Introduction
Vitamasques may have slipped under the radar for some, yet those of us who trawl the ingredient lists know the brand excels at marrying science with skin pampering. Its latest mouthful, Niacinamide Pore Control Serum, leaves little mystery about its intentions and does so with a wink that says “we know what you want and we think we can deliver.”
The company touts a light yet potent blend of vitamin B3, soothing plant extracts and hydrating helpers that claims to refine pores, tame oil and smooth uneven texture while keeping the complexion calm and clear. All this comes in a clean formula that skips the usual skincare red flags.
Curiosity properly piqued, I committed to a solid two week trial, morning and night, to find out whether this serum lives up to its confident name and whether it deserves a spot in your routine and your budget.
What is Niacinamide Pore Control Serum?
At its core this product is a water based pore treatment, a type of skincare designed to target concerns like enlarged pores excess oil and uneven surface texture. Pore treatments usually rely on ingredients that can regulate sebum, reinforce the skin barrier and soothe low grade inflammation that often makes pores look more pronounced. Vitamasques approaches these goals with a blend that centres on 10 percent niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative known for improving skin clarity and moderating oil production.
The formula partners niacinamide with a group of plant extracts such as green tea and centella asiatica, both valued for calming redness and supplying antioxidants that defend against daily environmental stress. A modest level of hyaluronic acid threads in hydration so the skin feels balanced rather than stripped. The texture is deliberately light so it can settle into the skin quickly and layer under other products without pilling.
In practical terms this serum aims to make pores appear smaller by keeping the surrounding skin smooth and less oily, which stops debris from stretching follicle openings. Regular use should also help even out overall tone for those dealing with post blemish marks or subtle blotchiness. While the ingredient list is trimmed of known irritants the product is still dermatologically tested to account for sensitivity.
To sum up, Niacinamide Pore Control Serum is a straightforward daily treatment positioned for anyone who wants a clearer less shiny complexion without resorting to harsh astringents or heftier exfoliants.
Did it work?
In the name of science I shelved my usual pore potion for three days before the trial, a move that made me feel like a very legitimate lab technician if said technician also binge watches skincare TikToks. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to see real change, so the serum went on right after cleansing and before moisturizer twice a day, every day.
The first morning was uneventful aside from a pleasant slip that sank in fast and left a soft matte finish. By mid-afternoon my T-zone still picked up a hint of shine but it was the kind you blot once rather than wage war against. Nights two and three ran similarly: smooth application, zero stinging, no new bumps in protest.
Day five is when I noticed the subtler perks. Foundation no longer pooled around my nose and the little orange peel look on my cheeks dialed down a notch. Sebum levels seemed steadier too; I was reaching for powder maybe twice instead of the usual four times during a workday.
The real test came at the one-week mark after a humid commute. Normally my pores shout at that kind of heat yet they stayed relatively composed. Redness around an old breakout faded quicker as well, likely thanks to the botanical squad doing its calming job.
By day fourteen the texture gains plateaued. Pores appeared tidier but not dramatically shrunken and the serum had not erased post-blemish shadows, though it did keep them from looking angrier. Oil control settled into a dependable medium: less slick but still present by evening. Importantly I encountered no dryness, flaking or rebellion pimples, so the formula balances actives with hydration quite well.
So did it fulfill its promises? Mostly. It reined in shine, nudged pores toward refinement and kept my skin tone even tempered. Would I permanently swap it into my personal lineup? Not quite, as my current treatment gives slightly sharper results, yet I would happily recommend this to anyone seeking a gentle, steady approach to pore management and a calmer complexion.
Niacinamide Pore Control Serum’s main ingredients explained
Niacinamide holds headline status here at a well rounded 10 percent. That level sits in the sweet spot for visible pore refinement and barrier support without tipping into irritation territory. By reducing the activity of sebaceous glands it keeps midday shine to a gentle glow and over time can coax pigment from old breakouts to fade more evenly. As a bonus niacinamide improves ceramide production so even when the serum leaves a matte finish the skin below stays comfortably hydrated.
The supporting cast is a thoughtful trio of calmers, hydrators and antioxidants. Green tea, centella asiatica and grape seed extracts deliver polyphenols that mop up free radicals while dialing down redness after a workout or a bout of mask wearing. Witch hazel makes an appearance in its gentler extract form which supplies tannins for a mild astringent effect without the sting you might remember from old school toners. Then comes hyaluronic acid at a low molecular weight that slips into the upper layers of the epidermis and pulls in water so the surface feels bouncy not tight.
Silicone critics will notice dimethicone early in the list. It lends that silky spread and an occlusive but breathable shield that keeps moisture from escaping. Dimethicone itself is considered non-comedogenic though two olive-derived emulsifiers, cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate, score mildly higher on some comedogenic scales. That does not mean automatic breakouts; it simply warns that extremely clog-prone skin should patch test first. (Comedogenicity refers to an ingredient’s potential to block pores and create comedones, the technical term for blackheads and whiteheads.)
A handful of plant extracts such as coffee seed, safflower flower and chestnut shell bring extra antioxidants and subtle soothing but none are present in concentrations likely to cause sensitivity. The preservative system relies on ethylhexylglycerin and hexanediol, both gentle alternatives to parabens. Zinc PCA sneaks in near the bottom to add another nudge of oil regulation and antimicrobial support which acne prone users tend to appreciate.
The formula is proudly vegan and cruelty free according to its PETA certification so vegetarians and vegans can use it without ethical qualms. There are no added fragrances, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oils or parabens which reduces the usual irritant suspects. As for pregnancy safety, niacinamide and the listed botanicals are generally considered low risk yet every pregnancy is unique, so it is best to run any new topical past a physician before committing.
Overall the ingredient list reads like a measured collaboration between science backed actives and botanical nice-to-haves. Nothing here feels like filler but nothing leans so aggressive that sensitive skin must steer clear, making the serum an approachable middle ground for most complexions looking to keep pores in polite company.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick rundown of pros and cons after two weeks of daily use.
What works well:
- Light watery texture sinks in fast and layers smoothly under makeup without pilling
- Noticeable yet gentle oil control that leaves skin matte but not tight or flaky
- Combo of 10 percent niacinamide and calming botanicals keeps redness at bay and avoids the sting some high strength serums can cause
- Vegan, cruelty free formula free from added fragrance and common irritants suits most sensitive or ethically minded users
What to consider:
- Pore and tone improvements level off after the first couple of weeks so expectations should stay realistic
- Dimethicone and olive derived emulsifiers may not suit those extremely prone to congestion
- Costs more than many basic niacinamide serums which could give budget watchers pause
My final thoughts
After two weeks with Vitamasques Niacinamide Pore Control Serum I am comfortable giving it an 8/10. It delivers steady, realistic pore refinement and a reassuring level of oil management without tipping skin into dryness, which is more than many products claim yet fewer achieve. If your main goals are moderating midday shine, smoothing mild texture and keeping redness in line, this serum is a dependable fit. It is especially suited to combination or slightly oily skin that prefers a gentle route to clarity and wants a formula that behaves under makeup. On the other hand, those chasing dramatic pore blurring for photo-ready perfection or aggressive post-acne mark fades may feel underwhelmed once the early gains plateau. For them, pairing this with a separate targeted acid or retinoid could bridge the gap.
I have cycled through a small army of similar treatments over the years and feel confident I gave this one a fair shake. Its performance sits comfortably above the drugstore niacinamide crowd yet just shy of the heavy hitters that fold in prescription-adjacent actives. I would happily recommend it to a friend with balanced to oily skin who values a calm approach, but not to someone battling cystic breakouts or severe congestion who needs something punchier.
If you finish the bottle and decide you want to compare, a few alternatives I have enjoyed stand out. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is an excellent all-rounder that checks every pore-minimizing box for all skin types at a wallet friendly price. Paula’s Choice Pore-Reducing Toner offers a gentle niacinamide plus antioxidant mix in a watery format that slips effortlessly into any routine. StriVectin’s Super Shrink Pore Minimizing Serum leans more clinical, giving faster visible tightening thanks to a peptide blend that also targets fine lines. For a lightweight, fruit-forward option, Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-tight Toner pairs mild chemical exfoliation with soothing extracts to keep skin bright while it keeps pores in check. Each brings its own twist, but all have earned a place on my bathroom shelf at different times.
Before you dive in, remember a few basics. Always patch test new products on a small area first (sorry for sounding like an over-protective parent) and keep in mind that any pore-smoothing effect requires consistent use to maintain. Skip a week and your follicles will remind you who is really in charge.