The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Review — My Skin’s Journey Back to Balance

Sometimes, your skin feels like it’s holding its breath — congested, uneven, just slightly angry. Mine was like that for months: little breakouts that wouldn’t heal, redness around my nose, that dull city fatigue that no amount of water could fix. And then I met The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Not love at first sight, but something better — trust over time.

Texture & First Impression

The bottle, like most of The Ordinary’s range, looks like a lab sample: minimal, no frills. Inside, the serum is clear with a soft, slightly tacky texture that sinks quickly into damp skin. No scent, no fancy feel — just quiet efficiency. I started using it every night, half out of curiosity, half out of desperation for calm skin.

What Happened Next

Within a week, I noticed my T-zone looked less reflective. The small under-skin bumps along my jaw started to fade. My complexion wasn’t “perfect” — it just looked cleaner, more even. After two weeks, even my makeup sat differently. Foundation didn’t break apart mid-day. My skin wasn’t fighting me anymore.

The Formula

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) works on so many fronts: it balances sebum, minimizes redness, supports your barrier, and gently brightens without irritation. The added zinc helps to calm inflammation and regulate oil. It’s not glamorous chemistry, but it’s grounded science — and it works.

How I Use It

I apply 3 drops after cleansing, before moisturizer. If you’re layering other actives (like acids or retinoids), give this a moment on its own. Some nights I use it solo, sealed with The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. The trick is consistency — not overthinking, just showing up for your skin every night.

Results After a Month

By week four, my skin looked smoother and less reactive. The redness that used to flare up after a hot shower or a stressful day mellowed out. Breakouts were fewer, smaller, and shorter-lived. What surprised me most wasn’t the clarity — it was how much softer and more balanced my face felt. It wasn’t “oily” or “dry” anymore, just… neutral. Comfortable.

What to Watch For

If you apply too much, it can feel sticky or pill under makeup. Less is more. And if your skin is very sensitive, start with alternate nights — niacinamide is gentle, but powerful in high doses.

Final Thoughts

This serum isn’t dramatic. It won’t peel, tingle, or give overnight miracles. What it gives is something deeper: stability. If your skin has been misbehaving and you don’t know where to start, this is the quiet reset button you’ve been searching for.

— Reviewed for Glam Beauty Guide, your edit of skin stories that feel like real life.