Key Takeaway
What The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc does, who it suits, how to use it, and how to avoid the common mistakes with this popular serum.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% controls excess oil, reduces the look of blemishes and minimises the appearance of pores, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Apply it to clean skin before moisturiser. Shop it on the The Ordinary hub.
What does The Ordinary Niacinamide do?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc regulates oil, calms blemishes and refines the look of enlarged pores, using a high niacinamide concentration with zinc. It is one of the brand's most popular serums because it targets the core concerns of oily, breakout-prone skin.
How do I use The Ordinary Niacinamide?
Use niacinamide by applying a few drops to clean skin, morning and/or night, before your moisturiser. It layers well with hydrating serums like hyaluronic acid; if you find the 10% too strong, use it once a day or every other day.
What mistakes should I avoid?
Avoid using too much (a few drops is enough), layering it with too many other strong actives at once, and expecting overnight results. Some people find high-strength niacinamide causes flushing or pilling; if so, reduce frequency or amount.
Step-by-step: how to get the best results
- Start with clean, dry skin or hair.
- Apply The Ordinary as directed, using a small amount first.
- Give it time to absorb before the next step.
- Follow with a moisturiser, and sunscreen in the morning where relevant.
- Use it consistently and introduce only one new product at a time.
Tips for best results
Consistency and patience do most of the work. Use the product daily as directed, store it away from heat and direct light, and give any active four to eight weeks before judging it. Less is often more; applying too much rarely improves results and can irritate the skin.
Common mistakes to avoid
A few habits quietly undo good products:
- Using too many new actives at once, which irritates the skin barrier.
- Skipping sunscreen, which undoes brightening and anti-ageing effort.
- Expecting overnight change; most results build over four to eight weeks.
- Applying too little product, so it never reaches its stated effect.
- Not patch-testing, especially with fragrance or strong actives.
How long until you see results
Give The Ordinary four to eight weeks of consistent use before deciding whether it works for you. Hydration and comfort often improve within days, but changes to tone, texture, breakouts, or fine lines build gradually as skin renews. Taking a photo at the start helps you judge progress fairly, since day-to-day changes are easy to miss. If a product causes ongoing stinging, redness, or breakouts, stop and reassess rather than pushing through.
Key things to remember
A few points make the biggest difference in practice:
- Consistency beats intensity; daily use of a simple routine wins.
- Introduce one new product at a time so you can tell what works.
- Sunscreen every morning protects the results of the rest of your skin care routine.
- Patch-test new products, especially if your skin reacts easily.
- Prices and stock change, so check the live product page before buying.
How to fit this into your wider routine
Think of The Ordinary as one step in a balanced routine rather than a standalone fix. Layer products from thinnest to thickest, leave a moment between active steps, and keep the rest of your routine gentle while your skin adjusts. If you use several skin care products, space strong actives across different days or times so they support each other instead of competing. Explore complementary options in skin care and on the The Ordinary hub.
Storage and everyday care
Store the product away from direct sun, heat, and humidity, and close caps tightly so the formula stays stable and hygienic. Keep hands and applicators clean, and note any change in colour or smell, which can signal that a product is past its best. Following the on-pack directions and the period-after-opening symbol keeps it working as intended.
Frequently asked questions
Is niacinamide good for oily skin? Yes, it controls oil and reduces the look of pores and blemishes.
Can I use it morning and night? Yes, though sensitive skin may prefer once a day.
Does niacinamide help acne? It reduces oil and blemishes; pair it with a treatment for active acne.
Part of the The Ordinary hub. Prices and stock change frequently; check the live price on each product page. General skincare information, not medical advice. Shop more in skin care.
