The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – My Honest Review + What to Expect for Beginners

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Niacinamide is one of the most hyped skincare ingredients out there — and The Ordinary’s 10% + Zinc 1% serum is often the go-to choice. But does it really live up to the hype? If you’re thinking about adding it to your routine, here’s everything you should know before you start.

🧴 What is It?

This is a water-based serum from The Ordinary that contains:

  • 10% Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3 that helps with oil control, brightening, and skin texture)

  • 1% Zinc PCA (supports skin healing and reduces inflammation)

It’s designed to help with:

  • Congestion and clogged pores

  • Redness

  • Uneven tone

  • Excess oil

🌿 What Skin Types Can Use It?

This product is generally suitable for:

  • Oily and combination skin

  • Acne-prone skin

  • Dull or uneven skin tone

⚠️ Not ideal for:

  • Very sensitive skin (it may cause irritation or purging at first)

  • People using strong actives like retinol or vitamin C in the same routine

✨ How I Used It (Application Tips)

Use it after cleansing and before moisturizer, once or twice a day.

🔄 Morning or Night:

  • 2–3 drops is enough for the whole face

  • Let it absorb fully before layering other products

💡 Pro Tips:

  • Avoid layering with pure vitamin C (they can cancel each other out)

  • Don’t overuse it — too much niacinamide can dry out or irritate skin

  • Patch test before applying all over!

🌸 My Honest Review

I have sensitive skin — not super reactive, but definitely picky with actives. Some people experience purging when using this serum, but I didn’t. That just shows how different everyone’s skin is, so I really recommend doing a patch test first.

My skin type is dehydrated but oily, especially around the T-zone. I use this serum only in the morning to help control oil, and I pair it with a hydrating serum at night to balance out the dryness. This combo works really well for me.

What I noticed most:

  • It helped brighten my overall skin tone

  • New pimples heal so much faster

  • It made my skin feel smoother and more even, especially around the nose and chin

This was actually the first product I ever tried from The Ordinary — and I instantly fell in love 😭 Since then, I’ve gone on to try more from the brand (which I’ll be reviewing soon, so stay tuned 👀)

And just to prove how much I love it…
This is literally the only skincare product I’ve repurchased multiple times — and I’m the type of person who’s always rotating new products! The fact that I keep going back to this one says a lot about how well it works for my skin.

🛒 Where to Buy

  • Buy on Amazon AU ✅

  • Stylevana 

  • YesStyle – sometimes cheaper but takes longer to ship

🧼 Final Thoughts

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a budget-friendly, effective serum — if your skin can handle it. It’s not a miracle product overnight, but with regular use, it can visibly improve oil control, acne, and skin clarity. Just start slow and keep your routine simple.

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I truly believe in 💖

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