Niacinamide and Zinc Serum Benefits: What Each Ingredient Does
Updated November 1, 2026 · 3 sources
A niacinamide and zinc serum puts two ingredients to work on oily skin. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a well-studied skincare ingredient; published research has looked at its effect on facial oil and on skin barrier lipids. Zinc PCA is a zinc compound used in products for oily skin. Epidora Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% Serum combines both, for oily and combination skin.
What’s in Epidora’s serum
Epidora uses a simple way of naming what’s inside: the main actives, and the supporting ingredients that go with them.
| Role | Ingredient | What it’s there for |
|---|---|---|
| Main active | Niacinamide (10%) | Main active; studied for facial oil and barrier lipids (see below) |
| Main active | Zinc PCA (1%) | Zinc compound used in products for oily skin |
| Supporting | Aloe vera | Plant-based skin-conditioning ingredient |
| Supporting | Pullulan | Helps give the serum its smooth texture |
The serum also contains ethoxydiglycol and fragrance among other ingredients. The full ingredient list is on the pack and the product page.
What niacinamide does
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. In skincare, it’s used for several reasons, and some have been studied in controlled research.
Oil on the face. In a study published in 2006, researchers tested a moisturiser with 2% niacinamide in two groups of volunteers, one in Japan and one in the USA. In the Japanese group, the rate at which skin released oil was lower with niacinamide than with a placebo after 2 and 4 weeks. In the American group, the amount of oil sitting on the skin’s surface was lower after 6 weeks, though the release rate was not significantly different. The authors concluded that niacinamide "may be effective" at lowering facial oil, with results that differed between groups.* [1]
Barrier lipids. The outer layer of skin holds water in partly with a mix of lipids, including ceramides. In lab studies, nicotinamide (another name for niacinamide) increased the production of ceramides and other barrier lipids in skin cells, and in the same research, applying it to skin raised ceramide levels in the outer layer and reduced water loss in dry skin.* [2]
Overall skin appearance. In a 12-week split-face study of 50 women with sun-aged skin, 5% niacinamide improved the look of fine lines, uneven tone (spots and red blotchiness) and sallowness compared with the base cream without it.* [3]
A note on strength: the human studies above used 2% or 5% niacinamide, lower than the 10% in Epidora serum; the lab study used skin cells, not a cream. These studies did not test Epidora products.
What Zinc PCA does
Zinc PCA combines zinc with PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid). It is a common ingredient in serums made for oily skin. In Epidora serum, it sits alongside niacinamide as the second named active. We name it as an ingredient; we don’t attach a strength figure to it in headings because the batch formula is what the pack lists.
Why put them together?
Both ingredients are aimed at the same everyday concern for oily skin: shine and the look of pores. Combining them in one serum keeps the routine short. One serum, 2–3 drops, morning and night, instead of several products.
Who it suits
- Suits: oily and combination skin, and people who want a simple serum step for shine and the look of pores.
- Check first: if you react to fragrance, read the full ingredient list. Epidora serum contains fragrance.
- Ask your doctor first: if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using prescribed skin products.
- Patch test first: try a small amount on the side of your neck or behind the ear for 24–48 hours before using it on your face.
- See a doctor: see a doctor if a skin problem is persistent, painful, spreading or getting worse.
How to use it
Apply 2–3 drops to clean, dry skin and pat until absorbed. Start once daily, then use morning and night as your skin is comfortable. Follow with moisturiser, and sunscreen in the morning. Full steps are in How to Use Niacinamide Serum.
Pairs with
Saved on this device. View wishlist on epidora.in (separate list there).
Frequently asked questions
Is 10% niacinamide too strong? Start once a day and patch test. If your skin is comfortable, move to twice a day.
Can I use it with a ceramide moisturiser? Yes. Serum first, then moisturiser.
Does zinc dry out the skin? Follow the serum with a moisturiser.
Published research on these ingredients (not studies of Epidora products)
- Draelos ZD, Matsubara A, Smiles K. The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2006;8(2):96-101. PMID 16766489. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/ doi:10.1080/14764170600717704
- Tanno O, et al. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(3):524-31. PMID 10971324. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10971324/ doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x
- Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860-5. PMID 16029679. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/ doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732
*Ingredient results from published studies. Results may vary with skin type and routine.