- Support Team
- Nov 25
- 3 min read
I remember the exact moment I first spotted The Ordinary display at the store. It was all so clinical, so minimalist, and, frankly, so affordable that I couldn't help but wonder: What is the real deal here? Could a product this budget-friendly actually deliver on the hype?
Well, if you've been living under a beauty rock (no judgment, we've all been there!), this brand has officially reached skincare cult status. If you scroll through Sephora, Boots, Ulta, or any of our favourite beauty blogs, you’ll see the same consensus: their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum is a certified superstar. It consistently pulls an incredible 4.3 to 4.4 out of 5 stars across major retailers, and for us girlies with oily, combination, or breakout-prone skin? It’s practically a holy grail.
What Exactly Is This Magic Potion?
The full name is a bit of a mouthful: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. But don't let the title intimidate you! This is, fundamentally, a powerhouse water-based serum designed to tackle a whole host of common skin issues.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This is the main event at a high 10% concentration. It's famous for its ability to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, refine skin texture, and strengthen the skin barrier. Think of it as a smooth-operator for your face.
Zinc PCA: At 1%, this is the brilliant supporting actor. Zinc helps to regulate sebum production—the oil your skin makes—which is why this serum is an absolute must-have if you struggle with shine and congestion.
💖 Why We're All Obsessed (The Key Benefits)
When I first started using it, I was cautiously optimistic. I had heard the whispers, but seeing the results on my own skin was totally different. Here are the top three reasons this serum is a permanent fixture in my routine:
It Declogs and Shrinks Pores: This is its undisputed superpower. If your pores look like tiny little dots, this serum helps clean out the gunk and makes them appear smaller and tighter. My nose area has never looked smoother!
It Keeps Breakouts in Check: The combination of Niacinamide and Zinc is fantastic for calming redness and reducing the frequency and severity of acne. It’s not a spot treatment, but it helps manage the overall oiliness that leads to breakouts.
It Tames the Shine: Living with oily skin means blotting papers are my best friend. Since adding this in, I've noticed a significant reduction in midday shine, especially on my forehead and T-zone. Hello, matte finish!
📝 How I Use It (A Quick User Guide)
Integrating this serum is super easy, which I love because I'm all about quick, effective routines!
When to Apply: Apply a few drops (2-3 is plenty!) after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer.
Layering Tip: Since it's water-based, make sure to apply it before any thicker creams or facial oils.
My Personal Routine: I use it every morning. This helps keep the shine at bay all day long. Some people also use it at night, but for me, once a day is perfect for managing my oil production.
Pro Tip: Do NOT use this serum in the same routine as any Vitamin C product (such as the L-Ascorbic Acid). Mixing them can reduce the efficacy of both. Use Vitamin C in the morning and this Niacinamide at night, or vice versa!
💡 The Final Verdict
For less than the price of a fancy coffee, you get a highly concentrated, effective serum that targets texture, pores, and oiliness. The hype is 100% real, and if you have combo or oily skin, you need to grab this. It’s the ultimate skincare steal!
