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CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: which is better?

One is gentler and more targeted for marks and texture; the other is a simpler oil-and-pore fix with a rougher reception.

The quick answer

Depends what you need

  • Rated higher: Resurfacing Retinol Serum — 67 vs 62 nextscore
  • Better for texture/pores: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
  • More reviewed: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — 242 vs 74 verdicts

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is better for marks and texture; The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is better for oil and pore control.

Choose CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if

  • you want a gentle first retinol
  • you care about post-acne marks and texture

Choose Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if

  • you want oil control and pore help
  • you can tolerate a stronger niacinamide feel

At a glance

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol SerumNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$0.56/ml$0.20/ml
67 · 74 verdicts62 · 242 verdicts
—Texture/Pores
Niacinamide both, Ceramides, RetinolNiacinamide both, Zinc

What Reddit says

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

What Reddit likes

  • Beginner retinol — easy first step
  • Niacinamide plus ceramides support the barrier
  • Helps post-acne marks and texture

Watch out for

  • Can sting, dry out, and trigger redness fast
  • Breakouts or purging show up for some users
  • Often feels too weak for impatient users
See the Reddit threads on CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

What Reddit likes

  • Oil control and pore shrinkage
  • Fades acne marks for some
  • Cheap, simple two-ingredient formula

Watch out for

  • 10% is where the irritation starts for a lot of people
  • Breakouts and cystic flare-ups get reported a lot
  • Pilling, stickiness, and that weird dry-tight feel
See the Reddit threads on Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Compare full ingredient lists · 5 in common

In both · 5

  1. Aqua/Water/Eau
  2. Niacinamide
  3. Phenoxyethanol
  4. Pentylene Glycol
  5. Xanthan Gum

Only in CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum · 28

  1. Propanediol
  2. Dimethicone
  3. Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
  4. Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
  5. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
  6. Hydrogenated Lecithin
  7. Potassium Phosphate
  8. Ceramide NP
  9. Ceramide AP
  10. Ceramide EOP
  11. Carbomer
  12. Cetearyl Alcohol
  13. Behentrimonium Methosulfate
  14. Dimethiconol
  15. Lecithin
  16. Sodium Citrate
  17. Retinol
  18. Sodium Hyaluronate
  19. Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
  20. Cholesterol
  21. Alcohol
  22. Isopropyl Myristate
  23. Caprylyl Glycol
  24. Citric Acid
  25. Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
  26. Phytosphingosine
  27. Polysorbate 20
  28. Ethylhexylglycerin (Code F.Ll. D233672/1)

Only in Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% · 6

  1. Zinc PCA
  2. Dimethyl Isosorbide
  3. Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
  4. Isoceteth-20
  5. Ethoxydiglycol
  6. Chlorphenesin

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