Serum · $7
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A high-strength, water-based niacinamide serum with 1% zinc PCA, sold at a price that made the ingredient mainstream. The formula is deliberately minimal, which is both its strength and the reason some people find it uncomfortable.
Key ingredients
- Niacinamide 10%
- Above the 2–5% used in most published barrier and sebum studies. Higher is not clearly better, and 10% raises the chance of a warm flushing response in sensitive skin.
- Zinc PCA 1%
- Included for sebum regulation. Evidence is modest; it also contributes to the formula's slightly tacky feel.
Texture and finish
Thin, water-light, and mildly tacky as it dries. Layering it under a heavy cream or a silicone-rich SPF can cause pilling, which is the most common complaint about this product.
It suits you if
- Your skin is oily and you want to reduce midday shine
- You have post-acne marks and want a low-cost addition to your routine
- You tolerate high-percentage niacinamide without flushing
- You want one active in one bottle with nothing else in it
Skip it if
- You have rosacea or flush easily — use a 4–5% niacinamide instead
- You layer several silicone-based products and struggle with pilling
- Your skin is dry and you want a hydrating serum rather than an oil-control one
Pros
- Extremely low cost for a well-documented active
- Fragrance-free, oil-free, and vegan
- Simple formula makes it easy to isolate a reaction
Cons
- 10% is above the strength most studies use
- Tacky finish and a real tendency to pill
- Dropper packaging exposes the formula to air
How to use it
- 1A few drops on clean, dry skin before heavier serums and moisturizer.
- 2Once daily to start; twice only if you have no flushing.
- 3If it pills, apply to damp skin and wait 60 seconds before the next layer.
Where it fits in a routine
Morning, after cleansing and before moisturizer and SPF; or at night before a retinoid, where it helps reduce irritation.
See the oily-skin routineMore breakdowns
This breakdown is based on publicly available ingredient lists and manufacturer information. It is general skincare information, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for a dermatologist's assessment of your skin.