The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 576 Reddit threads · Updated October 5, 2026
Niacinamide 10% calms oil and pores; stings plenty of faces. The catch: 10% is where the irritation starts for a lot of people. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Same Active: NiacinamideCentella, panthenol, and ceramide NP do the barrier-support job · $16.95 · 59.1 ml
Best for Redness / IrritationWatery, fast-absorbing centella · $6.00 · 30 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 50 ml
- Price per ml: $0.69/ml (original $0.20/ml)
The why
One minus
Spicules sting, burn, and can wreck a barrier
Both recommended for Hyperpigmentation; discussed alongside The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in 7 threads.
“i felt like it actually helped calm down some patches on my cheeks and chin that were constantly inflamed with little deep pimples”
— Reddit, r/AsianBeauty
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Oil control and pore shrinkage
- Price
- $6.00 · 30 ml · $0.20/ml
#2
Same Active: Niacinamide
Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented
Purito·Serum
See alternativesCentella, panthenol, and ceramide NP do the barrier-support job
- Size: 59.1 ml
- Price per ml: $0.29/ml (original $0.20/ml)
The why
A lightweight gel serum built around centella, niacinamide, panthenol, and ceramide NP for barrier support. It suits irritated, dehydrated, or rosacea-prone skin that wants soothing without a heavy cream feel. Acne-prone users sometimes report whiteheads or flushing.
One minus
Breakouts and whiteheads show up for some acne-prone users
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Redness / Irritation; discussed alongside The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in 5 threads.
“I’d look at the PURITO Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented.”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
#3
Best for Redness / Irritation
- Size: 30 ml
The why
A watery centella ampoule that people use before moisturizer or tret. It suits irritated, dehydrated, or barrier-damaged skin. On very reactive faces, it can sting, break out, or do basically nothing.
One minus
Can trigger closed comedones or whiteheads
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Redness / Irritation; discussed alongside The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in 12 threads.
“I have combo acne prone skin”
— Reddit, r/AsianBeauty
#4
Best for Acne
Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Anua·Serum
See alternatives10% azelaic acid for redness and breakouts
- Key actives: Azelaic Acid 10%
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.73/ml (original $0.20/ml)
The why
Studies found azelaic acid helps acne, and Redditors say this 10% serum is especially good for redness, breakouts, and post-acne marks. It’s lightweight and calming, though some people get stinging, dryness, or a weak response.
One minus
Can sting or burn on a compromised barrier
Good forSensitive Skin, Combination Skin, Oily Skin
Both recommended for Acne; discussed alongside The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in 21 threads.
Other alternatives worth a look
Watery first-step layer · 144 mentions
Under MakeupRedness / Irritation
Tranexamic acid + niacinamide for dark spots · 109 mentions
BrighteningHyperpigmentation
Hydration monster for tight, flaky skin · 365 mentions
Fungal AcneDehydration
Close CE Ferulic dupe · 326 mentions
Anti-AgingBrightening
Absorbs fast, no sticky finish · 265 mentions
Alcohol-FreeFragrance-Free
Graduated strengths make retinoid ramp-up less chaotic · 151 mentions
AcneAnti-Aging
Centella-heavy barrier rescue · 187 mentions
Cream TextureHeavy/Rich
Browse more
By concern
Reddit's best serums by concern or skin type
Looking for a different product?