Review | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc

I found this labelled as a ‘High-Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula’ on the official The Ordinary website.

I gave in and decided to get it after reading many decent reviews about it. How does it work for my skin?

You might be pleased to find out some good news!

What: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Price: S$14.90 on Shopee

Weight: 30 ml

Period-After-Opening: 12 months

Click for the list of ingredients
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Read my previous review: Review | Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

Taken from The Ordinary website,

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.

Contraindications: If topical Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid and/or Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid) is used as part of skincare, it should be applied at alternate times with this formula (ideally Vitamin C in the PM and this formula in the AM). Otherwise, Niacinamide can affect integrity of the Vitamin C.

Notes: While Niacinamide and Zinc PCA reduce the look of blemishes and balance visible sebum activity, neither is a treatment for acne. For persistent acne-related conditions, we recommend the use of Benzoyl Peroxide and/or Retinoic Acid. DECIEM doesn’t recommend ongoing use of BHA such as Salicylic Acid for persistent blemishes.

For temporary improvement in appearance of blemishes, Salicylic Acid would help. This formulation can be used alongside acne treatments if desired for added visible skin benefits.

Independent studies suggest Niacinamide is also an effective ingredient for brightening skin tone.The Ordinary (Deciem)

They have also stated that the product has/is:

  1. A pH level of 5.5 to 6.5
  2. Alcohol-free
  3. Oil-free
  4. Silicon-free
  5. Nut-free
  6. Vegan
  7. Gluten-free
  8. Cruelty-free

Look & Feel

The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc

This came in a really small box and a really small bottle! Since it’s 30ml, that’s understandable.

It fits into the palm of my hands just nice. Product is in a frosted glass bottle, feels really similar to the Fenty Beauty foundation bottle.

Related post: Review | FENTY BEAUTY Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Nevertheless, the dropper on the top is rubber for easy application and the amount you need for your face.

The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc box

Application

I didn’t think there was a need to show a picture of the product in use because it’s literally transparent haha.

The texture was similar to water, but more to the viscous side.

It applies and spreads really easily and sometimes you wonder if you actually put too much.

I drip the product (with the dropper) on my forehead and both side of my cheeks. 3 drops and that’s enough.

In preparation for this review, I took a before and after picture, view at your discretion because I don’t have perfect skin.

For starters, I have an oily T-zone and a normal U-zone. I also have mild acne at the moment.

Small ones but they usually leave scars LOL. (because I like to pick at them)

The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc Before

This was taken on 30th June, but I started using the product on 27th June. I started using this twice a week and ended up just using it whenever my skin isn’t too irritated.

It might not seem that bad (or does it lol) but in real life it’s much more obvious.

The darkest scar on the left picture was inflicted about 2 weeks before 30th June so it has healed but left a scar.

(Please ignore the towel on my head HAHA)

Btw, ignore the lighting too! Focus on the scars.

Application goes like this: Alcohol-free toner (Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner) > This product > Moisturiser (Klairs Supple Preparation All-Over Lotion)

The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc After

I took this picture on 19th August. A few breakouts here and there from eating unhealthy food in Korea and Japan haha. And also makeup usage almost every day.

In a span of less than 2 months, my skin brightened up and my scars saw huge improvements.

This was the only addition to my skincare routine after implementing the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner at the end of May 2018.

Not sure if they both made it even better but I don’t think a toner can reduce scars that effectively either.

The moisturiser I had been using hasn’t changed as well!

Related posts:

Review | Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

Review | Klairs Supple Preparation All-Over Lotion

Regarding my skin texture, I do also feel like my skin has gotten much smoother compared to before.

I didn’t even know it was this much of a difference till I reviewed the photo.

I even looked at the mirror closely and realised it really got better!

In case you were wondering, I’ve used almost half of the bottle as of 19th August.

Yes

  • Affordable for 30 ml
  • Ease of availability for me
  • Hydrating
  • Saw visible improvements
  • Fragrance-free
  • Short ingredients list
  • No breakouts / purging

No

  • Sometimes it stings ever so slightly on the inner cheeks but other than that, it’s fine
  • It balls under makeup. I only used it once to find out and decided to use it only at night.

Am I Repurchasing?

Yes. I will.

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

This is the first time I’ve used a rating of 5 out of 5 and I think it really says something!

What other products have helped with your skincare concerns? Did you try this out too? Let me know down below!

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With 💕,

Signed by Layna

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The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc

4 Replies to “Review | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”

  1. Love this review!!! I will definitely add this to my list of products to try out <3 thanks for referencing me

    1. Thank you!!! Hehe you’re welcome! I hope this works out for you ☺️

  2. This inspired me to try out this brand. I’ve been deciding for too long. LOL.

    1. Yes! Give them a try. They seem promising so far to me haha.

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