The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: How to Use It, What to Pair It With, and When to Expect Results
Apply a few drops of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to your whole face morning and evening, after cleansing and before heavier creams, and keep it out of the same routine as vitamin C. It pairs well with simple hydrating serums, moisturizers and sunscreen. The Ordinary says skin texture may look smoother within about a week, with less visible pores and shine over continued use.
What it is
This is a water-based serum from The Ordinary, made in Canada and sold in a 30 ml (1 fl oz) dropper bottle. It contains 10% niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and 1% zinc PCA. The brand describes it as an oil-control serum for blemish-prone skin, aimed at the look of shine, visible pores and uneven texture.
The full ingredient list is short: water, niacinamide, pentylene glycol, zinc PCA, dimethyl isosorbide, tamarind seed gum, xanthan gum, isoceteth-20, ethoxydiglycol, phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin. The Ordinary lists it as oil-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free and vegan.
What each ingredient does
- Niacinamide 10%: helps with the look of pores, shine and uneven tone, and helps skin look smoother.
- Zinc PCA 1%: helps balance skin that looks oily.
How to use it
- Cleanse. Start with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Apply a few drops. Spread a few drops over the whole face. You do not need much; using more does not make it work faster and can leave a slightly tacky film.
- Let it absorb. Give it a minute before the next step to reduce pilling.
- Follow with moisturizer. Apply your moisturizer or any heavier cream on top.
- Morning: finish with sunscreen. Sunscreen always goes last in the morning.
The brand says it can be used morning and evening. If your skin is sensitive, start once a day, see how your skin feels after a week or two, and then increase. Use it only on unbroken skin.
Using it with other serums: if you use more than one water-based serum, apply the thinnest first and let each one absorb before the next. A hydrating serum can go before or after niacinamide; what matters most is giving each layer a moment so they do not ball up.
Patch test first
Ten percent is a high level of niacinamide, and some people notice temporary flushing, tingling or itching. The Ordinary recommends a patch test: apply a small amount to the upper forearm, keep the area dry, and rinse after 24 hours. If you see redness, burning, itching or irritation, do not use it. If irritation happens later, rinse it off and stop using it.
What to pair it with
- Hydrating serums: a hyaluronic acid serum such as Torriden DIVE-IN layers well before or after it and can make the routine feel more comfortable.
- A light moisturizer: even oily skin usually does better with a moisturizer on top.
- Daily sunscreen: any good sunscreen as your last morning step. Browse options in our sun protection collection.
What not to combine it with
The Ordinary lists both direct and indirect vitamin C as conflicts for this serum. That means:
- Vitamin C serums (such as L-ascorbic acid products): use them in a different routine, for example vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.
- Vitamin C derivatives (such as ascorbyl glucoside or ethylated ascorbic acid): the same rule applies.
The brand's reasoning is that combining them in the same routine may make them less effective. It also helps to avoid stacking several strong products at once if your skin reacts easily. Add one new product at a time.
When to expect results
We are only repeating what The Ordinary itself states here:
- Shortly after applying: the brand says skin may look more plump, supple and radiant.
- Within about one week: smoother-looking skin texture.
- With continued use: less visible pores and less visible shine from excess oil.
Everyone's skin is different, so give it consistent daily use before deciding whether it suits you. If your skin is becoming more irritated rather than calmer, stop.
Who it's for and who should skip it
A good fit if you:
- Have oily or combination skin
- Have blemish-prone skin
- Want visible pores and uneven texture to look smoother
- Want an affordable, simple serum to add to a basic routine
You might skip it, or go slowly, if you:
- Have very sensitive or redness-prone skin that tends to flush with niacinamide
- Have very dry skin and no oil concerns
- Rely on a vitamin C serum in every routine and do not want to split them
For more options for blemish-prone skin, see our breakouts and marks collection.
FAQ
Can I use niacinamide 10% + zinc every day?
Yes. The Ordinary's directions are a few drops morning and evening. If your skin is sensitive, start once a day and build up.
Can I use it with vitamin C?
Not in the same routine. The brand lists vitamin C and its derivatives as conflicts, so use them at different times of day.
Why does it pill under my moisturizer?
Usually because too much was applied or the next layer went on too soon. Use only a few drops and wait about a minute before your moisturizer.
Is it normal for my skin to tingle or turn red?
Some people experience flushing with high levels of niacinamide. If it happens, rinse it off and stop. You can try a lower-strength niacinamide product instead.
How long until I see a difference?
The Ordinary says skin texture may look smoother within about a week, with less visible pores and shine over continued use.
Where to find it
You can find The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in our shop. US orders ship free from our US warehouses, usually within one business day.