The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Review

Before The Ordinary launched in 2016, a 10% niacinamide serum cost $40+. Their version at $9 reset the entire price floor on functional skincare. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (4.7 stars, 54K reviews) is now the most-bought serum on Amazon for a reason — it works, and it's cheap enough to use daily without budget anxiety.

TL;DR

The right daily serum for oily and combination skin targeting visible pores, midday shine, and post-acne marks. 10% niacinamide controls sebum and reduces hyperpigmentation; 1% zinc PCA adds anti-inflammatory and oil-balance support. $9 for 30ml lasts 6–8 weeks. Visible results in 6–10 weeks of consistent use. Skip if your skin is dry — niacinamide isn't moisturizing.

Why It Matters

Niacinamide is one of the most well-studied actives in skincare. At 10% concentration it: reduces sebum production, improves barrier function, fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, reduces fine lines via collagen support, and reduces redness. Few actives have this many demonstrated effects.

Zinc PCA at 1% adds anti-inflammatory benefits and additional oil regulation. Together, the formula is purpose-built for oily/combo skin with PIH from acne — a very common skin profile.

Key Specs

• Concentration: 10% niacinamide, 1% zinc PCA
• Size: 30ml dropper bottle
• pH: ~5.5–6.0
• Texture: Lightweight, slightly slippery
• Fragrance: None
• Apply: Morning and/or night, before moisturizer
• Vegan & cruelty-free: Yes

Pros

• Real 10% concentration at $9. Most competitors charge 4× this.
• Multiple proven benefits. Sebum control, PIH fade, barrier support, redness reduction.
• Layers well. Compatible with most other actives (vitamin C, retinoids, peptides).
• No fragrance. Tolerable for sensitive skin.
• Dropper applicator. Precise dosing, hygienic delivery.
• 30ml lasts 6–8 weeks. ~$1.50/week.

Cons

• Slight pilling under sunscreen if overapplied. Use 3–4 drops max per application.
• Not moisturizing. Pair with a humectant + occlusive moisturizer.
• Some users report flushing. Niacinamide can cause histamine reactions in <5% of users — patch test.
• Slow visible results. 6–10 weeks of consistent use minimum.
• Won't help severe acne directly. Adjunct, not treatment — pair with BHA or prescription retinoid.

Who It's For

• Oily and combination skin wanting baseline sebum control.
• Acne-prone users treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
• Budget skincare buyers wanting effective actives without premium markup.
• Beginner serum users — niacinamide is forgiving and well-tolerated.
• Skip if your skin is dry (use hydrating layers instead), if you're on tretinoin already (less marginal benefit), or if you flush easily (rare reaction).

How to Use

• Apply 3–4 drops to clean dry skin morning and night
• Pat in gently — avoid rubbing
• Wait 60 seconds before moisturizer
• Layers compatibly with vitamin C, AHA/BHA, retinoids — newer studies confirm no interaction problems
• Always finish AM routine with SPF 30+

How It Compares

• vs Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster ($44): Same concentration; Paula's adds licorice for brightening. Comparable results, 5× the price.
• vs The Inkey List Niacinamide ($8): Direct competitor at similar price. Comparable.
• vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum ($20): Different active — retinol is more aggressive. Different category.
• vs Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum ($17): K-beauty alternative with propolis + niacinamide. Comparable for oily skin.

Bottom Line

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the right entry-point niacinamide serum for oily and combination skin. Real 10% concentration, $9, multiple proven benefits, easy to layer. The 54K-review count is earned. For dry skin, look elsewhere; for everyone else in the right skin-type bracket, this is a permanent fixture in the routine.

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