Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 19, 2026
10% niacinamide serum reduces oil and pores but often causes irritation and breakouts.
What the community says
This 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc serum targets oily, acne-prone skin by regulating sebum and minimizing pores. It suits those who have built tolerance to actives but can irritate sensitive or compromised skin heavily. Many find it too strong, triggering redness, itching, or cystic breakouts during early use.
What this means for you
Backed by 28 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Controls oil production and reduces pore appearance
- Affordable with straightforward active ingredients
- Widely used in routines targeting acne and hyperpigmentation
Watch out for
- 10% concentration often too strong for sensitive or dry skin
- Many report irritation, redness, and itching after use
- Can trigger breakouts including cystic acne in some users
Product details
Use caution
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 450 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
428 mentions
Anua
Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Better for Hyperpigmentation
8 shared traits
549 mentions
