Disclosure: BeautyFN may earn a commission when you buy through the Amazon links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
TL;DR
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a water-based serum with 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3) and 1% zinc PCA (The Iconic, 2026).
- The brand says it helps balance visible oil and reduces the look of enlarged pores, rough texture and shine (The Iconic, 2026).
- The brand also says clearly that niacinamide is not an acne treatment (The Iconic, 2026).
- It suits oily, combination and blemish-prone skin. Some people with sensitive skin find 10% too strong at first.
- Bottom line: a low-cost, simple serum for oily skin, as long as you keep your expectations realistic.
Check the current price of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% on Amazon
What Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?
This is one of the best-known serums from The Ordinary, a Canadian brand owned by DECIEM. It is a light, water-based serum that pairs a high 10% level of niacinamide with 1% zinc PCA. According to the product description, the formula balances the visible signs of oil activity and reduces the look of textural irregularities, enlarged pores and shine (The Iconic, 2026).
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and one of the most studied ingredients in skincare. Zinc PCA is a zinc salt often used in products for oily skin. Together, they make this serum a popular first step for people who want less shine.
Main Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Water-based serum |
| Actives | Niacinamide 10%, zinc PCA 1% |
| Best for | Oily, combination and blemish-prone skin |
| Texture | Light, slightly tacky gel |
| Reported pH | About 5.75 (Skinsort, 2026) |
| Sizes | 30 ml and 120 ml |
The full ingredient list is short: water, niacinamide, pentylene glycol, zinc PCA, dimethyl isosorbide, tamarind seed gum, xanthan gum, isoceteth-20, ethoxydiglycol, phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin (Redcare Pharmacie, 2026).
What It Can Do
Reduce the look of shine and pores
The main promise is less visible oil and smaller-looking pores. The brand ties this to the combination of niacinamide and zinc (The Iconic, 2026). Many users notice a less shiny T-zone after a few weeks. Pores do not physically shrink, but they can look smaller when they are less congested.
Support smoother, brighter-looking skin
The brand also says the serum boosts radiance, improves smoothness and supports the skin barrier over time (Beautetrade product listing, 2026). These are gradual changes, so give it at least four to eight weeks before you judge it.
Fit into most routines
It is fragrance free and can be layered with most other products (Cloud10 Beauty, 2026). That makes it easy to add to an existing routine.
What It Cannot Do
The Ordinary states that niacinamide and zinc are not an acne treatment, and it recommends speaking to a healthcare provider about persistent acne (Redcare Pharmacie, 2026). This serum can sit alongside acne treatments, but it does not replace them. It will also not remove blackheads on its own; an exfoliant such as salicylic acid is better for that.
Who Should Buy It and Who Should Skip It
Good fit: oily or combination skin, people who want less midday shine, and anyone building a simple routine on a tight budget.
Maybe skip: very dry skin that does not need oil control, and sensitive skin that reacts to strong actives. A small number of users report redness or a tingling feeling with 10% niacinamide. If that happens, try a lower-strength niacinamide serum instead.
How to Use It
- Cleanse and, if you use one, apply toner.
- Apply a few drops to the whole face.
- Let it settle for a minute, then apply moisturizer.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
This order follows the retailer's directions (Watsons, 2026). Patch test on the inner forearm first if you have sensitive skin. If you also use a vitamin C serum, some retailers suggest using vitamin C at night and this serum in the morning (Cloud10 Beauty, 2026).
Use a small amount. Too much can pill (roll into small flakes) under moisturizer or makeup, especially with silicone-heavy products.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very low price for a 10% niacinamide serum
- Short, simple ingredient list
- Fragrance free
- Easy to add to most routines
Cons
- Not an acne treatment
- Can pill under some products
- 10% may be too strong for sensitive skin
How It Compares
Lower-strength niacinamide serums (around 4 to 5%) are often better tolerated by sensitive skin. Most research on niacinamide uses levels in this lower range (Skincarisma, 2026).
Salicylic acid exfoliants work differently. They clear dead skin from inside pores, so they are better for blackheads. Many people use both: an exfoliant a few times a week and niacinamide daily.
Buying Tips
- Start with the 30 ml bottle to see how your skin reacts before buying the large size.
- Buy from trusted sellers, as popular low-cost products are often copied.
- Check the box for the ingredient list, which can vary slightly by region.
Our Verdict
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a sensible, low-cost serum for oily and combination skin. It can reduce shine and make pores look less obvious, but it is not an acne cure, and sensitive skin may prefer a gentler version. Used with realistic expectations, it is good value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Ordinary Niacinamide clear acne?
No. The brand says niacinamide and zinc are not an acne treatment (Redcare Pharmacie, 2026). It can be used alongside acne treatments for extra visible benefits.
Can I use it every day?
Yes, most people use it once or twice a day. Start once a day if your skin is sensitive.
Why does it pill on my skin?
Pilling usually happens when you use too much or layer it under heavy or silicone-rich products. Use a few drops and let it dry before the next step.
Can I use it with vitamin C?
Yes, but some retailers suggest using them at different times of day, such as vitamin C at night and niacinamide in the morning (Cloud10 Beauty, 2026).
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Some sensitive skin handles it well, but 10% can cause redness for others. Patch test first.
Is it vegan?
The brand lists this product as vegan (Skincarisma, 2026).