# The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

> 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.

- Canonical: https://thecastindex.com/beauty/the-ordinary-niacinamide-10-zinc-1
- Category: Skin prep
- Format: Water-based serum
- Finish: Balanced, clarified look
- Best for: Texture and shine support before makeup
- Official: https://theordinary.com/en-gb/niacinamide-10-zinc-1-serum-100436.html
- Reviewed: 2026-07-28
- Method: evidence-led desk review of official specifications — not an implied hands-on test

The treat step under Couture glass skin when shine and texture need quieting before light hits the face.

## The formula

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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## How to use it

1. Cleanse first
2. Apply a few drops to the face morning and evening
3. Follow with moisturiser; add dedicated SPF in the daytime
4. Do not combine in the same routine with direct or indirect vitamin C per The Ordinary
5. Patch test before first use; rinse and stop if irritation occurs

## Questions and answers

### Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% an acne treatment?

No. The Ordinary states niacinamide and zinc PCA is not a treatment for acne and recommends speaking to a healthcare provider about persistent acne-related conditions.

### Can I use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% with vitamin C?

The Ordinary recommends using niacinamide and vitamin C in separate routines, noting that combining them may decrease effectiveness.

### How often should The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% be applied?

The brand recommends twice daily — morning and evening — after cleansing and before heavier moisturisers or treatments.

### Does The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% treat acne?

No. The Ordinary explicitly states the formula is not a treatment for acne. It may suit blemish-prone skin as a cosmetic serum; persistent acne needs a healthcare provider, not this page.

### How does Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serve Couture glass skin?

Couture glass skin needs light-catching skin without greasy shine. The Ordinary’s water-based 10% niacinamide and zinc PCA serum is filed as a treat step for the look of texture and oil before moisturiser and SPF.

### Should Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% be patched before use?

Yes. The Ordinary advises patch testing, use on unbroken skin only, and stopping if irritation occurs — rinse off and consult a physician if needed.

## Explore the category

https://thecastindex.com/beauty/category/skin-prep