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Table of Contents
- What’s Niacinamide?
- What’s Niacinamide Benefits To The Skin?
- What’s Zinc’s Benefits To Skin?
- The Packaging.
- The Texture.
- How Does It Scent?
- Size.
- My Review On The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% Serum.
- How Does It Feel On The Skin?
- How To Apply.
- Ingredients List.
- What I Like About The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum.
- What I Dislike About The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum.
- In Conclusion
I haveoily skinwith an uneven skin tone. I desperately needed something that could control the oil production and even out my complexion. Which made me order The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Solution to see if it actually worth the hype!. Therefore this article entails my honest review on The Ordinary niacinamide serum.
We all know about The Ordinary skincare brand, if you haven’t heard about them, mehn!!! have you been living under the cave?, DECIEM is the parent company of The Ordinary (based in Canada) and the biggest seller so far in the industry with quality skincare products — and you know what? The Ordinary skincare productsare ridiculously cheap. Infact they are known for the affordable prices of their skincare line. The Ordinary brand broke the record of balancing the equation between inexpensive and quality skincare products.
But before we go into the review, let’s know what niacinamide really is and its benefits to the skin
What’s Niacinamide?
Niacinamideis also known as nicotinamide, vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. It’s a water soluble-vitamin and doesn’t dissolve in oil, that’s why you’ll only see niacinamide in oil-free (water-based) moisturizers and serums. Which is perfect for those who hates oil-based skincare topicals especially individuals with oily skin type.
What’s Niacinamide Benefits To The Skin?
The core benefits of niacinamide to the skin is regulating excessive oil production, reduce redness (blotchiness), shrinking large visible-pores and getting rid of nasty looking blemishes which in turn improves overall skin tone and texture.
Niacinamide readilypenetrates deeply into the skin to deliver its potentials, it’s one of the most stable active-vitamin in skincare, with a pH around neutral. It’s non-acidic and non-irritating which is perfect for individuals with sensitive unlike L-ascorbic acid form ofvitamin C and retinol.
The Ordinary niacinamide serum contains 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc.
What’s Zinc’s Benefits To Skin?
Zinc works with other vitamins and minerals to help treat skin lesions as it offers anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects to help treat inflammatoryacne, calms inflammation, minimize early signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, regulates oil and protects skin from UV rays of the sun when applied topical as an SPF.
Zinc can also be ingested as a supplement to deliver its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging potentials.
The Packaging.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% comes well packaged in transparent glass bottle with a dropper to dispense.
The lid is tightly closed to avoid spills.
The Texture.
The Ordinary niacinamide serum has a lightweight gel-like texture, (just like hyaluronic acid serum) it glides smoothly and effortlessly on the skin. It easily spreads with little or no added effort.
When applied on the skin it absorbs quickly. Infact the fact that it absorbs almost instantly when applied on my skin makes me love it.
How Does It Scent?
The Ordinary niacinamide serum is completely scentless as it fragrance-free which is literally a good one as fragrance can contribute to irritation especially to individuals with sensitive skin.
Note: Niacinamide shouldn’t be used together with Vitamin C , as it can negativity impact on the integrity of vitamin C. However if you must pair both together then use on intervals. Use niacinamide serum at night and vitamin C serum during the day.
Niacinamide can be combined with retinol (retinoids) and other natural skincare ingredients as niacinamide is friendly with the skin and also with other skincare ingredients.
Size.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum comes in 2 sizes, which are 30ml and 60ml.
The 30ml size can last for a month, while the 60ml can last for 2 months. A little goes along way.
My Review On The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% Serum.
Ever since I purchased and used this serum, it has won a special place in my heart. Like I mentioned above, the main intent of buying The Ordinary niacinamide serum is to help reduce excess oil, calm down redness, treat blemishes and of course improve my skin tone.
I have an oily (acne-prone) and sensitive skin and for that fact, I have been battling with oiliness and redness.
Some times I break out. Although, I do control my breakouts with retinol serumwhich has been very helpful, but I decided to include niacinamide into my routine to muscle it up.
After 2 weeks of applying The Ordinary niacinamide serum I’m glad to say my expectations were satisfied and indeed this serum really worths the hype. First of all, it helped reduced excessive oiliness especially around my nose and T-zone area. My large visible pores were shrunked and reduced in size, my annoying little pesky blemishes and blackheads were taken care of and redness is a thing of the past.
But my biggest testimony is the drastic reduction of oiliness. My skin no longer produces excess oil like before and you know what? My complexion improved. Although, my biggest fear was not to get my skin irritated due to the fact that the serum contains 10% niacinamide — a very high concentration — which may not be suitable for some skin types, especially individuals with super-sensitive.
So, If you feel like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum is right for your skin, it’s important you should do a patch test first (to test for allergy). This serum is water-based and should be applied before any heavier oils and creams at both morning and evening times to enjoy the full effects.
Example. You should apply The Ordinary niacinamide serum first before applying any heavier moisturizers, oils and serums for a more effective result.
I use CeraVe moisturizing lotion after applying niacinamide serum to seal off moisture and keep my skin ultra-hydrated all night.
Note: Some skin types can’t tolerate a high percentage of niacinamide, especially — extreme sensitive skin — so if you’re one of them, go for a lower concentration (recommended 2 – 5%). See other niacinamide serums with lower concentration.
How Does It Feel On The Skin?
At first when The Ordinary niacinamide serum is applied on the skin it feels soothing, (just like hyaluronic acid) and spreads evenly, but tends to make your skin feel a little-dry after it’s absorbed — due to the fact niacinamide is best suitable for individuals with oily and acne prone skin as it literally regulates sebum (oil) and shrink large visible pores, by so doing, you may feel a slight drying effect when applied on your skin, that’s why it’s recommended to follow up with a oil-free moisturizer afterwards. (I recommend CeraVe moisturizing lotion).
Therefore, to counteract the slight drying effect i ensure to apply CeraVe moisturizing lotion (because it’s oil-free and contains hyaluronic acid + ceramides and peptides). Sometimes I also apply hyaluronic acid serum instead.
Note: Don’t apply too much of The Ordinary niacinamide serum as too much could literally cause excessive dryness or tackiness. 2-3 drops is just ok. A little goes a long way. Ensure to apply a rich moisturizer afterwards.
Note: Go for moisturizers suitable for your skin type, these are moisturizers suitable for dry skin, and these are suitable for oily skin.
Some people complained they felt a slight sticky sensation after applying The Ordinary niacinamide serum, well in my own case I never experienced that, because it literally absorbs instantly and leaves no residue behind (except for a tacky finish). Although, skin type differs, therefore results may vary too. However, if you should feel a sticky sensation layering an oil-free moisturizer orhyaluronic acid serumwill definitely counteract the effect.
Note: While applying The Ordinary niacinamide serum you may experience some foaming effect — while on rubbing-motion, that’s absolutely normal you have nothing to worry about. This foaming effect will last for few seconds — if you don’t use too much. Therefore 2-3 drops is just ok (a little goes a long way).
How To Apply.
The Ordinary niacinamide serum is to be applied two times daily (morning & night) for optimum result – according to the company. And that’s exactly how I’ve been applying the serum.
Ingredients List.
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
What I Like About The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum.
- Very budget friendly: The fact that this serum is wallet-friendly makes me love it even more.
Unlike other related niacinamide serums which digs deep into your pocket, The Ordinary niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% serum costs less and very affordable for everyone.
- Absorbs Quickly: Has a gel-like texture just like hyaluronic acid serum but absorbs almost immediately after applied on the skin – which makes layering other skincare products very convenient and easy. You don’t even need to wait upto a minute before sealing off with a moisturizer.
- Regulated Excessive Oil: My excessive oily skin was indeed minimized. Of course this was one of the reasons why I went for this formula. No more greasy-looks and large visible-pores.
- Minimized Large Visible Pores & Smoothen The Skin: Excessive oily skin leads to enlarged visible-pores due to pores clogged with sebum, blackheads and other pore-clogging residues from comedogenic makeup, sunscreen and skincare products. Niacinamide being a one-stop remedy at shrinking large pores and minimizes excessive sebum production really did its wonders on my skin. Atleast I now enjoy the privilege of having a smoother looking skin. It also helped dry off little pimples I had on my left-cheek (blemishes).
- Improved My Complexion: Due to the fact I had uneven skin tone made me give this serum a try and I can testify to its goodness. My large visible pores has drastically reduced, which literally Improved my skin texture and added more shine.
- Well Packaged:The packaging was not only simply but nicely packaged. Although, there wasn’t any seal. But the lid was tightly covered to avoid spills.
- Fragrance-Free: Fragrance has been linked to cause Irritations and breakouts. Having a product without fragrance gives you an edge to curtail possible occurrence of irritations. The ordinary niacinamide serum is 100% fragrance-free. Not only that, it’s paraben-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free and cruelty-free too.
What I Dislike About The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum.
- Took Longer Before Seeing Results: Took 2 weeks to see visible result. At first I thought of giving up, but never relent right? I kept pushing and after a week and 5 days the results can speak for itself.
- Didn’t Do Much On Pigmentations: I have some left over acne scars on my left-cheek (as a result of blemishes) and since I’ve been using this serum there hasn’t been any massive-visible changes on the spots. However, its appearance was “slightly” reduced.
- Slightly Drys Out The Skin: The fact that it makes the skin slightly-dry and tight makes it one of its cons, maybe due to high concentration of niacinamide but nevertheless, it can still be counteracted by applying a moisture-rich moisturizer afterwards to rehydrate the skin.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking to reduce oiliness, shrink enlarged pores, clear blemishes, calm redness and improve your skin tone then I recommend this serum. However it’s best you patch test before commencing treatment as some skin types won’t tolerate high concentration of niacinamide. After patch testing and you feel this serum is suitable for your skin then don’t forget to follow up with a moisture-rich moisturizer to counteract the skin drying effect as this serum tends to slightly dry out the skin.
Disclaimer: This review is personal and solely based on my skin’s reaction and experience towards The Ordinary niacinamide 10% zinc 1% serum. Your experience with this serum might be a whole different story because all skin differs.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Should I use a Moisturizer after applying the ordinary niacinamide serum?
A: Yes. Infact the best companion to niacinamide serum is a an oil-free moisturizer like hyaluronic acid serum or a lotion containing hyaluronic acid (recommended: CeraVe moisturizing lotion).
Q: Should I wash off after applying the ordinary niacinamide serum?
A: No!!. It’s a leave-on formula and shouldn’t be washed off. Leave it on your skin overnight or throughout the day for best results.
Q: Where can I buy The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum?
A: You can buy from –Ulta• Sephora•Cultbeauty
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FAQs
Is niacinamide 10% zinc 1% good? ›
The 10% concentration of niacinamide combined with zinc has been shown to assist with skin barrier function and improve skin's radiance over time, too. Zinc also has skin-conditioning, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and helps to regulate oil.
Can I use the ordinary niacinamide 10% zinc 1% everyday? ›The Ordinary niacinamide can actually be used daily both day and/or night after cleansing the skin. Niacinamide is an ingredient that is great for overall skin health, so it can easily slot into any skincare routine.
What does The Ordinary 10% niacinamide 1% zinc do? ›Our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% formula is a water-based serum that boosts skin brightness, improves skin smoothness and reinforces the skin barrier over time. It contains a high 10% concentration of Niacinamide (vitamin b3) and zinc PCA.
Does ordinary niacinamide really work? ›Niacinamide (a 4% gel) has, in fact, been shown to be as effective as 1% clindamycin gel in the treatment of acne. It does wonders to control oil throughout the day and over time, improves skin texture. This serum and all products from The Ordinary are cruelty-free and vegan.
Which moisturizer is best after niacinamide serum? ›CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
If you're looking to take in the overall benefits of niacinamide, Gmyrek recommends this moisturizing lotion from CeraVe. It is not only formulated with niacinamide, but also includes hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and protected.
While acids and retinol can increase sun sensitivity, niacinamide does not, so it's fine to use in the morning. It also has protective antioxidant properties, so it's a great ingredient to use prior to UV and pollution exposure. At the same time, the anti-inflammatory ingredient is also ideal for use at night.
Should I use moisturizer after niacinamide? ›Niacinamide Serum – As most niacinamide serums are water-based, it's best to apply them after cleansing and toning and before oil-based serums or moisturizers. This way, you ensure the highest possible absorption and effectiveness.
What happens if you use niacinamide everyday? ›When used topically every day, niacinamide may have a positive impact on your overall skin health. The ingredient can help reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, smooth your overall skin texture, and brighten your skin.
How long should I use niacinamide to see results? ›Niacinamide is a great ingredient for its tolerability, preventing skin aging and treating inflammation and pigmentation. Most results take 8–12 weeks.
How long does it take for niacinamide and zinc to work? ›While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more.
How long does it take for zinc and niacinamide to work? ›
If you start using Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% day and night, you'll most likely notice a difference in your skin within 1 week.
How do you know if niacinamide is working? ›Niacinamide and alternatives
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps build proteins in the skin and retain moisture. Signs it's not working: You're not seeing results and notice that the product is pilling on your skin. Also, if you experience redness, itching, or burning, you might want to skip this ingredient.
The Niacinamide Powder should never be used with a product that has a non-water-based formula or a pH below 5 or above 7. Especially, it should never be combined with a vitamin C or direct acid (such as AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs).
Does the ordinary niacinamide make your skin glow? ›Niacinamide is the perfect ingredient for glowing skin as it is rich in antioxidants and controls hyperpigmentation. It also controls melanin production and inhibits production of harmful enzymes.
Can I skip moisturizer after niacinamide serum? ›Yes you can use serum without moisturiser.
Is it necessary to apply moisturizer after niacinamide serum at night? ›Layering the niacinamide on top will help regulate any excess sebum production and avoid breakouts. Finish off by applying your choice of moisturiser. Alternatively, you may apply niacinamide and hyaluronic acid at different times of the day.
Can I use the ordinary niacinamide under my eyes? ›You can use Niacinamide in the morning and evening. Avoid the eye area. Niacinamide is a water-based product. Apply this directly after cleansing or after other water-based products.
Who should not use niacinamide? ›Children should avoid taking niacinamide doses above the daily upper limits, which are 10 mg for children 1-3 years of age, 15 mg for children 4-8 years of age, 20 mg for children 9-13 years of age, and 30 mg for children 14-18 years of age. Diabetes: Niacinamide might increase blood sugar.
Can you put niacinamide on eyelids? ›"It helps with dark circles and wrinkles, two of the major complaints of the skin around the eyes." Because there's a low risk of irritation or inflammation from using it, you can apply it to the delicate, thin skin around the eyes without worry.
At what age should I use niacinamide? ›Anyone above the age of 18 can use Niacinamide, skin type no bar. However, if you have very sensitive skin or a lot of allergies, its best to do a patch test and consult your dermatologist before you give it a go.
What happens to your skin when you start using niacinamide? ›
Applied topically, "niacinamide can improve skin texture and strengthen the protective barrier function of the skin, which then helps to reduce inflammation — often appearing as dry, irritated or flaky skin. It does so by increasing natural lipids found on the skin surface and reducing water loss," Dr. Li explains.
Should your face be wet when applying niacinamide? ›Moisturizing ingredients: damp skin
If your facial routine is simple and you're just applying a moisturizer after you cleanse, you'll want to do this ASAP, while your skin is still wet. The same goes for any moisturizing serums you may layer into your routine, like hyaluronic acid, squalene, or niacinamide.
But if you're using two distinct products with these ingredients, wait 15 minutes between applications, or save one for morning use and the other for evening use.
What are the long-term effects of niacinamide? ›The possible side effects and consequences of excessive nicotinamide exposure are reviewed, including suggestions nicotinamide might have a role in the development of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and liver damage.
Which is better retinol or niacinamide? ›Retinol has similar benefits, but it's stronger than niacinamide. It's also known to cause irritation, redness, and dry skin. Pairing the two ingredients is safe and can make retinol easier to use. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin, which reduces the risk of irritation caused by retinol.
Does niacinamide lighten dark spots? ›In the clinical studies, niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use. Conclusions: The data suggest niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
Does niacinamide tighten skin? ›Higher concentrations of niacinamide can help visibly tighten pores by shoring up skin's supportive elements.
Can I use niacinamide on lips? ›When it's topically applied, Niacinamide stops skin from losing water while encouraging micro-circulation in the dermis. Another antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, the naturally occurring bisabolol boosts healing of the skin, which is perfect for sufferers of sensitive, dry and cracked lips.
What happens if you use too much niacinamide on skin? ›You're more likely to irritate your skin with ultrahigh concentrations than anything else." While the B vitamin is beloved for strengthening the skin barrier, too much of it can actually lead to sensitivity, skin irritation, and redness—but if you stick to a 2% to 5% concentration, you should be set.
Does niacinamide make you breakout at first? ›Though some people do report experiencing irritation and breakouts after using the ingredient, niacinamide is unlikely to cause purging. That's because it doesn't affect the skin in a way that usually triggers purging.
Is niacinamide or vitamin C better? ›
Difference Between Vitamin C and Niacinamide
Vitamin C and niacinamide have similarities but they have small differences in terms of benefits. As a mild acid, Vitamin C is better for exfoliating and brightening skin than niacinamide. On the other hand, niacinamide is better for keeping skin moisturized.
The main benefit of using niacinamide with your moisturiser is its ability to draw water into the skin and locking it into place giving your complexion a boost of hydration that lasts all day. This is why I suggest teaming a niacinamide enriched serum with a moisturiser.
How many drops of the ordinary niacinamide should I use? ›All you have to do is take 2 drops of the niacinamide serum in your palms and pat in on the skin. It gets absorbed quickly leaving no residue or sticky feeling behind.
How long will my skin purge from niacinamide? ›A typical purge lasts about as long as one skin cycle, which is four to six weeks, depending on your skin. Once that first skin cycle is over, your purge pimples should ease up, and you should start to notice the clarifying and brightening benefits of your new product.
Should I wash my face after using niacinamide? ›1 answer. You do not need to wash it off. It is applied after cleansing your face, and any acne spot treatments.
What should not be used after ordinary? ›Regardless of which products you use after The Ordinary Peeling Solution, it is important that you avoid using potent actives with the peel, like other exfoliating acids (i.e., glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid).
Do I need to wash my face after applying serum? ›Do I Need To Wash My Face After Applying Serum? No, face serums do not require you to cleanse your skin post application.
Do you leave niacinamide on overnight? ›The Ordinary niacinamide can actually be used daily both day and/or night after cleansing the skin. Niacinamide is an ingredient that is great for overall skin health, so it can easily slot into any skincare routine.
Should you avoid sun with niacinamide? ›Niacinamide also plays nicely with the sun. “Niacinamide will not increase sun sensitivity,” says Dr Hextall. “It is an excellent ingredient that helps to calm inflammation, protect the skin barrier and reduce post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Why can't vitamin C be used with niacinamide? ›Here's where things get hairy: Older research has shown that mixing vitamin C—specifically the unstable ascorbic acid—with niacinamide can convert it to the compound niacin, which can cause flushing (think blotchy, inflamed skin).
Which ordinary product is best for beginners? ›
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic acid is the skin savior that every beginner needs in their routine. This lightweight serum boasts a hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 duo to leave skin soft, smooth and free of fine lines.
Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr. Green recommends that sensitive-skinned folks start with a lower concentration to avoid potential irritation and redness.
How often should you use niacinamide 10 zinc 1? ›How often can I use Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%? We recommend applying it twice per day, once in the morning and once at night.
What does 10% niacinamide do for your skin? ›Among its many benefits, it's been shown to reverse and prevent signs of skin ageing, brighten and smooth skin, calm inflammation and redness, reduce hyperpigmentation, decrease the appearance of pores, and hydrate and support the skin barrier, she says.
Can niacinamide 10% be used daily? ›Can you use niacinamide every day? Yes. In fact, you can use niacinamide-containing topical products in the morning and night because it's generally a gentle ingredient.
Is it necessary to apply moisturizer after niacinamide Serum? ›Niacinamide Serum – As most niacinamide serums are water-based, it's best to apply them after cleansing and toning and before oil-based serums or moisturizers. This way, you ensure the highest possible absorption and effectiveness. Cover your entire face with the serum, but feel free to concentrate on oily areas.
Does niacinamide make skin stronger? ›Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinamide, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimise enlarged pores, tighten lax pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface.
Does niacinamide remove dark spots? ›It can also block the specific enzyme responsible for skin discoloration, including dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and even freckles. This way, niacinamide can help even out an uneven complexion, reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage, skin conditions, acne, or dryness.
Does niacinamide give you glowing skin? ›Niacinamide is the perfect ingredient for glowing skin as it is rich in antioxidants and controls hyperpigmentation. It also controls melanin production and inhibits production of harmful enzymes.
What are the long term effects of niacinamide? ›The possible side effects and consequences of excessive nicotinamide exposure are reviewed, including suggestions nicotinamide might have a role in the development of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and liver damage.
What are the side effects of too much niacinamide? ›
- Severe skin flushing combined with dizziness.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Itching.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Gout.