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The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum bottle
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Serum 30 ml / 60 ml
9.2OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

10
Safe
1
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support10/10
Acne-safe10/10
Active treatment1.5/10

Our verdict

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is one of the best-selling serums in the world, and it is worth being clear-eyed about both why it sells and where it is oversold. At its core is a high 10% dose of niacinamide — a genuinely versatile vitamin B3 that supports the barrier, helps regulate visible sebum, and over time can improve the look of enlarged pores and uneven tone. That much is well supported. The 1% zinc PCA adds a mild sebum-balancing, astringent angle that suits oily and blemish-prone skin. The rest of the formula is essentially a clean water-and-gum base with no fragrance. Two honest caveats define this product. First, 10% is a high concentration: it delivers little extra benefit over 5% for most people and is more likely to cause flushing or irritation, so sensitive skin may prefer a lower dose. Second, niacinamide is a supporting active, not a transformer — it will not fade deep pigmentation or erase pores, and it pairs better with a routine than it performs as a hero. For oily, blemish-prone skin on a budget, it is a smart, low-risk workhorse.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationbarrier supportbrightening
Best for
sensitive skinacne-prone skindry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
active anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Niacinamideevens skin tone and strengthens the barrierPentylene Glycolsupports skin comfortZinc PCAregulates sebum productionCocoyl Proline*supports skin comfort

Full ingredient list (12)

Aqua/waterNiacinamidePentylene GlycolZinc PCATamarindus Indica Seed GumCarrageenanAcacia Senegal GumXanthan GumCocoyl Proline*EthoxydiglycolPhenoxyethanolChlorphenesin

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

Is 10% niacinamide better than lower percentages?
Not necessarily. Most of niacinamide's proven benefits appear around 2–5%. At 10% you are unlikely to get meaningfully more benefit, but you are more likely to experience flushing, tingling or irritation. If your skin is sensitive, a lower-percentage niacinamide is often the smarter choice.
What does it actually help with?
Niacinamide supports the skin barrier, helps moderate the look of excess oil, and with consistent use can improve the appearance of enlarged pores and uneven tone. The zinc adds a mild oil-balancing effect. It is a supporting active — think gradual refinement, not dramatic correction of deep pigmentation or wrinkles.
Can I use it with vitamin C?
Yes. The old idea that niacinamide and vitamin C cancel each other out is a myth based on outdated lab conditions. In modern well-formulated products they can be layered or used morning and evening without issue. If you are very sensitive, simply use them at different times of day.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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