My Honest The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Review [Must Read Before You Buy]
If you're looking for an affordable niacinamide skincare product, you'll want to keep reading! Today we'll be reviewing The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc in-depth.
Quick facts:
Formulation: Oil-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, and fragrance-free.
Texture: The water based serum has a light gel texture which is absorbed into the skin quickly. It does has a slight tacky feel and if too much is applied to the skin, it can start to pill.
Scent: This serum does not carry a scent; it is fragrance free.
Price: $6
Main pros: It is an affordable, potent serum containing niacinamide and zinc (if you're specifically looking for those ingredients). Some reviews on Sephora have mentioned this has worked wonders for their acne.
Cons: I don't have a ton of active breakouts and have combo skin. My skin did not react well to this and over a few days of continued use, I had a few small pimples pop up from it. So I'd highly highly recommend you patch test this prior to using it all over.
My verdict: 5/10. It's a toss up! Some people have really loved this and swear by it, but personally it's not been that great for me. Also, not a fan of the texture because it can feel a little tacky and pills easily.
About the The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc
The brand website notes that the water based serum that is supposed to boost skin brightness, reduces the appearance of skin blemishes and reinforces the strength of the skin barrier’s function. This product specifically targets textural Irregularities, Dryness, Dullness, Visible Shine, Signs of Congestion.
Note: Niacinamide and Zinc PCA is not a treatment for acne. This formulation can be used alongside acne treatments if desired for added visible skin benefits.
The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc ingredients
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
www.Sephora.com
How to apply The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc
- Cleanse the skin and prepare it to receive active ingredients.
- Apply the serum Apply a few drops to the face.
- Lock in benefits with your moisturizer of choice.
- You can use this in the AM or PM.
How long does it take the ordinary niacinamide to work?
For the Sephora reviews that mentioned that this DID work for them, it was usually around a week or 2 weeks to see results.
What to avoid when using niacinamide?
Do not use niacinamide in conjunction with any acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids. Niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing. You have to also avoid using Vitamin C or any Vitamin C derivatives.
When in doubt, I always only use one main active ingredient type serum or treatment with a super basic and gentle moisturizer.
Does niacinamide go before or after moisturizer?
Your niacinamide serum should go on before your moisturizer, after you cleanse your skin.
My Final Thoughts: The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Review Verdict
In short, I was not a fan of this serum (or actually many of The Ordinary's products). I've posted the Hyaluronic serum review, Buffet serum review, as well the moisturizing factors review here. Overall for texture and effectiveness, it's all just been OK to me.
It has not made my all-time favourites list.
Let me know if you've found this review useful or if there's another product by The Ordinary you'd like me to review, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
*This post may contain affiliate links. However, these are always my honest opinions*