SuperSolutions Excess Oil Solution 20% Niacinamide Serum
SuperSolutions Excess Oil Solution 20% Niacinamide Serum
Product Description
The INKEY List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum (Excess Oil Solution) is a lightweight, non-sticky gel serum developed with dermatologists to balance excess oil, refine the look of enlarged pores and smooth uneven texture. Containing the brand's highest level of niacinamide alongside Zinc PCA and 3% squalane, it is clinically shown to instantly cut excess oil by up to 60% and keep shine under control for up to 8 hours.
โจ Texture & Feel
Instant Oil Control
Clinically shown to reduce excess oil by up to 60% on application and keep shine in check for up to 8 hours.
Refines Pores
The brand's highest 20% niacinamide level helps visibly tighten the look of enlarged pores over time.
Supports the Barrier
3% squalane helps protect and condition the skin barrier so high-strength niacinamide stays comfortable.
Smooths Texture
Zinc PCA targets bumps and sebum-related texture, leaving skin feeling smoother and looking more even.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Generally considered safe โ no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. Confirm with your doctor.
Not considered safe โ contains Polysorbate 60 and Sorbitan Isostearate, which can feed malassezia yeast.
The brand does not recommend layering this serum at the same time as Vitamin C. Use them at separate times.
Niacinamide pairs well with retinoids and exfoliating acids and can help buffer their irritation potential.
Fragrance-free formula, but 20% niacinamide is a high concentration โ patch test first if your skin is reactive.
No added fragrance, essential oils, parabens, silicones, sulfates or mineral oil.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
โญ Niacinamide 20% Proven
The hero ingredient and the brand's highest concentration. This form of vitamin B3 helps regulate sebum, refine the appearance of pores, strengthen the skin barrier and even out tone.
- Brand clinical study: Instantly reduced excess oil by up to 60% and controlled oil for up to 8 hours in a 20-person trial.
- Mechanism: Converts to NAD in skin cells, supporting barrier repair and healthy cell turnover.
๐ชจ Zinc PCA 0.5% Proven
A zinc salt that helps regulate sebum production and calm the look of redness, working alongside niacinamide to target sebum-related bumps and texture.
- Function: Especially useful for oily, breakout-prone skin thanks to its sebum-balancing properties.
๐ซง Squalane 3% Proven
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that mimics skin's own lipids. It cushions the high-strength niacinamide and helps keep the barrier comfortable without adding heaviness.
- Research: Shown to be non-irritating even at 100% concentration and suitable for sensitive skin.
๐ฆ Glycerin Proven
A proven humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping offset any potential drying effect from oil-controlling actives and keeping the formula comfortable.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
๐งช Butylene Glycol Promising
A lightweight humectant and solvent that improves slip and helps active ingredients spread evenly across the skin, contributing to the serum's fast-absorbing feel.
- Function: Well-tolerated by most skin types and helps deliver the formula's water-soluble actives.
15 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Zinc PCA, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use AM and/or PM after cleansing and before moisturizer. Layer with other serums in any order โ but keep Vitamin C in a separate routine.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse
Start with clean, dry skin in the morning and/or evening.
Apply a pea-sized amount
Massage a pea-sized amount over the full face and neck, focusing on oily and pore-prone zones.
Layer & moisturize
Follow with your preferred serums and moisturizer. Avoid using at the same time as Vitamin C.
Finish with SPF (AM)
Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the last step of your morning routine.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny through the day
- You want to minimize the look of enlarged pores
- You're after a high-strength niacinamide at an affordable price
- You prefer a lightweight, fragrance-free, fast-absorbing serum
- You wear makeup and want a smoother, less greasy base
โ Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is very dry and needs richer hydration
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You've reacted to high concentrations of niacinamide before
- Vitamin C is the central active in your routine
- You struggle with products that leave any white cast
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Exactly what it's built for โ controls shine, balances sebum and refines pores without heaviness.
Targets an oily T-zone and visible pores while staying light enough for the whole face.
Niacinamide and zinc help with sebum and texture, but it is not fungal-acne safe.
Oil-controlling actives may feel drying โ layer a richer moisturizer on top or choose a lower strength.
Fragrance-free and gentle in design, but 20% is a strong dose โ patch test before regular use.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate oil reduction
Skin looks less shiny straight away as the formula mattifies and absorbs excess surface oil.
Up to 60% less oilFresher, more balanced skin
In a 50-person consumer trial, most users felt skin was fresher, more balanced and less shiny.
92% noticedSmoother texture & tighter pores
With consistent daily use, skin texture looks smoother and enlarged pores appear refined.
91% smoother textureMore even, balanced complexion
Longer-term use supports a more even tone and steadier oil balance throughout the day.
Best with daily useโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Highest 20% niacinamide level at a budget-friendly price
- Noticeable oil and shine control through the day
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, fragrance-free gel
- Helps refine the look of pores and smooth texture
- Vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologist-developed
- Works well as a smoothing base under makeup
โ Criticized
- Can leave a white cast or flake on some skin types
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- May feel drying on very dry skin
- Oil control doesn't last all day for everyone
- Cannot be layered at the same time as Vitamin C
- 20% may be too strong for niacinamide beginners
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same oil-focused niacinamide + zinc concept at a lower 10% strength. More watery and can feel drying, but it is fungal-acne safe โ a plus this serum lacks.
A very simple, affordable 10% niacinamide serum for blemishes and tone. Lacks the zinc and squalane combo, so less targeted at oil control specifically.
Higher zinc (2%) plus hyaluronic acid for added hydration and it's fungal-acne safe. Contains dimethicone (a silicone) for a smoother slip if that's not a concern.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
The INKEY List 20% Niacinamide (Featured)
$17.99The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$6.00Naturium Niacinamide 12% + Zinc 2%
$15.99Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
$46.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Recyclable tube with nozzle dispenser
Yes โ 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It's generally considered a pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly choice. Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, squalane and glycerin are widely regarded as low-risk, and the formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters. As always, run any product past your doctor or midwife during pregnancy.
No. The formula contains Polysorbate 60 and Sorbitan Isostearate, and its squalane may be olive-derived โ all of which can feed malassezia yeast. If you're managing fungal acne, a fungal-acne-safe niacinamide such as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a safer option.
Niacinamide layers well with retinol, AHAs and BHAs and can even help buffer their irritation. The one exception is Vitamin C โ The INKEY List recommends not using this serum at the same time as Vitamin C, so apply them in separate routines (for example, Vitamin C in the morning and this at night).
It's designed for oily and combination skin that deals with excess shine, enlarged-looking pores and uneven texture. Normal skin can use it too. Very dry skin may find it a little drying, and beginners to niacinamide may prefer the brand's 10% version to start.
Oil control is immediate โ the brand reports up to 60% less excess oil on application. In a consumer trial, around 92% felt skin was fresher and less shiny within 3 days, while smoother texture and refined-looking pores typically build over 2โ4 weeks of daily use.
Apply after cleansing (and toner, if you use one) and before your moisturizer, morning and/or evening. Use a pea-sized amount on the face and neck. If you use multiple serums, you can layer them in any order โ just keep Vitamin C separate.
It's low on the comedogenic scale (around 1/5). Niacinamide and zinc are non-comedogenic, and squalane is a lightweight, non-pore-clogging emollient. It's actually formulated to help refine the look of pores rather than block them, though anyone managing fungal acne should still note it isn't malassezia-safe.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the nozzle clean and capped to get the most out of the formula.
Verdict: The INKEY List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum is one of the most affordable ways to get a high-strength, dermatologist-developed oil-control serum. Oily and combination skin will appreciate the instant shine reduction, refined-looking pores and lightweight, fragrance-free feel โ all backed by clinical and consumer-trial data. The main caveats are that it isn't fungal-acne safe, can leave a white cast on some skin types and may feel drying on very dry skin. For its target audience, it's an excellent, high-value pick.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
|
|