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🏷️ The Ordinary

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

★★★★½ 4.5/5 (4 customer reviews)
Overall Score4.5/5.0
✦ Expert Verdict

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a standout serum for anyone battling oily, acne-prone, or uneven skin tone, offering visible improvements at an affordable price. While it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin, its benefits in controlling blemishes and balancing oil make it highly recommended for most users looking to enhance their skincare routine.

Key Features

  • Contains 10% pure niacinamide to reduce the appearance of blemishes and improve skin tone
  • Includes 1% zinc PCA to regulate sebum production and soothe inflammation
  • Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy serum suitable for oily and combination skin
  • Free from fragrance, alcohol, and oils, minimizing the risk of irritation
  • Affordable and easily incorporated into morning and evening skincare routines
✓ Pros
  • Highly effective in reducing blemishes and controlling oil
  • Non-comedogenic and absorbs quickly without residue
  • Affordable price point for a potent active serum
  • Suitable for layering with other skincare products
✗ Cons
  • May cause irritation for very sensitive skin types
  • Some users report a slight initial tingling sensation
  • Not suitable as a standalone moisturizer

Full Review

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a highly effective serum designed to target multiple skin concerns, including blemishes, congestion, and uneven skin tone. Combining a potent 10% concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3) with 1% zinc PCA, this formula works to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and balance sebum activity, making it an excellent choice for oily and acne-prone skin types. Its lightweight, water-based texture absorbs quickly without leaving any residue, making it suitable for layering under moisturizers or makeup.

Niacinamide is well-known for its ability to visibly improve skin texture and reduce redness, while zinc PCA helps to regulate oil production and soothe inflammation. Together, these ingredients support a clearer, more balanced complexion over consistent use. The serum is free from fragrances, alcohol, and oil, aligning with The Ordinary's commitment to simple yet effective skincare solutions.

Ideal for daily use both morning and night, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% fits easily into most skincare routines. Its affordable price point makes it accessible for users seeking targeted solutions for blemish-prone or oily skin without the need for harsh ingredients. However, users with extremely sensitive skin may want to patch test first, as the high concentration of active ingredients can occasionally cause irritation.

Customer Reviews

Emily R. March 2025
★★★★★
Clearer skin in weeks!
I've been using this serum for about a month, and my skin has noticeably fewer blemishes and less redness. It layers well under my moisturizer and doesn't feel heavy. Highly recommend for anyone struggling with breakouts.
Jason M. January 2025
★★★★☆
Great for oily skin
This product helped control my oily T-zone and reduced the number of pimples I get. It did cause a slight tingling at first, but that went away after a few uses. Overall, a solid addition to my routine.
Sophia L. February 2025
★★★★☆
Effective but be cautious
I love the results, my skin looks much clearer and less irritated. However, I have sensitive skin and experienced some dryness initially, so I had to use a stronger moisturizer alongside it.
Daniel K. December 2024
★★★★★
Fantastic value and results
For the price, this serum is unbeatable. It really helped with my acne scars and evening out my skin tone. Lightweight and easy to use daily. Will definitely repurchase.