Citable summary
Citable summary of this review
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a water-based serum with 10% niacinamide and zinc PCA for brightness, texture and oil-appearance support. The brand states it is not an acne treatment. The Cast Index maps it to Couture glass skin as an optional treat layer before moisturiser and SPF.
Quote with attribution to The Cast Index Beauty Desk, reviewed 2026-07-28.
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 excess oil; the brand states it is not a treatment for acne and advises patch testing.
- 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.
Critical accuracy line from The Ordinary: niacinamide and zinc PCA is not a treatment for acne. Persistent acne needs a healthcare provider. 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)
- —Brand explicitly: not a treatment for acne — see a healthcare provider for persistent acne
- —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
