The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

If you're even slightly into skincare, chances are you've seen The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% trending all over Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. From influencers swearing by it to skincare beginners trying to fix breakouts — this little glass bottle has become something of a skincare legend.

So naturally, I had to try it for myself.

Let’s dive into what this serum is all about, what it actually does for your skin, and whether it’s truly worth the buzz it’s getting.

What Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum?

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

BUY NOW

This lightweight serum is formulated by The Ordinary, a brand known for its no-fuss, ingredient-focused skincare. As the name suggests, the key ingredients here are:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – 10% concentration
  Known for improving uneven skin tone, reducing the appearance of blemishes, and strengthening the skin barrier.
• Zinc PCA – 1% concentration
  Helps control oil production and has anti-inflammatory benefits, making it ideal for acne-prone and oily skin.

Together, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% aims to tackle dullness, enlarged pores, excess oil, and breakouts. Sounds like a dream, right?

My Experience Using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

I used The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% every morning for about four weeks. My skin type is combination with an oily T-zone and occasional hormonal breakouts. Here’s how it went:

• Week 1: I started slow — just 2–3 drops after toner, before moisturizer. It felt a little sticky at first, but absorbed quickly. No irritation or redness, which was a good sign.
• Week 2: I noticed my skin looking less greasy by mid-day. Usually, I’d need blotting papers around noon, but with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, I didn’t feel the urge.
• Week 3: Fewer breakouts! A couple of tiny pimples popped up around my jawline, but they healed quicker than usual.
• Week 4: My skin started looking more even-toned, and my pores didn’t appear as obvious. I wasn’t expecting miracles, but the improvement was noticeable.

What I Loved About The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

• Oil control: Huge difference in my T-zone shine!
• Pore appearance: Not gone, but definitely less obvious.
• No fragrance or fancy fluff: Just straight-up ingredients that work.
• Super affordable: Under ₹700 for a bottle that lasts months.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Not for sensitive skin newbies: If your skin is already irritated or compromised, this might sting or cause dryness.
• Doesn’t play well with Vitamin C: Avoid layering The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% with pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the same routine to prevent ingredient clashing.
• Texture: Slightly tacky at first, but that goes away once it dries.

How to Use The Ordinary Serum for Best Results

1. Cleanse your skin as usual.
2. Apply a hydrating toner or essence (optional).
3. Use 2–3 drops of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% on slightly damp skin.
4. Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning.

Consistency is key — use it daily and give it at least 4 weeks to see real results.

Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for You?

This serum is ideal for you if:

• You have oily or acne-prone skin.
• You're dealing with uneven texture or visible pores.
• You want a no-nonsense product that works without costing a bomb.

However, if you have very dry or reactive skin, you might want to start with a lower concentration of niacinamide or buffer it with a calming moisturizer.

Final Verdict: Does The Ordinary Serum Live Up to the Hype?

Honestly? Yes — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% delivers on its promises. It’s not a miracle in a bottle, but it’s a hardworking serum that does what it claims. For the price, the results, and the clean ingredient list, it’s absolutely worth trying.

If you’ve been struggling with breakouts, excess oil, or just want a smoother, brighter complexion — The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% might just be your new skincare BFF. (optional).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What does The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% do for your skin?

A1. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% helps reduce oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, fade acne scars, and improve uneven skin tone. It also supports a stronger skin barrier, making it ideal for acne-prone and oily skin types.

Q2. Can I use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% every day?

A2. Yes, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is safe for daily use. Most users apply it once or twice a day after cleansing and before moisturizing. Consistent use over a few weeks yields the best results.

Q3. Should I use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in the morning or at night?

A3. You can use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% both in the morning and at night. Just make sure to follow it with sunscreen during the day, as niacinamide doesn’t replace UV protection.

Q4. Can I mix The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% with other serums?

A4. Avoid combining The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% with products containing pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid), as it may reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients. Otherwise, it pairs well with most hydrating serums and moisturizers.

Q5. Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% good for acne?

A5. Yes, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is excellent for acne-prone skin. Niacinamide helps calm inflammation and fade post-acne marks, while zinc controls sebum production and supports faster healing of breakouts.

Stay tuned for more such interesting & informative articles!