Ingredient sourcing note: Some ingredients mentioned in this article are available from The Skin Science Company (theskinsciencecompany.com.au), an Australian cosmetic raw materials supplier. We recommend them based on the quality and availability of their products. We have no commercial, affiliate, or sponsorship relationship with them and receive no payment or commission for these mentions.
I’ve always been curious about niacinamide, especially after experimenting with making my own DIY serum. When I stumbled upon The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, I thought, “Why not see how the pro version stacks up?”
Here’s my honest take — the good, the meh, and everything in between — from someone who loves DIY skincare but also appreciates a ready-made product that delivers.
First Impressions: Packaging and Texture
The packaging is simple and no-nonsense — a small frosted glass bottle with a dropper. No frills, just the essentials, which I appreciate. The serum itself is lightweight, almost watery, and absorbs quickly without any sticky residue.
This is a big win if you don’t want a heavy, greasy feel on your skin — especially for those with oily or combination skin types.
How It Feels on My Skin
After a week of daily use (morning and night), I noticed my skin looked calmer and less red. The irritation I usually get around my nose and cheeks seemed to ease up. The zinc in the formula likely helps regulate oil production, which was a bonus.
I also felt like my pores appeared a little smaller, though I know that’s always a bit subjective. Importantly, no breakouts or dryness cropped up — which can happen with some actives.
What I Loved About It
Affordable and effective: You get a high concentration of niacinamide (10%) without a high price tag. Lightweight and fast-absorbing: Perfect for layering under moisturizers or makeup. Gentle yet powerful: It soothed redness and helped balance my skin without irritation. Clean formula: No unnecessary fillers, fragrance, or silicones — great for sensitive skin.
What Could Be Better
Zinc scent: There’s a faint metallic smell from the zinc that some might find off-putting. It fades quickly but is noticeable on application. Packaging: The dropper, while functional, can sometimes dispense more serum than needed, leading to potential waste. No SPF: Like all serums, you need to use sunscreen during the day to protect your newly renewed skin.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you’re new to niacinamide and want an easy, effective way to try it without the DIY fuss, The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a fantastic starting point. It’s simple, straightforward, and does what it promises.
For DIY lovers like me, it’s a great benchmark product to compare against your homemade formulas — and honestly, it inspires me to tweak my own blends even more confidently.
DIY Skincare Tips: How This Fits Into Your Routine
You can use this serum alone or combine it with other active ingredients (just be mindful of layering and pH compatibility). It’s a solid base for building a minimal, effective routine.
If you want to dive deeper and make your own niacinamide serum, check out our step-by-step DIY guide here — it’s surprisingly simple and gives you full control over what you put on your skin.
Have You Tried The Ordinary Niacinamide?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your experience on social media! We love hearing how others incorporate niacinamide into their routines — DIY or store-bought.
