The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Review: Would Users Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this product in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of retailer ratings, ingredient information and user reviews, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.
Great value for oily skin, a gamble for everyone else
This serum has a loyal following, and reviewers with oily or combination skin describe less midday shine and a smoother-feeling surface after several weeks. The reviews are more divided than its reputation suggests, though. On Skinsort, 28% of reviewers flag irritation and 25% say it broke them out, while 33% call it great value. A slightly sticky feel and pilling under some products are the other recurring complaints. Start slowly and use only a few drops.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- have oily, combination or shine-prone skin
- want a simple, fragrance-free, low-cost serum
- like a water-based serum that layers under moisturizer
Skip it if you…
- have dry, reactive or easily flushed skin
- dislike a slightly sticky or slippery feel
- layer many silicone-based products or dense sunscreens
This review summarizes user experiences and is not medical advice. If you have acne, rosacea, eczema or another skin condition, talk to a dermatologist. Patch-test any new active on a small area first.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a water-based serum with 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3) and 1% zinc PCA. The brand positions it for oily, congestion-prone skin and suggests applying a few drops after cleansing, before heavier products.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key details
| Actives | 10% niacinamide, 1% zinc PCA |
|---|---|
| Texture | Water-based, lightweight serum (some find it slightly tacky) |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
| Ingredients | 11 listed on Skinsort |
| How the brand suggests using it | A few drops on cleansed skin, morning and evening, before heavier products |
What users love
What users complain about
How it holds up over time
People who stay with it usually settle on a routine that works: a few drops, applied to slightly damp skin, once a day or every other night at first. Users who started with nightly full-face application and a thick layer were the ones most likely to report bumps or tightness. If irritation or new breakouts last beyond about two weeks, one long-term reviewer suggests stopping and reassessing.
Tips from users
- Use 2-4 drops, not a thick layer, to cut down on stickiness and pilling.
- Apply on slightly damp skin and let it settle for a minute or so before the next step.
- Start every other night if your skin is reactive, then build up.
- Follow with a light moisturizer.
- Keep it separate from vitamin C: the brand itself suggests using them in different routines.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Water-based serum with a simple, fragrance-free formula
- Many oily-skin users report less shine
- Budget-friendly
- Layers easily with other products when used sparingly
What owners complain about
- Irritation or breakouts reported by a sizeable minority
- Slightly sticky feel and pilling under some products
- Can feel too mattifying for dry skin
- 10% is a high strength for beginners
Other options users compare
These are the kinds of products users most often weigh against this serum.
| Product | Type | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (this review) | Niacinamide serum | You have oily skin and want a budget classic | See on Amazon |
| The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | Salicylic acid treatment | Your main concern is clogged pores rather than shine | See on Amazon |
| Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster | Niacinamide booster | You want a different niacinamide formula from a skincare-focused brand | See on Amazon |
Oily skin and a small budget? This is the serum many users keep rebuying.
Check current sizes and prices on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
How many drops should I use?
Users who avoid pilling and stickiness generally use just a few drops, about 2-4 for the whole face.
Is it fragrance-free?
Yes. Skinsort lists it as fragrance-free.
Can I use it with vitamin C?
The brand recommends using niacinamide and vitamin C in separate routines.
Is it good for dry skin?
Reviewers say it can feel too mattifying for dry skin. People with dry or reactive skin tend to do better starting slowly or choosing a gentler option.
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Sources we analyzed
- Skinsort: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — rating, ingredient count and complaint breakdown
- Live That Glow: serum review — months-long personal experience and tips
- ProductReview.com.au: user reviews — rating split and recurring comments
- Home Wise Review: pores, shine and patience — pilling and results timeline
- The Ordinary: official product page — brand usage guidance and formula details
Figures reflect each source as of October 06, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.