The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% review: Review

Looking for information about The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Smoothing Serum for review? You’re in the right place.

Who it’s for: People with oily, blemish-prone skin seeking texture and pore improvement.
Who should avoid it: Those with very sensitive skin or who need instant, dramatic results.
The most important factor: Its effectiveness for oily skin versus potential irritation for sensitive types.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Short Answer

Our The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Smoothing Serum for review finds this is a game-changing, affordable solution for oily and blemish-prone skin, but its potent formula can cause irritation and purging for those with sensitive complexions. Ultimately, its success hinges on your skin’s resilience and your patience for long-term results.

The Profiler Quiz

Question 1: My skin is…

Oily and resilient; I can usually handle potent formulas.
Sensitive and reactive; I need gentle, soothing products.

Question 2: When it comes to skincare results, I’m…

Patient and willing to wait for gradual improvements.
Looking for fast, visible changes without an adjustment period.

Quiz Results:

If you answered ‘a’ to both, you’re Profile 1. If you answered ‘b’ to both, you’re Profile 2.

Profile 1: The Oily Skin Optimist’s Guide to The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Smoothing Serum for review

You’re tired of battling an oily T-zone and visible pores. You’re a savvy skincare user who understands that great results don’t have to break the bank, and you’re willing to stick with a routine to see real, lasting improvement. For you, finding a targeted, effective, and affordable powerhouse isn’t a dream—it’s a requirement.

The User’s Voice:

“This stuff is magic in a bottle. My skin is so much smoother, my pores are smaller, and my makeup finally stays put all day.”

My Advocate’s Advice to You:

This is the secret weapon your skincare cabinet has been missing. Its lightweight, non-sticky formula absorbs in seconds, making it a perfect first step after cleansing. You’ll love how it tackles excess oil and shine throughout the day, creating a smoother canvas for your other products and makeup. Because you’re patient, you’ll see the real magic happen over a few weeks as this brightener works to visibly reduce the appearance of pores and even out your skin’s texture. It’s an incredible value that delivers results rivaling much more expensive serums.

[+] Deeper Dive: The Technical Reason It Suits You

The success of this formula for your skin type lies in its two key ingredients. The 10% concentration of Niacinamide is the star player here. According to research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Niacinamide has been shown to reduce sebum (oil) production and excretion, which is the root cause of your oily skin concerns. The added 1% Zinc PCA works in tandem to further regulate sebum activity, helping to prevent the congestion that leads to breakouts. This one-two punch is precisely what resilient, oily skin needs to find balance.

Profile 2: The Sensitive Skin Skeptic

You’ve been burned before—literally. Your skin is reactive, and the thought of a “purging” phase or any kind of stinging sensation makes you want to run for the hills. You need gentle, soothing products that deliver results without the drama, and you’d rather invest in something that calms your skin than risk a week of redness and irritation.

The User’s Voice:

“I wanted to love it, but it just made my face red and angry. The burning was too much to handle.”

My Skeptic’s Warning to You:

Please step away from the cart. While incredibly effective for some, this potent serum is likely to be too aggressive for your sensitive complexion. The high concentration of Niacinamide can easily overwhelm reactive skin, leading to the burning, redness, and irritation that many users report. Furthermore, you might experience an initial “purging” period where breakouts get worse. You don’t have time for that kind of setback; your priority is calm, happy skin, and this formula is a high-risk gamble you shouldn’t take.

[+] Deeper Dive: The Exact Product You Should Be Searching For Instead

You need a product that prioritizes hydration and soothing ingredients alongside any active ones. While The Ordinary’s serum is a targeted treatment, a product like the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 serum is formulated specifically with sensitive skin in mind. As noted by dermatologists, ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 (found in the La Roche-Posay serum) focus on repairing the skin’s moisture barrier, which is key for reducing sensitivity. Instead of this potent formula, you should be looking for gentle, hydrating serums. Start with this search for a better match: gentle hydrating serum for sensitive skin.

The Profiler’s Note

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a classic example of a “your mileage may vary” product. Its effectiveness is undeniable for the right person—the Oily Skin Optimist who has the resilience to handle its potency. For this profile, following it with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer like the Bubble Skincare Level Up Gel Face Moisturizer can be a perfect combination. However, for the Sensitive Skin Skeptic, it’s a cautionary tale written in a little glass bottle.

The Profiler’s Personal Note: My take? This serum is a high-reward tool, but only if your skin is tough enough for the job. Know your skin type before you buy.

If you’re the Oily Skin Optimist, you’ve just found your holy grail. You’re ready for smoother texture, smaller-looking pores, and balanced, happy skin. This powerhouse serum is waiting to transform your routine without emptying your wallet. Don’t wait to see the results for yourself.

🛒 Check Amazon Price

Profile-Based FAQ

Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% worth it?

For our Oily Skin Optimist, absolutely. If your skin is oily, resilient, and prone to clogged pores or texture, this serum offers incredible value. It effectively controls oil and refines skin texture over time, delivering results that compete with much more expensive products. It’s a worthy investment if you have the right skin type and patience.

Will this serum cause breakouts?

This is a critical question for our Sensitive Skin Skeptic. For some, particularly those with sensitive or reactive skin, this potent formula can cause irritation that looks like a breakout. It can also trigger a “purging” phase, where underlying congestion comes to the surface before it clears. If your skin is sensitive, this risk of initial breakouts and irritation means you should probably opt for a gentler alternative.