The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Smoothing Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin GreenCircle Sustainable Energy Practices
Best for
Best The Ordinary 10%
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 2 trusted sources
Current price
$6.00
Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the default benchmark in this category, and the consensus has held remarkably steady. Long-form review threads on r/SkincareAddiction and r/AsianBeauty (both high-trust specialist communities) repeatedly describe a lightweight, water-based serum that meaningfully reduces visible oiliness, smooths texture, and improves post-acne marks after roughly 6–12 weeks of consistent use. Sephora's verified-purchase reviews and the 55,000-plus Amazon ratings reinforce the same picture at a $6 price point that no premium competitor matches.
What reviewers liked
- Massive consensus from high-trust subreddits (r/SkincareAddiction, r/AsianBeauty) on pore and oil-control benefits
- Extremely low price (around $6) relative to results reviewers report
- Very large verified-purchase base (55,000+ Amazon ratings) averaging 4.7 stars
- Lightweight, fragrance-free, water-based formula that layers well in most routines
Where it falls short
- Multiple community reviewers describe a slightly tacky or 'rubbery' finish that can pill under sunscreen
- Some dry-skin reviewers find it insufficiently hydrating on its own
- Occasional reports of congestion or breakouts, often attributed to layering with oils or silicones
- Zinc PCA can settle and require shaking; texture is less elegant than pricier competitors
Across the reviewers we read, The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the default benchmark in this category, and the consensus has held remarkably steady. Long-form review threads on r/SkincareAddiction and r/AsianBeauty (both high-trust specialist communities) repeatedly describe a lightweight, water-based serum that meaningfully reduces visible oiliness, smooths texture, and improves post-acne marks after roughly 6–12 weeks of consistent use. Sephora's verified-purchase reviews and the 55,000-plus Amazon ratings reinforce the same picture at a $6 price point that no premium competitor matches.
The disagreement worth surfacing: a minority of community reviewers, including threads on r/IndianSkincareAddicts and r/45PlusSkincare, mention a slightly tacky or 'rubbery' finish, occasional pilling under sunscreen, and a small subset of users who experience congestion (likely from layering rather than the niacinamide itself). Reviewers with very dry skin tend to be the most lukewarm, while oily and combination-skin users supply most of the enthusiasm. As a foundational niacinamide serum, the trust-weighted evidence is hard to argue with.
- Boosts Brightness & Smoothness
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% visibly improves skin radiance and smooths texture in one week.
- Hydrating Formula
- Lightweight water-based serum that reinforces the skin barrier and provides hydration in as little as 7 days.
- Contains Niacinamide & Zinc Pca
- High 10% concentration of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and 1% Zinc PCA to help control oil in 3 days.
- Reduces Pore Visibility
- Clinical testing shows appearance of pores is minimized in 4 weeks, improving signs of congesting.
- Application Instructions
- Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening. Patch test before use and avoid broken skin.
I am going on 2 months of this stuff... my skin loves me for it. I feel like it has helped a lot with my mild acne and my pores on my nose ...
Overall I love the serum. It makes my skin look more bouncy, more plush, like a child's. It also looks more "poreless", and feels more resilient ...
Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →
“Review: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10” · YouTube
If the consensus convinced you
Check current price on Amazon
Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.