer. This would help your makeup to stay intact and your foundation in place when humidity hits. It also ensures makeup longevity, helping even in the monsoon.

4. Stick to Minimal, Lightweight Makeup

Monsoon isn’t the time for heavy contouring, as thick formulas tend to cake or melt with sweat and humidity. Avoid excessive layering and opt for breathable, lightweight products that are water-resistant. BB creams or powder foundations work well in the rain, giving you a soft, matte look.

5. Waterproof Your Eye Makeup

Eyes are the first to show signs of smudging in the rain. Humidity and water droplets are your worst enemies, but waterproof products lock everything in place. Always invest in waterproof eye products like mascara, eyeliner and kajal. Cream eyeshadows may crease, powder ones are a better choice in this weather.

6. Lock It All In With a Setting Spray

Use an oil-control powder to lock everything in, especially around oily zones like the T-zone and nose. It is typically used to absorb excess oil, minimize the appearance of pores and to prevent the creasing of makeup. To wrap up your routine, cover up with a setting spray to seal your look and keep it intact through humidity and rain. It acts like a topcoat, making your makeup truly monsoon-proof when you’re out and about.

Quick Monsoon Makeup Tips from Experts

• Use minimal layers & fewer products during this season,as humidity can cause products to melt and slide off.

• Keep blotting papers handy to absorb excess oil from your face without disturbing your makeup.
  

• Avoid creamy/ sticky formulas as they might combine with sweat and cause pore blockage, leading to acne.

• Glossy Lipsticks can fade off. Instead, opt for a matte-finish lipstick that lasts long without smudging.

Conclusion 

Monsoon might be unpredictable, but your makeup can be completely top-notch. All it takes is to be a little mindful about your skin prep, product choices and the right skincare routine to enjoy rainy days without worrying about smudges or shine. Don’t let a little oil come between you and your monsoon mood. Stay glowing always!

FAQs About Monsoon Makeup for Oily Skin

Why does my face get oily when it rains?

The high humidity causes your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum causing excess oil production than usual. It can also make your skin appear greasier & oilier than normal.

What is Cica? 

Cica (Centella Asiatica) is a powerful ingredient known for its healing, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, suitable for all skin types.

Which moisturizer is best for oily skin?

A non-comedogenic moisturizer like Foxtale’s Oil Balancing Moisturizer keeps skin hydrated & supple without feeling greasy. It is powered by Niacinamide, known for regulating oil production and minimizing pores, Cica Extract which soothes, calms irritated skin & Azelaic Acid that gradually releases pearls to promote cell renewal for a pearlescent glow.

Which face wash is best for dry skin?

A hydrating yet effective cleanser like Foxtale’s Daily Duet Cleanser is the most effective for dry skin, as it removes dirt & makeup without stripping the skin’s natural barrier.