The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Review (Oily Skin)
An honest, research-based review of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for oily skin — who it suits, the pilling and drying quirks, and how to use it.
Short answer: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is one of the best-value niacinamide serums you can buy. For oily skin it does the one job well: it targets shine and uneven tone, and most oily-skin users see a calmer, less greasy finish within about 4–6 weeks. But it has real trade-offs — the 10% concentration is high, it can pill under other products, and a minority of users find it feels drying or tingly. If you are niacinamide-curious and budget-minded, it is a sensible place to start. If your skin reacts easily, a lower percentage may serve you better.
This is an independent research review. We have not first-party tested this product — what follows is built from the formula, the brand's own usage guidance, and the consistent themes in how people report using it.
What it actually is
The product is a lightweight, water-based serum built around two active ingredients:
- Niacinamide (10%) — a form of vitamin B3. Cosmetically, it is one of the most studied "does a bit of everything" ingredients: it is commonly used to help skin look more even in tone and to help oily skin feel less greasy through the day. At 10%, this is a high dose by serum standards.
- Zinc 1% (as zinc PCA) — a zinc-and-amino-acid-derivative compound often added to oily-skin formulas, where it is used in a supporting role alongside the niacinamide. Its added benefit at 1% is modest and complementary rather than the star of the formula.
It is fragrance-free, has a thin gel-like texture, and is designed to sit early in your routine on cleansed skin before heavier creams. That is the whole pitch — no fancy delivery system, just two well-known actives at a low price.
Who it's for — and who should skip it
This is a "right ingredient, right skin type" situation more than a luxury upgrade.
| Good fit if you… | Think twice if you… |
|---|---|
| Have oily or combination skin and want less midday shine | Have very sensitive or reactive skin (10% can be a lot) |
| Want an affordable way to try niacinamide | Already use several actives and are prone to irritation |
| Like minimalist, fragrance-free formulas | Want a serum that doubles as your moisturizer (this isn't it) |
| Are building a first real routine | Need something that layers invisibly under makeup every time |
If you are new to the ingredient itself, read our niacinamide for oily skin guide first — it explains why 10% isn't automatically "better" than 5%, and when a lower strength is the smarter call.
How to use it (and the quirks to expect)
This serum is genuinely easy to use, but it has two well-known habits worth knowing before you buy.
- Patch test first. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm or jaw for a few days. At 10%, some people feel a mild tingle or notice flushing — better to learn that on your arm than your whole face.
- Use it PM to start. Cleanse, apply 2–3 drops, pat in, then follow with moisturizer. Once your skin is comfortable, you can add an AM use too.
- Apply to dry skin, and don't pile it on. More drops do not mean more benefit — they mean more chance of pilling.
- Mind the layering. This is the big one. The formula can pill (roll into little flecks) when combined with certain other products, especially silicone-heavy creams or sunscreens. Spacing out application, using less, and letting it absorb fully before the next step usually fixes it.
- Watch for the drying feel. A minority of oily-skin users report it feels slightly drying or tight at 10%. If that's you, drop to every other day or step down to a 5% niacinamide formula.
The pilling and the occasional drying feel are the two complaints that come up again and again. Neither means the product is "bad" — they mean it works best applied sparingly and slotted into a sensible structure like our oily-skin AM/PM routine. Do that and most of the friction disappears.
How it compares to the alternatives
You are not short on niacinamide options. Here is how this one sits against them, in tier language rather than price tags.
| Tier | Pick | Why consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | The value benchmark; high strength, minimalist formula |
| Budget (lower strength) | The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion | A lower-strength niacinamide formula (an emulsion, not a serum) from the same brand, positioned for dark spots and face-plus-body use |
| Budget (alt brand) | Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum | A comparable low-cost 10% option if you want to compare textures |
| Mid | Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster | A more polished, blendable formula that pills less for many people |
The honest summary: The Ordinary wins on price and ingredient transparency. The mid-tier options often win on texture and how cleanly they layer. If pilling is a constant problem, paying a bit more can be worth it — we break down that exact trade-off in our The Ordinary vs Paula's Choice comparison.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent value — hard to beat at the Budget tier
- High 10% niacinamide dose plus zinc, aimed squarely at oily skin
- Fragrance-free, minimalist, easy to slot into a routine
- Widely available across the US, UK, and AU
Cons
- Can pill under or over other products
- 10% can feel drying or tingly for a minority of users
- Texture is more "functional" than luxurious
- Not a moisturizer — you still need one on top
The verdict
For oily-skin readers on a budget, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is easy to recommend as a starting point — provided you go in with realistic expectations. It is a no-frills serum that does the niacinamide job at a fraction of premium prices, and many people are happy with it long-term. The catch is the layering quirks: if you have sensitive skin or you fight pilling daily, either step down to a 5% niacinamide formula or spend up a tier for a smoother texture. As a low-risk way into the ingredient, though, it is a smart buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% too strong for daily use?
For most oily and combination skin, daily use is fine once your skin is used to it. If you notice tightness or tingling, start every other day and build up — or move to a 5% niacinamide formula, which many people find more comfortable.
Why does The Ordinary Niacinamide pill on my skin?
Pilling usually comes from using too much product, applying it before the previous layer has absorbed, or layering it with silicone-heavy creams or sunscreens. Use fewer drops, let each step dry, and reorder your routine if needed.
Can I use The Ordinary Niacinamide with other actives?
Niacinamide generally plays well with most routines. If you stack several strong actives and your skin gets irritated, simplify and reintroduce one at a time. For persistent irritation or any reaction that worries you, see a dermatologist.
Niacinamide 10% or 5% — which should I buy?
If your skin is robust and oily, 10% is a reasonable starting point. If your skin is sensitive, reactive, or new to actives, 5% is the safer choice and still does the job. There is no prize for using the highest number.
We're an independent research team, not medical professionals. For any medical concern — including pregnancy, fungal acne, or a persistent skin condition — check with a dermatologist.