The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — Efficacy 3.6/5.0, Safety 4.4/5.0 | DemythSkin
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[ DemythSkin Verdict ]
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

SerumAcne / Oil Control
Efficacy
Solid
3.6 / 5.0
Safety
Safe
4.4 / 5.0
System Verdict
High-powered niacinamide workhorse with a stripped-back formula that favors efficacy over elegance—but 10% is more than many skins need and can be irritating or counterproductive. You’re getting a clinically meaningful S Tier niacinamide dose plus A Tier zinc PCA in a simple, water-based vehicle at around pH ~5.5, which strongly supports oil regulation, pore appearance, and barrier function, but the very high niacinamide load, combined with multiple penetration enhancers, means diminishing returns and a higher risk of flushing, stinging, or barrier upset, especially for sensitive or compromised skin.
Active Ingredients Detected
A Tier: Good BasicsProven Results
Aqua (Water)Niacinamide
B Tier: Supporting IngredientsPromising Ingredients
Pentylene GlycolZinc PCADimethyl IsosorbideTamarindus Indica Seed GumXanthan GumIsoceteth-20EthoxydiglycolPhenoxyethanol
D Tier: Potential IrritantsBe Cautious
Chlorphenesin
Analyze on DemythSkin

DemythSkin is an independent ingredient analyzer. Scores are computed by a deterministic rubric from published clinical evidence — no brand pays for a score.