Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 18, 2026
Affordable and widely accessible 10% niacinamide plus 1% zinc formulation
What the community says
A 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc serum aimed at controlling oil and minimizing pores. It suits those with oily, acne-prone skin willing to introduce a potent active. However, it can cause irritation, redness, and breakouts, especially if layered with other actives or overused.
What this means for you
Backed by 28 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Affordable and widely accessible 10% niacinamide plus 1% zinc formulation
- Reported to help reduce sebum production and visibly shrink pores
- Supports fading hyperpigmentation and improves skin texture over time
Watch out for
- High 10% concentration frequently causes irritation, redness, or itching
- Known to trigger breakouts, including cystic acne, in some users
- Pilling under makeup reported; can worsen dry or compromised skin barriers
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 445 mentions across 28 threads
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% on Reddit, in one place — 28 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
“I’d say I have oily skin but occasionally suffer from dryness on the cheeks.”
Cautionary
“Luckily, this has been healing pretty fast with my current routine.”
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
10 shared traits
425 mentions
Anua
Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Better for Hyperpigmentation
9 shared traits
547 mentions
