Introduction
Pom Pom may not yet enjoy household name status but among ingredient enthusiasts it carries a quiet reputation for formulas that punch well above their price tag. The indie label leans on science backed simplicity rather than flashy gimmicks and that philosophy is on full display with its latest launch, Niacinamide Pure Pore-Refining Serum.
Yes, the name is a bit of a mouthful yet it leaves no room for doubt about the serum’s mission: rein in oil, make pores look smaller and keep breakouts at bay. Pom Pom touts a lightweight water based blend anchored by niacinamide to balance sebum, soothe irritation and strengthen the barrier while a short supporting cast keeps things gentle enough for daily use. According to the brand, regular application should mean fewer blackheads, calmer skin and a smoother canvas for makeup.
To see if the claims translate to real results I cleared space in my routine and gave the serum two solid weeks of twice-daily testing. What follows is an honest account of how it fared and whether it deserves a spot on your shelf and in your budget.
What is Niacinamide Pure Pore-Refining Serum?
This serum sits in the pore treatment category, a segment of skincare designed to minimize the look of enlarged pores by balancing oil levels, calming inflammation and gently tightening the surrounding skin. Pore treatments are useful for anyone who notices shine settling in by midday or persistent blackheads along the T-zone because they work at the source of the problem: excess sebum and slack pore walls.
Pom Pom’s formula is water based and centers on niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 known for regulating oil flow while reinforcing the skin’s barrier. That focus is paired with a streamlined roster of texture stabilizers and preservatives chosen to keep the blend light enough to layer under other products without pilling. Used consistently, the serum aims to help skin appear smoother, less congested and less prone to the cycle of clogged pores that can lead to breakouts.
The brand recommends it for oily or combination complexions but notes that the lightweight feel makes it suitable for drier types who want pore refinement without added heaviness. Twice-daily application after cleansing and before thicker treatments is suggested for best results.
Did it work?
In the spirit of hard hitting skincare journalism I benched my usual pore treatment for a full three days before starting, which felt very scientific of me even if my bathroom shelf looked strangely bare. Fourteen days strikes me as a fair window to spot real changes, so I slotted the serum in every morning and night right after my hydrating toner and before moisturizer.
The first couple of applications absorbed in seconds and by day four I noticed my T zone was staying matte closer to lunchtime instead of shining by 10 a.m. The slight tight feeling around my nose that sometimes follows clay masks never appeared, a good sign that oil control was happening without stripping. Blackheads on my chin looked a touch flatter but were still present when I leaned into a magnifying mirror, which of course I regretted doing.
Heading into the second week the gains leveled out. Midday blotting sheets came away less translucent than usual and the orange peel look on my cheeks softened but did not vanish. Redness around healing breakouts calmed faster than normal which I credit to niacinamide’s anti inflammatory side. I never experienced stinging or flaking so the formula seems friendly for daily use.
Overall the serum honored its promise to dial down oil and nudge pores toward a smoother appearance yet the transformation stopped shy of wow. It earns respect as a dependable workhorse though it does not dethrone the heavy hitters already in my rotation. I will happily finish the bottle, keep the brand on my radar and recommend it to friends who want gentle refinement without fuss but my personal lineup will stay as is.
Main ingredients explained
Niacinamide sits at a healthy 10 percent by my estimate and is the obvious headline act. This vitamin B3 derivative helps temper overzealous sebaceous glands, reinforces the lipid barrier and quietly fades post breakout blotches over time. Its anti inflammatory talent is why red spots settled down faster during my test period. Concentrations this high can sometimes tingle sensitive skin, yet the serum’s bland supporting cast keeps that risk minimal.
Aqua may look like filler but it matters. Water gives the formula its weightless slip so it can slide under moisturiser without rolling up. Pairing it with propanediol, a plant derived humectant, helps shuttle niacinamide deeper while trapping a whisper of moisture on the surface for a quenched not greasy finish. Propanediol scores low on the comedogenic scale meaning it is unlikely to clog pores, which is exactly what you want in a product designed to refine them. (Comedogenic simply means an ingredient that has a tendency to block follicles and create bumps.)
Acacia senegal gum and xanthan gum handle texture control. They thicken the otherwise watery base just enough to avoid runny drips and leave a soft dry down rather than a sticky film. Both are naturally sourced polysaccharides and carry no known pore clogging baggage. I did not experience pilling when layering sunscreen on top which suggests the gums are balanced at a skin friendly percentage.
Preservation comes courtesy of phenoxyethanol partnered with ethylhexylglycerin. The duo keeps microbes out without the sting or scent of traditional alcohol. Neither ranks high in comedogenicity though very reactive skins might feel a faint warmth on first use, a sensation that disappeared for me after the second day.
Citric acid rounds out the INCI, nudging pH into the mildly acidic sweet spot where niacinamide remains stable and the skin barrier stays comfortable. At this level it does not act as an exfoliant so you can safely pair the serum with separate acids at night if you wish.
The tight ingredient list is free of fragrance, essential oils and animal derived substances so vegans and vegetarians can use it without hesitation. None of the components are flagged as risky for acne prone skin and the absence of heavy emollients keeps the overall comedogenic risk very low. Niacinamide is generally considered pregnancy safe, but as always anyone expecting or nursing should check with their healthcare provider before adding new topicals.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of faithful use here is the simple, no fluff breakdown.
What works well:
- Lightweight texture sinks in fast so it slots easily between toner and moisturizer with zero pilling
- Noticeable reduction in midday shine and calmer red spots without any drying afterfeel
- Uncluttered ingredient list keeps the risk of congestion low and is friendly to sensitive or reactive skin
- Plays nicely with stronger actives at night which makes routine building straightforward
- Reasonable price point for a 10 percent niacinamide formula
What to consider:
- Pore smoothing is modest rather than dramatic so results may not wow heavy treatment veterans
- Very sensitive users could feel a brief tingle from the niacinamide concentration
- Benefits plateau after about a week which might leave thrill seekers wanting more oomph
My final thoughts
After two weeks of twice-daily use I can say with confidence that Pom Pom’s Niacinamide Pure Pore-Refining Serum is a solid 8/10 performer. It tones down midday shine, takes the edge off post-blemish redness and gently blurs those pesky “look at me” pores without causing dryness or rebellion elsewhere on the face. If you are oily, combination or breakout prone and have been burned by harsh acids in the past, this is the kind of steady, even-keeled formula that will treat your skin politely while still getting the job done. If you already lean on stronger actives or want pores to practically vanish overnight, the measured results may leave you feeling underwhelmed.
I have cycled through more pore treatments than I care to admit, so I feel I gave this one a fair and context-rich trial. Would I recommend it to a friend? Absolutely, provided that friend is looking for gradual refinement rather than dramatic resurfacing. I will keep it in rotation on low-key skin days when I want uncomplicated support.
For readers weighing their options, a few well-tested alternatives deserve mention. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is an excellent all-rounder that plays nicely with every skin type and wallet. Paula’s Choice Pore-Reducing Toner offers a similar niacinamide kick in a splash-on format and doubles as a light hydrator. StriVectin’s Super Shrink Pore Minimizing Serum brings a bit more punch with additional peptides for those chasing firmer skin. If you prefer a botanical angle Caudalie’s Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum pairs gentle BHA with grape polyphenols and keeps congestion in check without fuzziness.
A quick reality check before you click add to cart: any pore treatment needs patience and consistent use to maintain results, no matter how tempting the marketing may sound. Please patch test first – apologies for the over-protective parent vibe – especially if your skin startles easily. Pores will not stay refined forever on autopilot so keep up the routine, stay hydrated and remember that skin care is a marathon not a sprint.