Quick answer: For oily, acne-prone skin, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Serum is the one to start with. As printed on its box, it helps control the look of excess oil, refine the look of pores and reduce the look of blemishes. Use it at night. If your skin also feels tight or dehydrated, add the lightweight Hyaluronic Acid 1% Face Serum. Keep the rest of the routine simple: a gentle face wash, a light gel moisturiser and SPF 50+ in the day.
Why oily skin is extra common here
Sri Lanka's heat and humidity make many of us feel shiny by mid-morning, and sweat plus oil under a helmet or mask can lead to more blemishes. The common reaction is to wash the face many times a day or skip moisturiser completely. Both can leave skin feeling tight and uncomfortable while it still looks oily.
The better approach is light, steady care: clean gently, use a serum made for oily skin, and keep hydration light rather than heavy.
Serum 1: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This serum combines 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc with Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Tea Tree Oil. What it is for, as printed on the box:
- helps control the look of excess oil
- helps refine the look of pores
- helps reduce the look of blemishes
- supports an even-looking tone
- helps hydrate, soothe and comfort the skin
How to use: At night, on clean, dry skin. Shake well, put 2 to 3 drops on your fingertips and massage gently into the face and neck in upward circles. Let it absorb. 30 ml, Rs 1,990.
Serum 2: Hyaluronic Acid 1%
This is a hydrating serum with 1% Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol and Allantoin. The box lists deep hydration, plump and smooth skin, and barrier support. It is a good choice for oily skin that still feels dehydrated, especially if you sit in air conditioning all day.
How to use: Morning and night, on clean, damp skin. Shake well, smooth 2 to 3 drops over the face and neck, let it absorb, then follow with a moisturiser. 30 ml, Rs 1,990.
Which one should you choose?
- Mainly oily, with blemishes and visible pores: start with Niacinamide + Zinc at night.
- Oily but tight or dehydrated: use Hyaluronic Acid in the morning and Niacinamide + Zinc at night.
- Your main worry is dark marks left after pimples: read our guide comparing Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin.
Start one new serum at a time and give your skin a couple of weeks to get used to it before adding another.
A simple routine for oily skin
Morning
- Cleanse: Glower Wash Face Wash, a coconut-based wash with Rose Water and Aloe Vera. Avoid the eye area.
- Hydrate (optional): Hyaluronic Acid serum on damp skin.
- Moisturise: a thin layer of Blush Dew Hydrating Gel Moisturizer, which has a non-greasy aloe vera gel base.
- Protect: Invisible Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+, a clear, fast-spreading gel that suits oily skin.
Night
- Cleanse with Glower Wash.
- Apply Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
- Follow with a little Blush Dew if your skin feels dry.
2 to 3 times a week
On nights you want a deeper clean, use the Acno Scrub Clarifying Face Scrub after washing. It has Spearmint, Tea Tree and Salicylic Acid. Massage gently on damp skin, avoid the eyes, and rinse well. Don't scrub over sore, broken or irritated pimples.
Cautions
Patch test any new product for 24 hours first. Keep serums away from the eyes and broken or irritated skin, and stop if irritation occurs. If your acne is painful, deep, leaves scars or doesn't settle, please see a doctor. Serums are cosmetic care, not acne treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Niacinamide serum in the morning?
The pack says night use, so we recommend following that.
Can I use both serums together?
Yes. A simple way is Hyaluronic Acid in the morning and Niacinamide + Zinc at night.
Do oily skin types need a moisturiser?
Usually yes, just a light one. A thin layer of a gel moisturiser like Blush Dew keeps skin comfortable without a heavy feel.
Will the serum stop pimples completely?
No cosmetic serum can promise that. It is made to help with the look of oil, pores and blemishes as part of a regular routine.
Ordering: Order on comfobeautys.lk or WhatsApp us on +94 77 724 9125. Cash on delivery island-wide (bank transfer and card also accepted). Delivery is Rs 250 in Colombo district and Rs 390 elsewhere in Sri Lanka, in 1–3 working days.