The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Why This $6 Bottle Still Beats the Hype

You've probably seen that frosted glass bottle sitting in basically every bathroom cabinet on TikTok. It’s a cult classic for a reason, but honestly, it's also one of the most misunderstood products in the skincare world. People treat The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% like it’s a magic eraser for acne or a heavy-duty moisturizer. It isn't. Not even close.

It’s a serum. It’s cheap. It’s potent. But if you use it wrong, it’ll leave your face red, itchy, or "purging" in ways that make you want to throw the whole bottle in the trash.

What is this stuff, actually?

Let’s get the science out of the way first because The Ordinary (owned by DECIEM) loves their clinical names. Niacinamide is just a fancy word for Vitamin B3. It’s an essential nutrient, and when you put it on your skin, it does a bunch of cool things at once. It helps with barrier function, minimizes the look of pores, and deals with uneven skin tone.

Then you have the Zinc PCA. This isn't the stuff you put on a baby's diaper rash. It’s there to control sebum—that oily gunk your skin produces that leads to shine and breakouts.

Most high-end brands will put maybe 2% or 5% niacinamide in a cream and charge you sixty bucks. The Ordinary went "Hold my beer" and shoved 10% into a water-based serum for the price of a fancy latte. That’s the appeal. It’s raw, it’s transparent, and it’s dirt cheap.

The 10% problem: Is it actually too much?

Here’s where things get spicy. A lot of dermatologists, including folks like Dr. Sam Bunting or the researchers over at Kind of Stephen, often point out that most clinical studies showing the benefits of niacinamide were done at 2% to 5% concentrations.

When you jump to 10%, you’re entering "extra" territory.

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For some people, this is great. It’s the heavy hitter they need to dry up an oily T-zone. For others? It’s an irritant. If you start using this and your skin feels tight or starts stinging, it’s not "working"—it’s your skin barrier screaming for help. You don’t need to power through the pain.

I’ve seen people complain about "purging" with this serum. Technically, niacinamide shouldn't cause a true purge because it doesn't increase cell turnover like a retinol or an AHA. If you’re breaking out after using this, you’re likely either sensitive to the high concentration or reacting to the base formula itself. It happens. Don't force it.

How to layer it without the "Pilling" nightmare

If you’ve used this serum, you know the struggle. You put it on, wait a minute, apply your moisturizer, and suddenly your face is shedding little white flakes. It looks like your skin is peeling off, but it’s just the product balling up. This is "pilling."

The formula is water-based and contains a thickener called Xanthan Gum. It doesn't always play nice with silicones or heavy oils.

To avoid looking like a shedding lizard, try this:

1. Apply it to slightly damp skin.
2. Use literally two drops for your whole face. People use way too much.
3. Press it into the skin; don't rub it like you're buffing a car.
4. Let it dry completely—give it a full two minutes—before you touch your face again with another product.

The Vitamin C Myth: Can you mix them?

For years, the internet was convinced that if you used Niacinamide and Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) together, they’d cancel each other out or turn your face bright orange through a chemical reaction called "complexation."

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The Ordinary even had a warning on their site about it for a long time.

Guess what? It’s mostly a myth based on old research from the 1960s that used unstable forms of the ingredients at high temperatures. In modern skincare formulations, you can totally use both. However, if you have super sensitive skin, using two high-strength actives at once might cause some flushing. If you’re worried, just use Vitamin C in the morning and Niacinamide at night. Easy.

Real talk on what it actually does (and doesn't) do

Don't buy this if you’re looking to cure cystic acne. It won't. Cystic acne is a hormonal, deep-seated issue that usually requires something like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or a visit to a derm for some Accutane or Spironolactone.

What The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is actually good for:

• Making your pores look "tight." (Pores don't actually open and close like windows, but they look smaller when they aren't filled with oil).
• Keeping your forehead from looking like a grease trap by lunchtime.
• Helping those annoying red marks (Post-Inflammatory Erythema) fade a little bit faster after a zit dies.
• Strengthening the skin barrier over time so you're less reactive to environmental junk.

It’s a support player. It’s the defensive lineman of your skincare routine. It isn't the quarterback.

Who should skip it?

If you have extremely dry or eczematous skin, be careful. Zinc is a drying agent. That’s why it’s great for oily teenagers, but if you’re already struggling with flaky patches, this serum might turn your face into a desert.

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Also, if you're already using a "multitasker" serum like Peach & Lily’s Glass Skin or something from Paula’s Choice, check the label. They probably already have niacinamide in them. You don't need to layer niacinamide on top of niacinamide. Your skin can only absorb so much.

The budget breakdown

Price: Usually around $6.00 to $7.00 USD for 30ml.
Texture: Kind of a thick, soapy liquid. If it lathers a bit when you rub it, that's normal. It’s the surfactants in the formula.
Cruelty-free? Yes.
Vegan? Yes.

How to integrate it into your 2026 routine

Skincare has moved away from the "10-step K-beauty" craze into "skin minimalism." You don't need a shelf full of stuff. If you want to use this, keep the rest of your routine dead simple.

Morning:

1. Gentle Cleanser (or just water).
2. The Ordinary Niacinamide (2 drops).
3. Moisturizer.
4. SPF 30+ (Non-negotiable).

Evening:

1. Oil Cleanser (if you wear makeup/sunscreen).
2. Regular Cleanser.
3. Retinoid OR Niacinamide (don't start both on the same night).
4. Heavy Moisturizer.

Why it’s still relevant after all these years

New brands pop up every week. They have prettier packaging. They have celebrity founders. But The Ordinary stays at the top of the charts because it’s predictable. When you buy this bottle, you know exactly what’s in it. There’s no "proprietary blend" or "secret forest extract." It’s just B3 and Zinc.

In an industry built on marketing fluff, that kind of blunt honesty is refreshing. Even if the texture isn't as "elegant" as a $100 serum, the results are often identical if your skin likes the concentration.

Actionable Next Steps:

• Patch test first. Put a tiny bit on your neck or behind your ear for 24 hours. If you turn red, don't put it on your face.
• Check your other products. If your moisturizer already lists Niacinamide in the top 5 ingredients, you likely don't need this serum.
• Lower the dose. If 10% feels too strong, try mixing one drop of the serum with a big dollop of your favorite moisturizer in your palm before applying. It dilutes the strength and makes it much gentler.
• Watch the expiration. The Ordinary products usually have a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol—a little open jar icon—that says "12M." Throw it out after a year. The ingredients degrade and it won't work as well.
• Store it right. Keep it out of direct sunlight. The bathroom cabinet is fine, but don't leave it on a sunny windowsill.