Compare · Serums
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% vs 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum: which is better?
One is the oil-and-pore helper with more irritation complaints; the other is the brighter-tone serum with a stronger praise-to-complaint balance.
The quick answer
Depends what you need
- Rated higher: 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum — 86 vs 62 nextscore
- Better for texture/pores: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Better for hyperpigmentation: 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is better for oil and pores, while Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is better for brightness and dullness.
Choose Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if
- you want oil control
- your main concern is pores or acne marks
Choose 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum if
- you want brighter tone
- you can tolerate a serum that may sting
576mentions
326mentions
Timeless
20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
See alternatives86nextscore· 196 verdicts
$0.84/ml · 30 ml
At a glance
| Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum |
|---|---|
| $0.20/ml | $0.84/ml |
| 62 · 242 verdicts | 86 · 196 verdicts |
| Texture/Pores | Hyperpigmentation |
| Niacinamide, Zinc | Vitamin C |
What Reddit says
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
20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
What Reddit likes
- Close CE Ferulic dupe
- Watery, fast-absorbing texture
- Brightens dull skin and spots
Watch out for
- Can sting or burn on sensitive skin
- Breakouts and clogged pores happen
- The smell is rotten-hot-dog territory
Compare full ingredient lists · 2 in common
In both · 2
- Aqua (Water)
- Ethoxydiglycol
Only in Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% · 9
- Niacinamide
- Pentylene Glycol
- Zinc PCA
- Dimethyl Isosorbide
- Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
- Xanthan Gum
- Isoceteth-20
- Phenoxyethanol
- Chlorphenesin
Only in 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum · 9
- L-Ascorbic Acid
- Propylene Glycol
- Alpha Tocopherol
- Polysorbate 80
- Panthenol
- Ferulic Acid
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Benzylalcohol
- Dehydroacetic Acid