01 / The basics
What is Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?
The Ordinary describes a water-based serum with 10% niacinamide and zinc PCA to support brightness, smoothness and the moisture barrier while targeting dullness, uneven texture and visible shine, and says it suits blemish-prone skin. It is a cosmetic serum, not an acne treatment.
- Best for
- Texture and shine support before makeup
02 / Review
What is in Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?
The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a water-based treat serum. The brand states a high 10% concentration of niacinamide with zinc PCA, aimed at brightness, smoother texture, barrier support, the look of pores and excess oil. Format notes on the PDP include alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, vegan and cruelty-free highlights.
The Ordinary positions this serum for blemish-prone skin and visible signs of congestion; it does not claim to treat acne, and it is a cosmetic rather than a medicine. Persistent acne is a matter for a pharmacist or GP (NHS). The Cast Index will not imply clinical acne therapy.
03 / Review
What should you know about season finish — couture glass skin?
Glass skin is luminosity with restraint. Excess surface oil can read as grease under lights; uneven texture breaks the “skin as skin” brief. This serum is the optional treat layer when the desk needs oil and texture support before moisturiser and SPF — not a glow oil and not a foundation.
It sits beside hydrating essences (for example COSRX Snail 96) rather than replacing them: niacinamide for balance, mucin or HA for slip.
04 / Review
What should you know about working kit?
The Ordinary recommends a few drops morning and evening after cleansing, before heavier moisturisers. Do not combine with direct or indirect vitamin C in the same routine per brand guidance — split AM/PM if both are required. Follow with moisturiser and, in daytime, Anthelios or another dedicated SPF.
Wrong for anyone seeking an acne drug. Wrong if the wearer cannot patch-test and has reactive skin — start slow. Wrong as a moisturiser replacement on dehydrated skin without a cream or lotion after.
05 / Review
What should you know about limitations and brand cautions?
Patch test on the forearm as The Ordinary documents: apply, keep dry, watch for redness, burning, itching or blistering; do not use if irritation appears. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Keep out of reach of children. Brand-reported timing claims (plumpness in minutes, pore changes over weeks) are manufacturer results, not Cast Index tests.
06 / How to use it
How should you use Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?
- 01Cleanse first
- 02Apply a few drops to the face morning and evening
- 03Follow with moisturiser; add dedicated SPF in the daytime
- 04Do not combine in the same routine with direct or indirect vitamin C per The Ordinary
- 05Patch test before first use; rinse and stop if irritation occurs
07 / Quick facts
What should you know before choosing Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?
- —Water-based serum: 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3) + zinc PCA (1% zinc claim in the product name)
- —Targets signs of congestion, dullness, textural irregularities and visible shine per The Ordinary
- —Suited to all skin types on the brand page; non-comedogenic claim references a brand clinical study (35 subjects, 2x/day, 8 weeks)
- —A cosmetic serum for blemish-prone skin, not an acne treatment — see a pharmacist or GP about persistent acne (NHS)
- —Patch testing advised; if irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, consult a physician
- —Brand compatibility note: avoid combining with direct or indirect vitamin C in the same routine
