If you’re hunting for a skincare game-changer that won’t break the bank, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is your answer. This lightweight, affordable powerhouse tackles blemishes, smooths texture, and boosts radiance in just a week. I’ve seen my skin transform, and I’m not alone—countless users rave about its ability to even out tone and calm redness. Whether you’re battling oily skin or dullness, this serum deserves a spot in your routine. Trust me, your skin will thank you for it.
My Journey with The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
I’ll be honest—my skin and I have had a rocky relationship. Combination skin with a side of occasional breakouts and a T-zone that could double as an oil slick? Not exactly the glow-up I dreamed of. I’d tried countless products, from high-end serums to drugstore staples, but nothing seemed to stick. Then, a friend raved about The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum, and at under $10, I figured I had nothing to lose.
From the first application, I was intrigued. The serum’s texture is light, almost watery, with a slight gel-like feel that sinks into my skin without a trace of greasiness. I applied a few drops after cleansing, patting it gently across my face as the bottle suggests. There’s no heavy fragrance—just a faint, clean scent that doesn’t linger. Within days, I noticed my skin felt softer, and those rough patches on my cheeks were less pronounced. By the end of the first week, my complexion looked brighter, like I’d finally gotten eight hours of sleep.
What really sold me was how it tackled my redness. I’ve always had some pinkness around my nose and chin, especially after a breakout. This serum calmed it down, leaving my skin looking more even-toned. My pores, which used to scream “look at me” in the mirror, seemed less noticeable too. It’s not a miracle worker—my hormonal acne still pops up occasionally—but the blemishes heal faster, and the redness fades quicker than before. After a few months, this little bottle became my skincare non-negotiable. It’s like a best friend who always shows up when you need them.
Maintenance Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Serum
- Patch Test Before Committing: I can’t stress this enough—patch test first. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to ensure your skin doesn’t freak out. I dodged irritation, but my sensitive-skinned friend wasn’t so lucky until she eased into it.
- Start Slow and Build Up: If you’re new to niacinamide, don’t dive in with twice-daily use. I started with every other night to let my skin adjust. After a week with no issues, I ramped up to morning and evening for maximum benefits.
- Layer It Correctly: Apply this serum right after cleansing, on slightly damp skin, to lock in moisture. I pat it in gently, wait a minute, then follow with moisturizer. Avoid piling on heavy creams beforehand, as they can block absorption.
- Avoid Conflicting Ingredients: Niacinamide and vitamin C don’t play nice together, so keep them separate. I use vitamin C in the morning and this serum at night. Also, steer clear of AHA/BHA acids at the same time to prevent irritation.
- Store It Properly: Keep your bottle in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. I store mine in a drawer to preserve its potency. And don’t leave the dropper out too long—air exposure can degrade the formula.
- Use SPF Daily: Niacinamide makes your skin more radiant, but it doesn’t protect against UV damage. I slather on sunscreen every morning to shield my glow and prevent new dark spots from forming.
What Makes This Serum Special
So, what’s the magic behind this serum? It’s all about the ingredients. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is the star at a potent 10% concentration. It’s a multitasker that brightens, smooths, and strengthens your skin barrier. Then there’s 1% zinc PCA, which acts like a bodyguard, calming inflammation and regulating oil production. Together, they’re a dynamic duo for anyone with blemish-prone or uneven skin. The Ordinary keeps the formula simple, stripping away unnecessary fillers to let these actives shine. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and oil-free, so it plays nice with most skin types.
The serum’s water-based texture makes it a breeze to layer in your routine. I use it morning and evening, right after cleansing and before heavier serums or moisturizers. It absorbs quickly, so you’re not left waiting around before moving on with your day. And at such a low price point, you’re getting clinical-grade skincare without the luxury markup. It’s no wonder this product flies off shelves.
Pros and Cons of The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
Pros:
- Brightens Like a Dream: My dull, tired skin got a serious wake-up call with this serum. Within a week, I noticed a natural glow that made me look more alive, even on minimal sleep. Niacinamide works to even out skin tone, and I’ve seen a real difference in the sallowness that used to plague my complexion.
- Smooths Texture Effectively: Rough patches and uneven texture used to be my nemesis. This serum has been a game-changer, refining my skin’s surface to feel softer and look more polished. My cheeks, once bumpy, now feel like silk, and I’m obsessed with the results.
- Calms Redness and Blemishes: If you deal with redness or breakouts, this serum is your ally. The zinc in the formula soothes inflammation, while niacinamide helps fade post-acne marks. My skin looks clearer, and those angry red spots don’t stick around as long.
- Affordable Without Compromise: At under $10, this serum delivers results that rival products ten times the price. The Ordinary proves you don’t need to splurge for quality, making it accessible for everyone who wants better skin.
- Versatile for Most Skin Types: Whether you’re oily, combination, or even sensitive, this serum adapts. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t clog pores, so it fits into almost any routine without causing drama.
Cons:
- Not a Hyperpigmentation Hero: While it brightens overall, don’t expect miracles for stubborn dark spots. I’ve seen some fading of post-acne marks, but deeper hyperpigmentation needs more targeted treatments. If that’s your main concern, you might need to pair it with something stronger.
- Can Feel Sticky Initially: The serum’s texture, while light, can feel slightly tacky when it first goes on, especially if you apply too much. It dries down fine, but I learned to use just a few drops to avoid that brief sticky phase.
- Sensitive Skin? Proceed with Caution: The 10% niacinamide concentration is potent, and for some, it’s too much. I’ve got fairly resilient skin, but I’ve heard from friends with sensitive types who experienced irritation. Patch test first to avoid surprises.
- Conflicts with Vitamin C: You can’t use this serum with pure vitamin C products, as they can destabilize each other. I love my vitamin C serum, so I alternate them—niacinamide at night, vitamin C in the morning—which is a bit of a hassle.
- Dropper Design Could Improve: The glass dropper is hygienic, but it’s a tad short, making it tricky to get every last drop from the bottle. I end up tilting it like a mad scientist to use it all, which isn’t ideal.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Trader Joe’s Retinol Night Serum
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Vs. Other Brands
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Vs. Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster is a solid contender, packing the same niacinamide concentration as The Ordinary. It’s designed to minimize pores and brighten, with added antioxidants like vitamin C derivatives that play nicely with niacinamide. I found it slightly more hydrating, thanks to ingredients like licorice root, but it’s pricier—around $40. The texture is silkier, less sticky, but the results were similar to The Ordinary’s in terms of brightness and texture. If you want extra hydration and don’t mind splurging, Paula’s Choice is great, but The Ordinary wins for budget-conscious folks like me.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Vs. Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum is another affordable gem, retailing at about $12. It combines 10% niacinamide with glycerin and betaine for extra moisture, making it a tad less drying than The Ordinary. I noticed it controlled oil well, but the brightening effect wasn’t as pronounced. The texture is smooth, with no stickiness, which I appreciated. For combination skin like mine, both work well, but The Ordinary edges out slightly for blemish control thanks to zinc. If hydration is your priority, Good Molecules is a strong alternative.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Vs. Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum, priced around $8, is a close rival. It uses 10% niacinamide and 1% hyaluronic acid to hydrate while tackling oil and redness. I found it gentler than The Ordinary, likely due to the lower zinc content, but it took longer to see texture improvements. The formula feels less tacky, which is a plus. For sensitive skin, Inkey List might be safer, but The Ordinary’s zinc gives it an edge for acne-prone skin. It’s a toss-up, but I lean toward The Ordinary for faster results.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Vs. L’Oreal Paris 12% Niacinamide Serum
L’Oreal’s 12% Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid Serum is a drugstore pick at about $30. Its higher niacinamide dose targets dark spots aggressively, and the ferulic acid adds antioxidant protection. I saw slightly better fading of post-acne marks, but it felt heavier on my skin. The Ordinary’s lighter texture and zinc focus make it better for oil control. L’Oreal’s formula suits those prioritizing hyperpigmentation, but for overall blemish and texture concerns, I stick with The Ordinary’s simpler, cheaper approach.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Vs. Glossier Super Pure
Glossier’s Super Pure, at $29, blends 5% niacinamide with zinc to calm redness and breakouts. Its lower niacinamide concentration makes it gentler, and the formula feels luxurious, with no stickiness. I liked its soothing effect, but the brightening and texture benefits were slower compared to The Ordinary. Glossier’s chic packaging is a vibe, but for half the price, The Ordinary delivers stronger results. If you have sensitive skin and love a premium feel, Glossier’s fine, but I’m loyal to The Ordinary’s potency.
Also Read: My Thoughts On RoC Fill + Treat Serum
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This serum is a multitasker for blemish-prone skin. It smooths texture, brightens dull complexions, and strengthens the skin barrier. I’ve seen it reduce redness, refine pores, and fade post-acne marks. The 10% niacinamide tackles uneven tone, while 1% zinc calms inflammation and controls oil. It’s ideal for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, but it works for most types. If you want a clearer, more radiant face, this is your go-to.
Yes, you can use it daily—morning and evening—once your skin adjusts. I started with every other night to avoid irritation, then went full throttle. Apply a few drops after cleansing, before moisturizer. If you’re new to niacinamide or have sensitive skin, ease in slowly and patch test. I’ve had no issues using it twice daily, and my skin loves the consistent glow.
It’s not perfect. The 10% niacinamide can irritate sensitive skin, so patch testing is key. It’s not great at tackling deep hyperpigmentation—fading is slow. The texture can feel sticky if you overapply, and the dropper’s design makes it hard to get every drop. Also, you can’t use it with vitamin C, which complicates routines. For me, these are minor gripes compared to the benefits.
Avoid using this serum with pure vitamin C (like L-ascorbic acid), as they can destabilize each other, reducing effectiveness. I keep them separate—vitamin C in the morning, niacinamide at night. Also, skip combining it with AHA/BHA acids at the same time to prevent irritation. Retinol is fine, though, and can even work synergistically. Always check your routine to avoid conflicts.
Final Thoughts
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is a must-have for anyone craving brighter, smoother skin without spending a fortune. It’s transformed my complexion, and I’m betting it’ll do the same for you. From calming breakouts to boosting radiance, it’s a no-brainer addition to your routine. Grab a bottle, patch test, and get ready to glow. You won’t regret it.
