The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Review: What It Does, How to Use It & How to Stop Pilling
· Amazed by MN
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is one of the best-known budget serums in skincare, and it remains a best seller for the brand. But it is also one of the most misused: people expect it to clear acne, layer it wrong, and then blame it for pilling. Here is what it can and cannot do, and how to use it properly.
How we put this guide together: this review is based on The Ordinary’s official product guidance, the complete ingredient list, and independent ingredient research. No brand paid for this placement.
Quick Verdict
A simple, water-based serum that targets excess oil, the look of enlarged pores, dullness, and uneven texture. Great value for oily and combination skin. It is not an acne treatment, and you need to use it with care alongside vitamin C.
What’s Inside
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
- Niacinamide (10%): a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. The Ordinary says it helps support the skin’s natural ceramide content for a stronger moisture barrier, supports smoother and brighter-looking skin, and helps balance excess sebum.
- Zinc PCA (1%): a zinc salt included to help control oil.
What It Won’t Do
The product guidance carried by retailers is clear that this serum is not a treatment for acne. It can help with oiliness and the look of congestion, but persistent breakouts call for proper acne actives. For example, benzoyl peroxide washes like PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash belong in a different category entirely.
Also worth knowing: 10% is a high concentration. Many of niacinamide’s well-researched benefits are associated with concentrations around 4% to 5%, so more is not automatically better. Most people tolerate niacinamide well, but a small number of people do not.
How to Use It
- Use 2 to 3 drops for your entire face and neck.
- Apply after cleansing, in the morning and evening, before heavier moisturizers or treatments.
- Patch test first, as the brand advises, especially if your skin is sensitive.
The Vitamin C Rule
The Ordinary recommends not using this serum in the same routine as vitamin C, whether pure L-ascorbic acid or vitamin C derivatives, because the brand says combining them may reduce their effectiveness. Its suggested workaround is simple: vitamin C in one routine, niacinamide in the other. Some skincare writers argue the concern is overstated, but if you are using The Ordinary’s products, following the brand’s own compatibility guidance is the safest option.
Why It Pills, and How to Fix It
Pilling is the most common complaint about this serum. The brand itself notes that over-applying or layering products incorrectly can cause pilling or a heavy, sticky feel. To avoid it:
- Stick to 2 to 3 drops. Using more is the most common cause.
- Let the serum absorb fully before applying anything on top.
- If it still pills under a specific moisturizer or sunscreen, use the two at different times of day.
Who It’s Best For
- Oily and combination skin that gets shiny during the day
- Anyone who wants help with the look of pores, dullness, and uneven texture on a budget
- Skincare beginners looking for one simple, well-understood active
Honest Drawbacks
- Pilling if you use too much or layer it with the wrong products.
- The vitamin C conflict can complicate routines built around a vitamin C serum.
- High concentration may be more than sensitive skin needs.
- Not an acne treatment, despite how it is often marketed on social media.
The Bottom Line
For oily and combination skin, this is one of the most affordable ways to add niacinamide to a routine. Use a few drops, give it time to absorb, keep it separate from vitamin C, and set realistic expectations: it is an oil-balancing, skin-smoothing serum, not an acne cure.
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