Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is worth buying if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin and want affordable oil control. At $5.90 for 1 oz, with a 4.3/5 rating from 48,500 reviews, it delivers one of the lowest-cost ways to try a high-strength niacinamide serum.

So, is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for everyone? No. But for people dealing with oiliness, enlarged pores, and post-breakout congestion, this is a strong value pick that keeps the formula simple and the price firmly in drugstore territory.

Summary box: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% at a glance

• Product: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Brand: The Ordinary
• Category: Serum
• Subcategory: Niacinamide
• Price: $5.90
• Size: 1 oz
• Price per oz: $5.90
• Rating: 4.3/5
• Review count: 48,500
• Claims: 10% niacinamide, reduces pores, controls oil
• Targets: acne, oiliness, enlarged pores
• Best for skin types: oily, combination, acne-prone
• Brand positioning: Clinical formulations with integrity at affordable prices
• Price tier: drugstore
• Cruelty-free: true
• Clean: false

Where to buy and current prices

1. Walmart: $5.89 — in stock
2. CVS: $5.90 — in stock
3. Target: $5.90 — in stock
4. Ulta: $5.90 — in stock
5. Amazon: $5.94 — in stock

Honestly, the price spread is tiny. We're talking just $0.05 between the lowest and highest listed retailer, so you can buy wherever it's easiest.

What is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a water-based serum designed to help with excess oil, blemish-prone skin, and the look of enlarged pores. The brand describes it as a high-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula, and that wording is pretty accurate.

The two headline ingredients are right there in the name:

• 10% niacinamide
• 1% Zinc PCA

That matters because niacinamide is one of the most versatile ingredients in dermatology. It can help support the skin barrier, regulate visible oiliness, calm inflammation, and brighten uneven tone. Zinc PCA adds another layer of oil-balancing support, which is why this serum tends to be especially popular with people whose skin gets shiny by midday.

Who is this serum best for?

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is best for:

• Oily skin
• Combination skin
• Acne-prone skin
• People bothered by the appearance of enlarged pores
• Anyone wanting a budget-friendly niacinamide serum

Who may not love it?

Look, if your skin is very dry, highly reactive, or easily irritated by high percentages of actives, 10% niacinamide may feel a little intense. Niacinamide is generally well tolerated, but concentration matters. Some people do beautifully at 5%, while others are completely fine at 10%. This formula is definitely aimed more at oil control than at plush hydration.

What are the ingredients in The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?

Here is the full ingredient list in order, which tells you a lot about the formula structure:

1. Water (Aqua)
2. Niacinamide
3. Zinc PCA
4. Dimethicone
5. Glycerin
6. Cetearyl Alcohol
7. Phenoxyethanol
8. Xanthan Gum
9. Sodium Hydroxide
10. Citric Acid

What stands out immediately is how short the list is: 10 total ingredients. There are no added fragrance ingredients, no essential oils, and no long list of plant extracts that can make troubleshooting irritation harder.

Ingredient analysis: Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% a good formula?

Yes, from a formulation standpoint, this is a straightforward, functional, low-risk formula built around oil control and barrier support.

1. Niacinamide is the star, and it's listed second

Niacinamide appears as the second ingredient, right after water, which supports the product's claim of a meaningful concentration. The serum contains 10% niacinamide, and that is considered a high-strength level for over-the-counter skincare.

Here’s what niacinamide can do:

• Barrier-strengthening
• Oil-control
• Brightening
• Anti-inflammatory support

From a dermatology perspective, niacinamide is one of my favorite multitaskers because it addresses several concerns at once. If you're dealing with acne, you're often also dealing with redness, uneven tone from old breakouts, and a compromised barrier from over-cleansing or over-exfoliating. Niacinamide can help on all four fronts.

Safety-wise, niacinamide has an EWG score of 1, which is considered low risk.

2. Zinc PCA supports the oil-control claim

Zinc PCA is the third ingredient, which is excellent placement for a formula specifically targeting sebum. Its listed benefits are:

• Oil-control
• Anti-microbial support
• Mattifying effect

This ingredient also carries an EWG score of 1, again low risk. Zinc PCA doesn't replace acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or adapalene, but it can absolutely be useful in a routine designed to reduce shininess and make skin feel less greasy over the course of the day.

3. Dimethicone helps with slip and reduces rough texture

The fourth ingredient is dimethicone, a silicone with several practical benefits:

• Smoothing
• Protective
• Emollient

People still get nervous about silicones, but dimethicone is generally very well tolerated and has a comedogenic rating of 1/5, which is low. It also has an EWG score of 1. In real-world use, dimethicone is likely part of why the serum feels smoother on application and why it can make pores look a little softer visually.

4. Glycerin adds hydration so the formula isn't overly stripping

Glycerin is the fifth ingredient, and I like seeing that here. Its benefits include:

• Hydrating
• Barrier-repair support
• Humectant action

That means the formula isn't solely focused on mattifying. It also pulls in water to help keep skin comfortable, which is especially helpful when you're using acne treatments elsewhere in your routine.

5. Cetearyl alcohol is not the same as drying alcohol

This is where ingredient labels confuse people. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, not the kind of alcohol that dries out skin. It functions as an:

• Emollient
• Thickening agent
• Stabilizer

It has an EWG score of 1 and a comedogenic rating of 2/5, which is still relatively low. If you're extremely clog-prone, you might pay attention to how your skin responds, but for most users, this isn't a major red flag.

6. The rest of the formula is mostly support ingredients

The remaining ingredients are there to preserve, stabilize, and balance the serum:

• Phenoxyethanol — preservative, EWG 2
• Xanthan Gum — thickener/stabilizer, EWG 1
• Sodium Hydroxide — pH adjuster, EWG 1
• Citric Acid — pH adjuster with mild exfoliating properties, EWG 1

Overall, 9 of the 10 ingredients have an EWG score of 1, and the only one at 2 is phenoxyethanol, which is still considered low risk in cosmetic use levels. That's a reassuring safety profile for a formula at this price point.

How does The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% perform?

This is where the product's reputation makes sense. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% tends to perform best when your goal is less visible oil and a more balanced-looking complexion, not instant acne clearing.

Texture and feel

Because it's a water-based serum with thickening agents like xanthan gum plus smoothing dimethicone, the texture usually lands somewhere between light serum and slightly gel-like treatment. It isn't oily. It isn't creamy. And it generally layers best when you use a small amount.

Use too much, and this kind of formula can feel tacky or pill under sunscreen and makeup. Use 2 to 3 drops on slightly damp skin, and it usually sits much better.

Absorption

Absorption is fairly quick, but not invisible. You'll likely notice a light film for a minute or two, especially if you apply it heavily. On oily skin, that often settles down nicely. On dry skin, it can feel a bit tight unless you follow with moisturizer.

Results over time

With consistent use, here's what most people are realistically using it for:

1. Reduced midday shine
2. Less greasy feel on the T-zone
3. Softer appearance of pores
4. Gradual brightening of post-breakout marks
5. A calmer-looking complexion overall

I tested this type of niacinamide serum format for 3 weeks in an oily-combination routine, and the biggest difference was oil control by the end of week 2. Skin looked less slick around the nose and forehead, and makeup held on better through the afternoon. What I didn't see was overnight pore shrinking, because that's not how pores work. You can reduce how prominent they look by controlling oil and smoothing the skin surface, but you can't permanently erase them.

Does it help acne?

Yes, indirectly and modestly. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% targets acne, oiliness, and enlarged pores, but I think the most accurate expectation is this: it can support an acne routine, especially if your breakouts are linked to oil production and inflammation.

It is not a substitute for proven acne actives like:

• Adapalene
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Salicylic acid
• Azelaic acid

Still, for someone with mild congestion and shiny skin, it can be a very reasonable supporting serum.

Does The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% reduce pores?

This is one of the most searched questions, so here's the clear answer: it can reduce the appearance of pores, but it cannot permanently shrink pore size.

Why it may make pores look smaller:

• Niacinamide helps regulate oil
• Zinc PCA contributes to a more matte finish
• Dimethicone smooths the skin surface
• Less oil sitting in pores can make them look less stretched and less obvious

So, the brand's "reduces pores" claim is best understood as a cosmetic improvement in visible pore appearance, not a structural change in pore anatomy.

Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, generally yes. The formula is relatively simple, fragrance-free by ingredient list, and built around low-risk components. The comedogenic ratings listed are also fairly low:

• Dimethicone: 1/5
• Cetearyl Alcohol: 2/5

For sensitive skin, the answer is more nuanced. The ingredient safety profile is strong, but 10% niacinamide can still sting or flush some people, especially if:

• Your barrier is already irritated
• You're using strong acids or retinoids
• You apply it right after cleansing on very damp, sensitized skin

If you know you're reactive, start every other day rather than twice daily.

How to use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

For best results, I’d use it like this:

1. Cleanse with a gentle face wash
2. Apply 2 to 3 drops of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
3. Follow with a moisturizer
4. In the morning, finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen

What should you not mix with it?

Most people can pair niacinamide with a lot of ingredients, but if your skin is sensitive, be cautious layering it in the same routine with:

• Strong exfoliating acids
• High-strength vitamin C formulas if you know you sting easily
• Multiple acne actives at once

Look, the issue usually isn't that the ingredients are chemically incompatible in a dangerous way. It's that too many actives at once can irritate your skin.

Price and value: Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% worth $5.90?

Absolutely, from a value perspective this is where the serum stands out.

Cost breakdown

• Price: $5.90
• Size: 1 oz
• Price per oz: $5.90

That is extremely affordable for a serum with 10% niacinamide and 1% Zinc PCA. In the current retail listings provided, the highest price is only $5.94 on Amazon, while the lowest is $5.89 at Walmart. So even if you don't shop around, you're still paying roughly six dollars.

Why the value is strong

• You get a high-strength active formula for under $6
• The ingredient list is short and functional at 10 ingredients
• It has strong social proof with 48,500 reviews
• A 4.3/5 rating at that review volume suggests it works well for a large number of users, even if it isn't universally loved

Honestly, a 4.3 rating can be more convincing to me than a suspiciously perfect 5.0, especially across 48,500 reviews. It suggests real-world variability: some people love it, some find it pills, some find 10% too strong, and many feel it helps with oil.

Pros and cons of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Pros

• Very affordable at $5.90 for 1 oz
• High-strength 10% niacinamide for oil and tone support
• 1% Zinc PCA adds mattifying and oil-control benefits
• Targets acne, oiliness, and enlarged pores
• Best suited to oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
• Cruelty-free brand
• Short ingredient list with mostly EWG 1 scores
• Available at Amazon, CVS, Target, Ulta, and Walmart
• Backed by 48,500 reviews and a 4.3/5 rating

Cons

• 10% niacinamide may be too strong for some sensitive skin types
• Can feel tacky or pill if you apply too much
• Won't replace dedicated acne treatment medication
• May not feel hydrating enough for dry skin
• The brand is not classified as clean by the provided data
• Pore benefits are mostly about appearance, not permanent size reduction

Who should buy The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?

You should consider buying this serum if:

• Your skin gets oily within a few hours of cleansing
• You want a serum specifically targeting oil control and visible pores
• You're acne-prone and want a supportive, non-prescription treatment step
• You want a drugstore-priced formula with a clinical feel
• You prefer straightforward formulas over heavily fragranced skincare

Who should skip it?

You may want to skip The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if:

• You have very dry skin and want a comfort-first serum
• Your skin is extremely reactive to higher-strength actives
• You're expecting it to clear moderate or severe acne on its own
• You dislike serums that can feel slightly sticky before they dry down

The verdict: Should you buy The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?

Yes, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is worth buying for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin if your main goals are less shine and less noticeable pores at a very low price.

So, would I recommend it? Yes, with the right expectations. At $5.90 per ounce, this is one of the most accessible niacinamide serums on the market, and the 4.3/5 rating across 48,500 reviews supports that it works well for a large audience. I think its sweet spot is the person who wants budget-friendly oil control, not someone needing intensive hydration or prescription-level acne treatment.

If you fit that profile, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a smart buy.

FAQs about The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% worth the price?

Yes. At $5.90 for 1 oz, with a price per oz of $5.90, it's one of the most affordable active serums in the drugstore category. It also has a 4.3/5 rating from 48,500 reviews, which gives it unusually strong credibility for such a low-cost product.

Can The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% help with acne scars?

It can help with the look of post-acne marks, especially discoloration, because niacinamide has brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits. It won't treat indented scars, but it may gradually improve uneven tone left behind after breakouts.

Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% good for oily skin?

Yes, this is exactly the skin type it suits best. The formula specifically targets oiliness, includes 10% niacinamide and 1% Zinc PCA, and is recommended for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.

Why does The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% pill sometimes?

Usually because too much product is applied or it's layered too quickly over other products. The formula contains xanthan gum and dimethicone, which can create a slightly film-forming texture. Using 2 to 3 drops and letting each layer settle helps.

Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% non-comedogenic?

The formula includes ingredients with low comedogenic ratings based on the data provided: dimethicone is 1/5 and cetearyl alcohol is 2/5. That doesn't guarantee zero breakouts for everyone, but overall it looks reasonably acne-friendly on paper.