Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Smoothing Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin

I have oily combination skin and regularly get breakouts from new products. This was recommended to me to cut down on the oil and reduce breakouts and it worked almost IMMEDIATELY! I now only moisturize at night. I put this on after freshly washing my face in the morning, wait a bit, and then put on my tinted SPF or foundation with SPF. Breakouts are rare now and the shine is significantly reduced. I'm happy with how it has helped my skin texture, too. AMAZING price for such a great product!

I purchased this product a couple of days ago and applied the serum that same night. By morning, my skin looked smooth, light, and non-greasy. The serum also controlled shine throughout the day, especially in my T-zone (amazing!!). Additionally, I noticed a visible reduction in pore size around my chin, nose, and cheeks. It really feels good waking up in the morning seeing much improvement on your skin. The serum pairs well with the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum toner I use beforehand, and works well w my moisturizer and sunscreen too.

I have oily, combination skin with enlarged pores and I’ve been dealing with breakouts since my teenage years. I also have PCOS, which makes my skin even more oily, so I’ve tried many acne products over the years. From my experience, zinc and niacinamide really work, and this serum helps me keep my skin under control. I use it about 3–4 times a week, usually at night, after cleansing and toning. It’s one of the final steps in my routine. The texture is on the thicker side and can feel slightly sticky or pill a bit, so I prefer using it at night — that doesn’t bother me at all. What matters is the result. My skin looks noticeably better with this serum than without it. Breakouts dry out faster, heal quicker, and overall I get fewer small pimples. I don’t use it daily because my skin already experiences enough stress from dry indoor air and cold weather, so I apply a nourishing cream on top to keep my skin balanced. The serum is clear, has no noticeable scent, and I really like the dropper — it’s easy to control the amount and apply it evenly. Overall, I’m very happy with this product. It’s been a reliable part of my skincare routine.

It worked for me really fast and I love that it cleared up any dark spots that I had and made it better, it doesn't smell or anything and it makes my face so soft smooth and hydrated I definitely will buy it again, worth the money.

The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a popular skincare serum that targets blemishes, uneven texture, excess oil, and enlarged pores. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps regulate sebum production, improve clarity, and refine the look of skin texture, while zinc supports a calmer, balanced complexion. This formula has a lightweight, water-based texture that absorbs quickly without feeling sticky or heavy. It layers well under moisturizers and sunscreen, making it easy to include in both morning and evening routines. Many users notice reduced shine and smoother skin appearance after consistent use over several weeks. It’s especially suited for oily or combination skin, though those with dryness can also benefit if they pair it with a good moisturizer. Because it’s a concentrated active, it’s best introduced gradually—especially if you’re new to niacinamide—to avoid potential sensitivity. Pros: ✔ Helps control oil and minimize the appearance of pores ✔ Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula ✔ Works well under other skincare products ✔ Great value for a high concentration serum Cons: ✖ Results take a few weeks to build ✖ May be slightly irritating for very sensitive skin ✖ Not a direct acne treatment (best combined with other actives) Overall: A versatile and effective everyday serum that supports smoother texture and more balanced skin, especially for oilier complexions.

Desperate for a solution for my oily skin (53 years) and sebaceous hyperplasia ( enlarged bumpy pores) I came across this serum looking for solutions, I tried everything even with the dermatologist treatment and nothing, I started using this and OH WOW, the difference in my skin texture, my pores, oil control and my sebaceous hyperplasia almost gone, ( this appears when is excessive sebum production) I can’t be more happy with my results. No fragrance is a plus, really easy to apply and is one of the best products I came across for my face.

This is one of my holy grail items; I think I’ve purchased about 5 or 6 times at this point. I try other serums and products and always circle back to this. I have skin more on the oily side and am prone to acne, particularly hormonal acne. I use this daily as it helps cut down on the acne but also helps with overall tone and I think it also lightens dark spots and acne scars as well. The serum is a great value and lasts along time; you just need a tiny bit and it dries pretty quickly and isn’t sticky feeling. There is no scent either, which I prefer. Will continue to use this daily under my moisturizer!

I’ve been using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% consistently, and it has made a noticeable difference in my skin. If you struggle with oiliness, breakouts, or enlarged pores, this serum is definitely worth trying. The texture is lightweight and water-based, absorbs quickly, and layers well with other skincare products. It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy, which I really appreciate. After a few weeks of use, my skin looks more balanced, less shiny, and overall smoother. I’ve also noticed that it helps calm breakouts and reduce redness over time. While it’s a high concentration of niacinamide, it hasn’t irritated my skin when applied correctly (a few drops, once daily at first). Another big plus is the price. The quality you get for this cost is impressive compared to much more expensive serums that offer similar benefits.