Niacinamide is THE ingredient that WORKS for everyone – you can be dry, oily, combination, normal, acne-prone, and a million other things. There’s a high chance you’ll see positive results after including this ingredient in your skincare routine.
I have oily skin with an uneven skin tone. I desperately needed something that could control the oil production and even out my complexion. And I ordered The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Solution to see if it’s actually worth the hype!
Disclosure: Contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission for purchases made via them.
If you struggle with excessive oil, uneven skin tone, and appearance of pores or just want something to brighten your complexion and strengthen your skin barrier, you might want to hear what I have to say about the ordinary niacinamide serum.
Key Ingredients
The Ordinary serum has 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc as the key ingredients. The product claims to regulate sebum and minimize pores.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide (also called Vitamin B3) is an antioxidant that reduces enlarged pores, improves uneven skin tone, brightens the complexion, and strengthens the skin barrier. This ingredient is surprisingly compatible with a majority of actives like AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C, etc.
What is Zinc?
Applying Zinc topically controls the oil production on your skin and this ingredient is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Complete Ingredients List: Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Price: US$9.80 for 30ml
You can buy the niacinamide serum from ULTA or the brand’s website.
Product Details: pH 5.50-6.50, alcohol-free, oil-free, gluten-free, silicone-free, nut-free, cruelty-free, vegan
My Thoughts on The Ordinary Niacinamide+Zinc Serum
I was not using any serum before I started with The Ordinary’s Niacinamide. My routine before this was the usual cleanse, moisturize, SPF, and exfoliate (3x a week). And this serum was a game-changer for my skin – it had never looked better.
BTW, I was exfoliating my face with The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
PACKAGING
The Niacinamide+Zinc serum comes in a small, thick glass bottle that has a matte finish. You can see through the bottle to check the quantity left. You get a dropper to pick the product. Everything comes enclosed in cardboard that has all the product details.
TEXTURE & SMELL
The product is transparent and is slightly heavier than water. It feels very lightweight and non-sticky on the skin. The texture is slightly viscous and it foams on application so make sure you apply the ordinary niacinamide serum on dry skin and don’t go overboard with the quantity.
This serum doesn’t have any added fragrance and the smell isn’t really detectable.
Another favourite Niacinamide based serum of mine is Tiam Vita B3 Source. It has 10% Niacinamide but the texture is watery and more elegant.
HOW TO USE THE ORDINARY NIACINAMIDE + ZINC SERUM?
In your skincare routine, you can use the ordinary niacinamide serum after cleansing and toning (optional). I tend to use it once a day, either morning or night but it can be used twice a day too. If you’re oily, acne-prone my post on The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin might be helpful for you.
All you have to do is take 2 drops of the niacinamide serum in your palms and pat in on the skin. It gets absorbed quickly leaving no residue or sticky feeling behind.
As mentioned before, Niacinamide is compatible with almost all the actives so you don’t have to worry about layering with different acids. Just find the combination that works the best for your skin and stick to it.
RESULTS OF THE ORDINARY NIACINAMIDE+ZINC SERUM
I have been using this product for 3 months now and it has worked extremely well for my skin. I was facing skin issues like blemished skin, excess oil production, and enlarged pores. And with consistent use of the ordinary niacinamide serum, my pores appear smaller and my skin has a beautiful glow to it.
While it did help me in evening out my skin tone, I didn’t see faster results with stubborn acne spots. But my skin always felt soft and supple.
The ordinary niacinamide serum combined with the ordinary glycolic acid has been worked really well for my skin. Since Niacinamide increases cell turnover, you might experience purging when you have just started using it. If that happens, keep going and it should clear up within 3-4 weeks.
Some skin types can’t tolerate a high percentage of Niacinamide so if you’re one of them, go for a lower concentration.
Buy The Serum
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a clearer, evened out skin that shines brighter than anyone’s future, you should give The Ordinary Niacinamide & Zinc Serum a shot! While it does reduce oil production for oily skin, people with dry skin would enjoy this product too as it doesn’t dry out the skin.
Why You Should Buy the ordinary niacinamide serum?
- Reduces oil production
- Evens out skin tone
- Brightens the skin
- Cruelty-free & Vegan
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Reduces appearance of pores
- Leaves skin soft and supple
Why You Should Avoid the ORDINARY NIACINAMIDE SERUM?
- Not an elegant formulation (viscous texture that foams)
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Related Posts:
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Review
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Review
Pixi Glow Tonic vs The Ordinary Glycolic Acid – Which is Better?
Les says
How will I know if the one that I bought the ordinary niacinamide is authentic?
Rifat Yaseen says
Only buy from authentic websites. Check the brand’s site to know about them!
Dee says
Hi,
I recently had an impaired skin barrier, had to stop all my skin products. It has healed back now but my skin is so dark and pigmented and I have a lot of acne spots and some whiteheads around my chin. I recently started using the cerave foaming cleanser and got the good molecules brightening toner. Now I’m trying to decide on which ordinary serum to buy (alpha arbutin or niacinamide) or can I use both in a routine?
I also plan to purchase the ordinary glycolic toner as I have stopped physical exfoliation. Please advice. Thank you.
Rifat Yaseen says
You can get either of the two or both and use one in the AM and another in PM. For glycolic acid, I’d suggest you start slow by going in 1-2x a week and closely monitoring it.
Nidhi says
Great review!
For acne prone and sensitive skin, would you suggest this or TA Salicylic acid solution?
Nidhi says
I also have congested pores in certain areas of my face
Rifat Yaseen says
Hey, they’re both different things – Salicylic acid will exfoliate your skin so it’s a good idea to use that on alternate nights and use niacinamide everyday, both morning and night. You’ll benefit from both. But start with salicylic acid, get your skin used to it for 2 weeks or so and then include this niacinamide serum too. Hope this helps!
Rhea says
Hi, been suffering from melasma for over 5 years now… Can you suggest products from the ordinary that might help? And how often should i use? Thank you so much!
Rifat Yaseen says
Hey, you can try The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, it works really well for pigmentation issues and make sure you don’t skip sunscreen at any cost whenever you step out. Apply generously!
Usage of arbutin: apply 2-3 drops per use after cleanser and then use moisturiser. Once at night daily would be enough 🙂
Rhea says
Thank you so much!? can i also use the glycolic toner? or just cleanser?
Rifat Yaseen says
Of course, you can. glycolic acid toner on alternate days at night would be amazing. Cleanse, glycolic acid (thrice a week) wait for it to get fully absorbed, few drops of alpha arbutin (daily) and moisturiser.
Rhea says
Oh thank you so much!?
Hira says
Can i use it right after the ordinary glycolic acid at night
Rifat Yaseen says
Give a gap of 10-15 minutes between the two and it won’t cause any irritation or flushing 🙂
crystalsandcurls says
YES YES YES! I’ve actually just started using this (I love the ordinary and saw it on my latest repurchase of some of my faves of theirs) and it’s massively helping my skin already! Great post x
Rifat Yaseen says
Thank you so much! I am absolutely impressed by this brand and how their products work ? It’s great to know it has started working for you already!❤️
cleverlychic says
Thanks for the review, it was very informative! One question — do you have any certain products that you like to use along with it?
~ CoCo & Tori
cleverlychic.wordpress.com
Rifat Yaseen says
I use glycolic acid toning solution from The ordinary only. Currently using it once or twice a week. I keep changing its frequency.
cleverlychic says
okie dokie. thank you!!!
bingingonabudget says
Thanks for sharing, I’m always looking for new skincare products. What is the best benefit of this one in particular?
Rifat Yaseen says
Hey! It’s the best to minimize pore size, even out pigmented skin and bring shine to dull face 🙂
Nayanika says
I have never used any acids before is it okay for me to gives this a try? I have oily acne prone skin, and alsos visibly large pore
Rifat Yaseen says
Hey! Yes, you absolutely can. Niacinamide and zinc aren’t acids 🙂
Mahjabin says
Hey
Can I use this right after using a glycolic acid 10% toner?
I use the toner from Saturday skin.
Rifat Yaseen says
Yes you can! Let the glycolic acid toner sink completely and then go for the niacinamide.