The Ordinary is a skincare brand that focuses on providing high-quality ingredients at an affordable price. Many of the products are simple and easy to incorporate into your skincare routine.
One of The Ordinary’s best sellers is Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Did you know that The Ordinary also offers a powder niacinamide product? These niacinamide products both contain a high percentage of niacinamide, so you can get quick and visible results.
Today, I will discuss my experience with both Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and 100% Niacinamide Powder in this The Ordinary niacinamide review.
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The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
At A Glance
- Key Ingredients: 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and 1% Zinc PCA
- Targets: Skin texture, visible shine, signs of congestion, dryness, dullness
- Benefits: Reduces skin blemishes, controls excess oil, improves skin texture
- Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin types
- Texture: Water-based serum
- Usage: Apply a few drops to your face in the AM and PM before creams
- Price: $6.00 (1 oz), $10.80 (2 oz), $19.90 (4 oz)
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a best-selling serum that contains 10% niacinamide plus 1% zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) to help control sebum (oil) activity.
The formula utilizes a high 10% concentration of niacinamide to help improve the look of blemishes and congestion in the skin.
Fans of this serum swear by it for improving breakouts, skin texture, and pore size.
Niacinamide (a 4% gel) has, in fact, been shown to be as effective as 1% clindamycin gel in the treatment of acne. It does wonders to control oil throughout the day and, over time, improves skin texture.
This serum and all products from The Ordinary are cruelty-free and vegan.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Review
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Oil Regulation: Effectively minimizes excessive oiliness, blemishes, and visible pores. | ❌ Potentially Irritating: May irritate sensitive skin. |
| ✅ Texture Improvement: Contributes to smoother skin and reduces visible pores. | ❌ Potential Dryness: May cause dryness and tightness in the skin due to its high concentration of niacinamide. |
| ✅ Multi-Functional: Not only does it target oil and texture, but it’s also effective for fine lines, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and a weakened skin barrier. | |
| ✅ Fragrance-Free: Free of potentially irritating fragrances and is vegan and cruelty-free. | |
| ✅ Very Affordable: Wallet-friendly and cost-effective compared to similar serums. |
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is such a fan favorite, so I was sure this would be one of my favorite products from The Ordinary.
Unfortunately, there is something in the formula that irritates my somewhat sensitive skin.
That being said, I noticed that this serum really helps to keep oil at bay all day and minimizes the look of pores. My skin leans toward the oily side, and this serum works well around the T-zone to balance oil production.
While the irritation dissipates after a few minutes, I am more inclined to use another niacinamide serum that doesn’t cause this irritation.
This is so disappointing because it is such an affordably priced niacinamide serum, and The Ordinary customers RAVE about this serum and its ability to decrease breakouts and even help with acne scars (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
How To Use The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
Since The Ordinary niacinamide serum is water-based, you should apply it to your face after cleansing and toning in the morning and/or evening before your moisturizer and heavier creams.
Niacinamide can be used with other skincare actives, but certain potent actives can reduce the effectiveness of niacinamide:
- The Ordinary notes that you should not use this niacinamide serum with vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid and/or ethylated l-ascorbic acid) products.
- You should also wait at least 15-30 minutes between using direct acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid and a niacinamide serum for maximum effectiveness.
Be sure to patch test before trying this and any new skin care product on your face for the first time.
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum Alternatives:
I have had better luck with the following niacinamide serums, including my favorite niacinamide serum of all from Beauty Pie:
Beauty Pie Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide Serum
Beauty Pie Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide Serum is formulated with 10% niacinamide, 2% Oxygeskin (strengthens your skin barrier), and 3% Evermat, an ingredient that makes large pores look like they’ve shrunk.
The serum is boosted by antioxidants, soothing ingredients, and a natural peptidic surfactant to help prevent breakouts.
Of all the niacinamide serums that I’ve tried over the years, this is my favorite niacinamide serum. It has a lightweight, watery consistency and absorbs quickly into my skin without leaving any residue.
It really helps balance oil production and brightens my skin. Love it!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum is a 10% niacinamide serum that exfoliates your skin to reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and pores.
In addition to niacinamide, the serum contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and acetyl glucosamine, all of which are excellent moisturizing ingredients.
So not only does this serum exfoliate and brighten your skin, but it also provides intense hydration. The serum is formulated for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum combines 10% niacinamide with 2% glycerin and 1% betaine, a humectant and moisturizing ingredient.
The serum goes to work on breakouts, enlarged pores, noticeable skin texture, and uneven skin tone.
While formulated for all skin types, this niacinamide serum is especially good for combination and oily skin. And the price is just as low as The Ordinary!
L’Oreal 12% [Niacinamide Amino Sulfonic and Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum
L’Oreal 12% [Niacinamide Amino Sulfonic and Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum targets dark spots, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and other imperfections with brightening niacinamide, exfoliating amino sulfonic acid, and antioxidant ferulic acid.
Who is this dark spot serum for? Anyone dealing with age spots, post-acne marks, dull skin, or sunspots. It’s formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder is a pure niacinamide powder for topical use that zeroes in on visible shine, enlarged pores, and irregular skin texture.
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder Review
I am a huge fan of niacinamide, so I quickly purchased this The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder after it was introduced.
I like the fact that you can mix it with different products depending on what you are using in your skincare routine.
These days, I like to mix the powder with The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as The Ordinary “Buffet”), Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, or The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid, which contains Matrixyl 3000 for additional anti-aging benefits.
The fine-grain powder dissolves easily without leaving any clumps or changing the texture of the serum/moisturizer that it is mixed with.
Granted, it’s not easy to figure out how much a quarter of a scoop is. It would have been much easier if The Ordinary included the correct size scoop.
But you have to do your best to measure 1/4 of the round bottom scoop.
Since the powder requires mixing, I must admit that I don’t use it as much as I do other niacinamide products that don’t require as many steps.
BUT, I love the pure ingredients that contain no extra fillers and how CUSTOMIZABLE the powder is.
I think The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder delivers on controlling shine, reducing the look of pores, and improving skin texture.
If you don’t mind a little extra effort, this is a great way to incorporate niacinamide into your skincare regimen.
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder Ingredients
Niacinamide (the one and only ingredient!).
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How To Use The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder
You must mix The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder with a water-based non-conflicting product with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0.
Mix 1/4 scoop of the spoon provided with the appropriate base product in the palm of your hand. Then apply it to your face in the morning and/or evening.
The Ordinary offers some product mixing suggestions from their own line, like the following:
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as The Ordinary “Buffet”)
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Matrixyl 10% + HA
- Argireline Solution 10%
The Ordinary says that 1/4 scoop of the powder contains 0.05g of niacinamide, so if you mix 0.05g with four drops of the non-conflicting base, it will yield a 10-15% concentration of niacinamide.
The Ordinary notes that you should not use products withtopical Vitamin C ( i.e., l-ascorbic acid, ethylated l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin C derivatives) and this niacinamide powder in the same routine.
You should also not mix this powder with direct exfoliating acids.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% vs The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder: Which is Better?
It really comes down to personal preference. If you want a premixed niacinamide serum that is easy to use, go with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
If you prefer a more customized niacinamide product and if you don’t mind spending a little extra time mixing niacinamide with other skincare serums or moisturizers, choose The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder.
FAQs
Does The Ordinary Niacinamide help acne?
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum and Powder both help acne and breakouts by regulating sebum production. They also reduce the look of pore size and strengthen your skin barrier to help prevent breakouts in the future.
Is The Ordinary Niacinamide good for acne scars?
When used consistently and over time, The Ordinary niacinamide products can help fade hyperpigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.
Can you use The Ordinary Niacinamide with retinol?
Yes, you can use The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum with retinol. Niacinamide is excellent for strengthening the skin barrier and has anti-inflammatory benefits, which can be helpful when using potentially irritating retinol and retinoids.
Can The Ordinary Niacinamide be used with hyaluronic acid?
Yes, you can use both The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum and Powder with hyaluronic acid. I love mixing The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum for an anti-aging and oil control boost to my skincare routine.
The Ordinary Niacinamide vs The Inkey List Niacinamide
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide Concentration: | 10% | 10% |
| Other Active Ingredients: | 1% Zinc PCA | 1% Hyaluronic Acid |
| Price: | $6.00 for 1 oz. | $9.99 for 1 oz. |
For more details on how The Inkey List and The Ordinary niacinamide serums compare, please see my post on The Inkey List vs The Ordinary.
The Benefits of Niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of my favorite skincare actives because it offers so many benefits for the skin. Niacinamide:
- Balances sebum production and offers anti-inflammatory benefits for acne prone skin
- Reduces the look of enlarged pores
- Fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots, improves uneven skin tone by interrupting melanin (pigment) production, and can treat melasma
- Improves collagen production and the proteins filaggrin, involucrin, and keratin, which support skin elasticity and firmness and a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines
- Boosts ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and helps improve rosacea
- Increases cell turnover and loosens dead cells to promote exfoliation and reveal healthier cells underneath for a brighter, more radiant complexion
- Exhibits antioxidant benefits to protect the skin from UV damage and oxidative stress
Niacinamide is so beloved because it has so many properties that address the signs of aging, brighten skin tone, boost the skin barrier while treating various skin conditions.
The Bottom Line
Niacinamide is a multi-benefit skincare active that provides so many benefits for the skin and deserves a spot in just about every skincare routine.
The Ordinary niacinamide products are an excellent choice to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and acne.
These niacinamide skin care products are especially helpful for aging, oily, and acne-prone skin. Pair with The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for more acne-fighting power!
While The Ordinary niacinamide serum is a fan favorite, don’t overlook their niacinamide powder.
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder is an affordable and effective customizable option, especially if you have time to mix your own product every day.
Thanks for reading!
Related The Ordinary Review Posts:
- The Ordinary 10% Mandelic Acid + HA Review
- The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Review
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Review
- The Ordinary Caffeine Solution Review
- The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Review
- The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Review
- The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Review
- The Ordinary Anti-Aging Skincare Review
- The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Review
- The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA Review
- The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% Review
Sarah Roberts
Sarah Roberts is the founder, writer, and photographer behind A Beauty Edit. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Sarah is an avid skincare and beauty enthusiast who shares the best beauty finds to help you save time and money!
