The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Review

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% from the Ordinary can work for some and not for some.

Let me explain…

Niacinamide is a good ingredient for controlling inflammation and pigmentation on the skin. It can also tighten pores and reduce excess oil production.

Its anti-inflammatory property allows it to reduce redness and calm and soothe the skin. Keeping the skin’s inflammation in check is important because it leads to pigmentation, which is dark spots and patches on the skin. Once pigmentation occurs, it is hard to get rid of. By reducing inflammation, niacinamide reduces the chances of pigmentation forming.

Another way niacinamide reduces pigmentation is by reducing the amount of excess pigment reaching the top layer of the skin. Pigmentation is excess pigment in the top layer of skin.

Niacinamide is a multi-function ingredient.

It also strengthens the skin’s barrier function. A strong skin barrier means hydrated skin with fewer breakouts.

So, all good so far…

The 1% zinc in the product further reduces skin inflammation.

Together, these two ingredients reduce inflammation and pigmentation, brightening the skin.

Here is where this product can cause problems…
Its niacinamide concentration.

10% niacinamide is a lot. Niacinamide is quite effective at 5%. More does not necessarily mean better in the case of niacinamide. More is bad for many people. 10% niacinamide can cause redness and irritate some people.

If 10% niacinamide causes redness, then this product can be counter-productive.

Another important point to remember is that many moisturisers contain niacinamide. If you use this serum and then top it off with a moisturiser with niacinamide, that is a lot of niacinamide. This much niacinamide can irritate the skin for some people.

The same goes for sunscreen. Many sunscreens contain niacinamide, which can irritate your skin if you top this serum with that sunscreen.

That said, if this product works well for you, that’s good. But for some, this much niacinamide can be an overkill.

If you have never used niacinamide, don’t start with this one. Similarly, don’t use this product if the moisturiser or sunscreen you will use in the routine contains niacinamide.

Who is this product for?
Consider the product if you have used niacinamide before and find it works well. But still, 10% niacinamide is a bit of an overkill.

Sometimes, this product can leave a white cast or have white granules at the bottle opening. The white stuff is nothing to worry about. It is because of the emulsifying properties of one of the ingredients in the product. The emulsifying property is a soap-like property. Just like you get a white cast when you rub soap on the face, the emulsifying ingredient in this product also behaves the same way.

How to use the product?

Cleanse your face. Take a few drops of this product in your palm and gently pat it on your skin. Avoid rubbing it on the skin. Instead, pat the product.

Top the product with a moisturiser or a cream. Make sure the product you are applying on top of this product does not have niacinamide.