Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated September 8, 2026
Niacinamide 10% with zinc calms pores and oil but often irritates sensitive skin.
What the community says
This serum delivers a high 10% dose of niacinamide and 1% zinc for oil and pore control. Redditors with oily skin praise its effects but sensitive users report irritation and redness. Patience and gradual introduction help minimize adverse reactions, though it's not ideal for fragile barriers.
What this means for you
Backed by 29 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Strong oil control and pore reducing effects reported
- Affordable option with widely used 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc
- Helps acne clearance and soothes inflamed spots
Watch out for
- High 10% niacinamide irritates sensitive and rosacea-prone skin
- Can cause breakouts or worsen acne for some users
- Prone to pilling if layered too heavily or combined carelessly
Product details
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
What the science says
Zinc
Strong evidence for acne- Zinc may help acne, but the evidence is limited and not fully consistent
- 19 studies back this, including several large reviews
- Most studies found fewer pimples, blackheads and whiteheads with zinc than with a placebo or no treatment
- Zinc often worked about as well as some acne treatments, but less well than others in some studies
- Side effects were generally fewer or similar with zinc, but one finding did not list the common side effects
Studied at 0.1–15%this product: 1%
See 24 studiesNiacinamide
Some evidence for acne- It often improved acne, but many studies used niacinamide together with other ingredients
- 19 studies back this, including one large review
- Some studies found it worked about as well as clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide
- A few studies found niacinamide beat a placebo or no treatment for red, sore spots and blemishes
- No major side effects were reported in the findings given
Studied at 4–10%this product: 10%
See 19 studiesWhat Reddit says
The why
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum controls oil production and calms active breakouts for many oily skin users.
“I have found The Ordinary's Niacinamide works reaaally well when I'm about to have a breakout”
39 mentions for acne
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 533 mentions across 29 threads
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% on Reddit, in one place — 29 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more, summarized.
“I have found The Ordinary's Niacinamide works reaaally well when I'm about to have a breakout”
Mentioned
“just sort of reduces sebum production and stops it in its tracks.”
Mentioned
“It's suuper inexpensive, and is fairly nonirritating.”
Mentioned
“I now use the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide in the AM”
Positive
“I don’t notice much if any discoloration”
Positive
“maybe a niacinamide serum for discoloration.”
Positive
“I loooooathe the smell of my niacinimide from The Ordinary.”
Mentioned
“I’m not sure if it’s just how that ingredient smells or if it’s just the one from TO”
Mentioned
“I would love to hear others’ experiences.”
Mentioned
“I recently tried The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum but it literally left a huge red mark/dry patch on my cheek.”
Cautionary
“Luckily, this has been healing pretty fast with my current routine.”
Cautionary
“I’d say I have oily skin but occasionally suffer from dryness on the cheeks.”
Cautionary
“-the ordinary ‘niacinamide+zinc serum OR beauty of joseon “glow deep serum”
Positive
“this has been my main routine:”
Positive
“i kind of alternate products but this has been my main routine”
Positive
“• The Ordinary - Niacinimide & Zinc”
Positive
“AM Serums everyday:”
Positive
“I had dark hyperpigmentation from popping pimples (I’m terrible) and it’s definitely helped. Using niacinimide and vitamin c in the morning also helped, and SPF50+”
Positive
Dupes & Alternatives
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Better for Redness / Irritation
11 shared traits
454 mentions
Anua
Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Better for Hyperpigmentation
10 shared traits
621 mentions
