Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting honest skincare reviews and keeping this blog thriving!
Let me paint a picture: I was deep into the skincare rabbit hole—testing serums that cost more than my weekly groceries, layering toners like my life depended on it, and still… my skin was a mess. Enlarged pores? Check. Oily T-zone by noon? Double-check. Hormonal breakouts that laughed at my expensive routines? Yup.
Then came The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. A tiny, unassuming bottle that promised a lot—and delivered even more.
If you’ve been wondering whether this cult favorite is worth the hype, spoiler alert: it absolutely is. Let’s dive into what makes this budget serum a global skincare obsession.
What Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?
This serum is part of the iconic line from The Ordinary, known for offering high-quality, science-backed skincare at mind-blowingly affordable prices.
Here’s what’s inside:
-
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – 10%
-
Brightens skin
-
Refines pores
-
Balances oil production
-
-
Zinc PCA – 1%
-
Helps reduce redness
-
Calms inflammation
-
Controls sebum
-
Texture: Lightweight, semi-thick serum
Scent: Fragrance-free (yay for sensitive skin!)
Size: 30ml bottle
Price: Around $6–$10 depending on the retailer
My Skin Before This Serum
To be brutally honest, my skin was a hot mess:
-
Constant oil slick across my forehead
-
Monthly breakouts around my jawline
-
Texture that just wouldn’t smooth out
-
Makeup sliding off my face by lunchtime
-
Hyperpigmentation scars that took months to fade
I was skeptical at first—how could something this inexpensive be that effective? But I was also desperate. So, I gave it a shot.
How I Used It (Simple Routine, Big Results)
I didn’t overcomplicate things. Here’s how I used the serum daily:
AM & PM Routine:
-
Gentle cleanser
-
Toner (optional)
-
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (3–4 drops)
-
Moisturizer
-
Sunscreen in the morning
That’s it. No 10-step routine. Just consistency.
Important tip: Don’t pair this with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) at the same time. It can cause irritation for some people. I used Niacinamide in the morning and Vitamin C at night.
What Happened After 4 Weeks?
Let’s break it down by week:
Week 1:
-
My skin felt cleaner and more balanced.
-
Oiliness reduced slightly—but still there.
Week 2:
-
Less shine throughout the day
-
Pores started looking tighter
-
Fewer new pimples popping up (yay!)
Week 3:
-
Makeup stayed put much longer
-
Skin texture noticeably smoother
-
Old acne scars began fading
Week 4:
-
My skin? Glowy. Calm. Smooth.
-
Even my partner noticed—and trust me, they never notice anything.
👉 Click here to check the current price on Amazon
The Science Behind the Magic
Why does it work so well? Here’s what the science says:
Niacinamide:
-
Regulates oil production
-
Strengthens skin’s barrier
-
Improves texture and tone
-
Fades hyperpigmentation
Zinc PCA:
-
Anti-inflammatory properties
-
Antibacterial (great for acne-prone skin)
-
Reduces shine by controlling oil
Together, they’re a powerhouse duo for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin.
Who Is It Best For?
| Skin Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Oily | Controls sebum & shine brilliantly |
| Acne-Prone | Reduces breakouts & inflammation |
| Combination | Balances uneven oil zones |
| Sensitive | Fragrance-free and gentle |
| Dry | May need to layer under a hydrating serum or cream |
If you have active breakouts, clogged pores, or greasy skin, this serum is your new best friend.
My Favorite Things About It
-
It’s SO affordable. Like, cheaper-than-coffee affordable.
-
Fast-absorbing—no sticky residue.
-
Fragrance-free and vegan. No nonsense.
-
Travel-friendly. The bottle fits anywhere.
-
Results are visible within a few weeks.
And the best part? It plays well with most other products in your routine—moisturizers, SPF, and even retinol (if layered carefully).
What I Didn’t Love (Just Being Honest)
-
The formula can pill (ball up) if you apply too much or layer it with silicone-heavy products.
-
May sting a bit on freshly exfoliated or broken skin—be gentle.
-
Takes a little trial-and-error to figure out where it fits best in your routine.
But honestly? For under $10, these are tiny trade-offs.
What Other Users Are Saying
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My pores are invisible now. No joke. I use it every day.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I was skeptical, but this cleared up my hormonal acne better than anything else.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Love it but you really have to layer it properly or it pills under makeup.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My skin has never been this calm. And I’ve spent hundreds on fancy brands.”
👉 See more customer reviews and grab yours on Amazon
Pro Tips for Best Results
-
Use just a few drops—less is more.
-
Apply to damp skin for better absorption.
-
Always follow with a moisturizer, especially if you’re on the drier side.
-
Pair with Azelaic Acid for even better acne/scar-fading results.
-
Skip Vitamin C in the same routine—alternate days or morning vs. night.
What Makes It Better Than Expensive Serums?
Here’s the thing: Most pricey serums contain niacinamide as a supporting ingredient—not the star.
With The Ordinary, you’re getting a high concentration of the key ingredient without the fluff. No fillers. No fancy packaging to inflate the price. Just science that works.
And when it’s this affordable, you can keep using it consistently—which is key to skincare success.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
1000% yes.
This is the product I recommend to everyone who asks, “What’s one thing I can add to my routine for better skin?”
It’s simple. It’s effective. It’s budget-friendly. And the results? Clearer, brighter, more balanced skin in just a few weeks.
No gimmicks. No $100 price tag. Just solid results backed by science.
Where to Buy The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
You can find it at Ulta, Sephora, and The Ordinary’s website—but for fast shipping and reliable stock, I always go with Amazon.
Leave a Reply