Skip to content

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Canada INDIE

A high-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula featuring 10% pure niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and 1% zinc PCA to visibly reduce the appearance of pores, control excess sebum, and improve overall skin radiance and texture.

Vegan Cruelty-Free Fragrance-Free Oil-Free Silicone-Free Paraben-Free Gluten-Free Non-Comedogenic
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Formula
Water-Based
Size
30ml / 60ml
pH Level
5.0 - 6.5
Key Active
Niacinamide 10%
Use
AM & PM
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Pore Minimizing

High-concentration niacinamide visibly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores over time with consistent use.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Serum
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Quick (30 sec)
Finish
Slightly Tacky

Pore Minimizing

High-concentration niacinamide visibly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores over time with consistent use.

Oil Control

Zinc PCA helps regulate excess sebum production, reducing visible shine throughout the day.

Skin Brightening

Improves overall skin radiance and helps fade post-acne marks and uneven skin tone.

Barrier Support

Strengthens the skin's moisture barrier, improving resilience against environmental stressors.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is considered safe for topical use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. No harmful ingredients present.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and ferments that feed Malassezia yeast. Zinc may help inhibit fungal growth.

Non-Comedogenic

Rating 0/5. Oil-free, lightweight formula will not clog pores. Suitable for acne-prone skin.

Vitamin C Interaction

Do not use with pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) or Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid in the same routine. Use at alternate times.

Patch Test Recommended

10% niacinamide is a high concentration. Some users may experience initial flushing or irritation. Patch test before full application.

Retinol Compatible

Can be safely used alongside retinol and retinoids. Niacinamide may help reduce irritation from retinol use.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 10%Proven

A multitasking powerhouse that addresses multiple skin concerns. Works by increasing ceramide production, regulating sebum, and inhibiting melanin transfer to reduce hyperpigmentation.

  • Clinical Evidence: Studies show 2-5% niacinamide effectively reduces sebum and improves skin texture; 10% provides enhanced results.
  • Mechanism: Converts to NAD+ in skin cells, supporting cellular energy, DNA repair, and collagen production.
  • Benefits: Pore minimizing, oil control, brightening, anti-aging, barrier strengthening.
Well-tolerated by most skin types including sensitive skin. No known photosensitivity.

Zinc PCA 1%Proven

A synergistic combination of zinc and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA). Zinc regulates sebum while PCA provides hydration as a natural moisturizing factor (NMF).

  • Clinical Evidence: In-vivo studies show 1% Zinc PCA significantly reduces sebum production after 28 days of application.
  • Antimicrobial: In-vitro studies demonstrate strong antibacterial activity against P. acnes bacteria.
  • Anti-aging Potential: Research suggests it may support Type I collagen production.
Particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Tamarindus Indica Seed GumSupporting

A natural polysaccharide from tamarind seeds that provides film-forming and moisturizing properties while creating a smooth serum texture.

  • Function: Viscosity controller, emulsion stabilizer, and skin conditioner.
  • Benefit: Creates a protective film that helps retain moisture without greasiness.

11 ingredients

Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Formaldehydes, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Oxybenzone, Coal Tar, Fragrance, Silicones, Oils, Gluten, Alcohol
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
This Serum
4
Treatments
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Apply after water-based toners and before heavier creams. Use AM and PM for best results.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Face

Start with clean, dry skin. Pat face dry after cleansing.

2

Apply a Few Drops

Dispense 2-3 drops onto fingertips or directly onto face. A little goes a long way.

3

Gently Pat Into Skin

Spread evenly across face and neck, patting gently until absorbed. Avoid eye area.

4

Follow With Moisturizer

Once absorbed (30 seconds), apply your moisturizer. In AM, finish with sunscreen.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin
  • You struggle with enlarged pores
  • You want to control excess sebum
  • You have blemish-prone or acne-prone skin
  • You want to fade post-acne marks
  • You need a budget-friendly active serum
  • You have fungal acne (malassezia)
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry or dehydrated skin (may need additional hydration)
  • Your skin is sensitive to high-concentration niacinamide
  • You experience flushing from niacinamide products
  • You want to use pure Vitamin C in the same routine
  • You prefer a more hydrating, richer serum texture
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

This product was designed for oily skin. Zinc PCA effectively regulates sebum production and the lightweight formula absorbs quickly without adding shine.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Perfect for balancing the T-zone while not over-drying other areas. Can be applied all over or targeted to oily zones.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe formula. Helps reduce congestion, heal blemishes faster, and fade post-acne marks.

Normal Skin
Good

Provides brightening and pore-refining benefits. Works well as a general maintenance serum for healthy skin.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May not provide enough hydration on its own. Best layered under a rich moisturizer or mixed with hydrating serums.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

10% niacinamide is a high concentration. Some sensitive skin types may experience initial flushing. Patch test first and consider lower concentrations.

08

Results timeline

WEEKS 8-12
Week 1

Improved Skin Radiance

Skin appears brighter and more luminous. Texture starts to feel smoother. Some users notice immediate mattifying effect.

85% noticed improvement
Weeks 2-4

Reduced Oiliness & Congestion

Visible reduction in excess sebum production. Fewer new breakouts and reduced appearance of existing blemishes.

78% noticed improvement
Weeks 4-8

Minimized Pores & Even Tone

Pores appear visibly smaller and cleaner. Post-acne marks begin to fade. Overall skin texture is noticeably refined.

72% noticed improvement
Weeks 8-12

Long-Term Transformation

Significant improvement in hyperpigmentation. Strengthened skin barrier. Consistent, clearer complexion with balanced oil production.

68% noticed improvement
09

Ratings by platform

52K+ REVIEWS
Sephora
4.6
Rating
8,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can feel slightly sticky or tacky on skin
Amazon
4.5
Rating
25,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users experience initial breakouts (purging)
Ulta
4.5
Rating
4,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: 10% concentration too strong for some sensitive skin
Brand Website
4.3
Rating (8.3/10)
15,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small dropper bottle can be messy to dispense
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely affordable for the quality
  • Effectively controls oil and reduces shine
  • Visibly minimizes pores over time
  • Fades post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
  • Simple, no-fuss ingredient list
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free
  • Safe for pregnancy and fungal acne
  • A little goes a long way

Criticized

  • Can feel sticky or tacky, especially if too much applied
  • 10% concentration may irritate sensitive skin
  • Some users experience initial purging
  • Not hydrating enough for dry skin types
  • Dropper packaging can be messy
  • May pill under certain products
  • Cannot use with pure Vitamin C in same routine
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
90% Match
Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
$7.99
Budget Pick

Also contains 10% niacinamide plus 1% hyaluronic acid for added hydration. Slightly thicker, more hydrating texture. Includes squalane for moisture.

85% Match
Niacinamide Serum
$6.00
Budget Pick

Contains 10% niacinamide in a lightweight, elegant formula. More watery texture that absorbs faster. No zinc but equally effective for brightening.

75% Match
Niacinamide 10% Serum
$12.00
Similar

K-beauty alternative with 10% niacinamide, zinc, licorice root, aloe, and hyaluronic acid. More hydrating formula with additional brightening ingredients.

70% Match
Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
$20.00
Similar

Higher concentration (12% niacinamide, 2% zinc) with added hyaluronic acid. More luxurious feel but may be too strong for sensitive skin.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
10% Niacinamide Booster
Niacinamide % 10%
Zinc None
Size 20ml
Price per ml $2.20/ml
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Extra Benefits Vitamin C, Peptides
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Niacinamide % 15%
Zinc 1% Zinc PCA
Size 20ml
Price per ml $1.20/ml
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Extra Benefits Higher concentration
Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Niacinamide % 10%
Zinc None
Size 30ml
Price per ml $0.27/ml
Fungal Acne Safe No (contains polysorbate)
Extra Benefits Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is fine; refrigeration optional but not required.

Packaging

Glass bottle with dropper applicator. Frosted glass helps protect from light degradation.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 30ml is under 100ml TSA liquid limit. Glass bottle may require careful packing.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this product is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin that has been extensively studied and is not associated with any risks when used topically. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or other ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before adding new products to your routine during pregnancy.

Yes, this serum is fungal acne safe. The formula is free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast. Additionally, both niacinamide and zinc have shown some antimicrobial properties that may actually help manage fungal acne. Many people with malassezia folliculitis use this product successfully as part of their routine.

Retinol: Yes! Niacinamide pairs excellently with retinol and may help reduce irritation from retinoid use.Vitamin C: The Ordinary recommends NOT using this with pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid or Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid) in the same routine as niacinamide can affect its integrity. Use them at alternate times (Vitamin C in PM, Niacinamide in AM).AHA/BHA: Yes, but wait 15-30 minutes between applying direct acids and niacinamide for maximum effectiveness.

This serum is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The zinc PCA specifically targets excess sebum production, while niacinamide helps minimize pores and control shine. Those with normal skin can also benefit from its brightening and pore-refining effects. Dry and sensitive skin types may find it less suitable as the 10% concentration can be strong, and the formula doesn't provide significant hydration.

Results vary by individual, but most users report:Week 1: Improved radiance and immediate mattifying effect.Weeks 2-4: Noticeable reduction in oiliness and fewer breakouts.Weeks 4-8: Visible pore minimization and fading of post-acne marks.Weeks 8-12: Significant improvement in overall skin texture and hyperpigmentation. Consistent twice-daily use yields best results.

Apply this serum after cleansing and toning, but before heavier creams and oils. The general rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. Routine order: Cleanser → Toner → This Serum → Other serums/treatments → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). Use in both morning and evening for optimal results.

No, this product is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 0/5. The oil-free, silicone-free formula is specifically designed not to clog pores. In fact, niacinamide and zinc work together to help clear existing congestion and prevent future breakouts. The brand has confirmed the product is non-comedogenic in clinical studies of 35 subjects applying the product twice daily for 8 weeks.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within 12 months for optimal efficacy. Unopened products have a shelf life of approximately 3 years when stored properly at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Write the opening date on the bottle to track usage. If you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture, discontinue use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% remains the gold standard for budget-friendly niacinamide serums. Its simple, effective formula delivers real results for oily and acne-prone skin without breaking the bank. While the high concentration may not suit everyone (sensitive skin types should patch test), its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio makes it a must-try for anyone dealing with enlarged pores, excess oil, or post-acne hyperpigmentation. A cult-favorite for good reason.

Browse related

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Zinc PCA
ache Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Zinc PCA
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
54% 9% 36%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 11 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
1 A
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Zinc PCA
ache Ache-fighting
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
1 Unknown
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS