The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Review
Under $6 for a clinically meaningful niacinamide serum. The best value in skincare — if the 10% concentration doesn't irritate your skin.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the undisputed value champion in skincare. At under $6, it delivers a clinically meaningful concentration of niacinamide for oil control, pore refinement, and barrier support. The 10% concentration is higher than what most studies use (4-5%), which means it works but may cause irritation in sensitive skin. If you find 10% too strong, try using it every other day or mixing with moisturizer.
Evident Ratings
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Based on hands-on testing + review analysis Compared across serums brands
The $6 question
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is one of the best-selling skincare products in the world, and at $5.90, it costs less than a coffee. But does cheap mean ineffective? The short answer: no. Niacinamide is one of the most evidence-backed ingredients in skincare, and this formulation delivers a clinically relevant concentration at an unbeatable price.
What niacinamide does
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has an unusually broad evidence base for skincare:
- Reduces sebum production — a 2006 study found 4% niacinamide comparable to 1% clindamycin for acne
- Minimizes pore appearance — by reducing sebum that stretches pore openings
- Strengthens the skin barrier — increases ceramide and fatty acid production
- Reduces hyperpigmentation — inhibits melanin transfer to skin cells
- Anti-inflammatory — calms redness and irritation
The clinical evidence supports concentrations of 2-5% for these benefits. The Ordinary uses 10%, which is higher than most studies tested — more isn't always better.
The concentration debate
At 10%, this is one of the most concentrated niacinamide products available. Research suggests 4-5% niacinamide delivers the key benefits. Higher concentrations may provide marginal additional benefit but can also cause irritation — including redness, tingling, and breakouts in some users.
Our recommendation: if you tolerate 10% well, it works great. If you experience irritation, mix a few drops into your moisturizer to dilute, or use every other day. You don't need 10% to get niacinamide's benefits.
User experience
The texture is watery but slightly viscous, with a subtle tackiness that takes 1-2 minutes to absorb. Most users find it comfortable under moisturizer, but it can pill when layered with silicone-based products. Best applied to slightly damp skin for faster absorption.
In our 6-week test, all three testers noticed reduced oiliness within the first week and improved pore appearance by week 4. One tester experienced a brief breakout period in week 2 that resolved by week 3 — likely an adjustment to the high concentration.
The bottom line
At $5.90, this is the highest-value skincare product on the market. It won't transform your skin overnight, but consistent use delivers real, evidence-backed improvements in oil control and pore appearance. The perfect 10.0 value score reflects the reality that you simply can't beat this price-to-efficacy ratio. Just be prepared for a possible adjustment period with the 10% concentration.
What We Found
What we liked
Exceptional value at under $6 per bottle
10% niacinamide is evidence-backed for sebum control and pore refinement
Zinc PCA provides additional oil control and mild antimicrobial benefits
Fragrance-free, silicone-free formulation
Widely available and consistently in stock
Our concerns
10% concentration may be more than necessary — 4-5% shows similar results in studies
Can cause initial breakouts in some users (likely due to the high concentration)
Slightly tacky texture that some users find unpleasant under makeup
Pilling can occur when layered with certain products
Our Verdict
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the undisputed value champion in skincare. At under $6, it delivers a clinically meaningful concentration of niacinamide for oil control, pore refinement, and barrier support. The 10% concentration is higher than what most studies use (4-5%), which means it works but may cause irritation in sensitive skin. If you find 10% too strong, try using it every other day or mixing with moisturizer.
Get our latest research
New reviews and sleep science insights — no spam, ever.
We reviewed 25+ serums brands
Read Full Review