TikTok has turned The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% into a cult product. Creators swear it shrinks pores, clears breakouts, and evens skin tone — all for under $10. Bold claims. So we bought a bottle and used it every day for six weeks.
Here's the honest truth: it mostly delivers. But not for everyone, and not in the way TikTok suggests. Here's our full breakdown.
✅ Worth Buying — With One Caveat
If you have oily or combination skin with visible pores, this serum genuinely works. Results take 4–6 weeks but they're real. If you have dry skin, there are better options.
What Is It?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a water-based serum with a high concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3) paired with zinc PCA. Niacinamide is one of the most well-researched skincare ingredients — it reduces pore appearance, balances oil production, fades dark spots, and strengthens the skin barrier.
The zinc part helps control sebum and has mild anti-inflammatory properties. At this concentration (10%), it's on the stronger end compared to most drugstore serums that use 2–5%.
The Ingredients
- Niacinamide 10% — clinically proven to reduce pore size and regulate oil
- Zinc PCA 1% — balances sebum, anti-inflammatory
- Aqua, Pentylene Glycol, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum — hydration and texture
The formula is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and suitable for vegans. No nasties.
Our 6-Week Testing Process
We tested on three skin types: oily, combination, and dry. Applied once daily in the morning after cleansing, before moisturiser. No other new products were introduced during the test period.
Week 1–2
No visible changes. The serum applies like water — no greasiness, no tingling. Just sinks in. A couple of our testers noticed mild skin purging (small whiteheads) in week 1, which is normal when starting high-dose niacinamide.
Week 3–4
Our oily skin tester reported noticeably less midday shine. Pores looked slightly smaller in photos. The combination skin tester saw improvement in their T-zone. Dry skin tester: no change, and slight tightness.
Week 5–6
Clear improvement for oily and combination skin types. Pores were visibly reduced. Skin tone more even. A small dark spot from an old breakout had faded by about 40%. Dry skin tester stopped using it at week 4 — it was too stripping for their skin type.
Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Genuinely reduces pore size
- Controls oiliness noticeably
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
- Fragrance-free
- Incredible value under $10
- Fades dark spots over time
What We Didn't Like
- Not suitable for dry skin
- Takes 4–6 weeks for results
- Initial purging possible
- Can pill under thick moisturisers
How Does It Score?
Who Should Buy It?
- ✅ You have oily or combination skin
- ✅ You're bothered by large pores or blackheads
- ✅ You have mild acne or post-breakout dark spots
- ✅ You want a high-quality serum under $10
- ❌ You have dry or dehydrated skin
- ❌ You expect overnight results — this takes weeks
Where to Buy
The best prices are typically on iHerb, ASOS, or directly from The Ordinary's website. Avoid third-party sellers on Amazon where fakes are common.
Buy on iHerb: Shop The Ordinary on iHerb →
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Final Take
The Ordinary Niacinamide is one of the most genuinely impressive budget skincare products you can buy. TikTok's hype is broadly deserved — but only if you have oily or combination skin. It won't revolutionise dry skin, and it takes patience.
For under $10, it's worth adding to your routine if you fit the profile. Few products deliver this much for this little.
→ Also read: Best Drugstore Skincare Dupes for Luxury Products