The Ordinary Niacinamide 10 Zinc 1 Smoothing Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin

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. Read more

Really great product. Had really bad acne on my chest area and nothing would help until I started using this product. The scent is overpowering. Tbh, it doesn’t even have much of a scent. My skin has improved in terms of the tightness, it’s also hydrating . My acne has cleared up and my skin is evening out in terms of complexion . Medium skin approved. It’s very affordable and the quality doesn’t disappoint Read more

you can feel it work. has a nice clean feel to it. makes your skin soft, hydrates well. without leaving a greasy feel. tightens the skin. Read more

This inexpensive product completely transformed my skin & my husband's skin. Both of us dealt with rosacea in different ways but this product has completely reversed those issues. Every morning I woke up with splotchy skin and red spots until I started using this product nightly. My husband had endless prescriptions from the dermatologist which helped his issues but never really calmed his skin until I convinced him to finally try this serum. I can't guarantee the same results for everyone but it is SO worth a try given the great price. I have not experienced any dryness or issues from the serum. It's the first thing I apply after the shower and I top it with a nice moisturizer. 10/10 recommend trying. Read more

I like this a lot, because most serums cost so much, but this one has a really good value for only $10. It hydrates my skin and makes it clear. It is thick as a serum itself, but it feels lightweight after it absorbs. Read more

So good at evening skin tone AND leveling uneven skin levels to give a smoother skin appearance. 11—28—2025 Edit: This has an awkward method of dispensing from the bottle for applying to the skin, but I was SHOCKED by the amount of effects after one night of use after Several SEVERAL WEEKS without using after I misplaced and forgot about it. 💗😍 It sounds silly but I swear my skin felt ~”TIGHTER”~ and more balanced between acid and oil and improve uneven patches of oiliness. 11-30-2025 edit: Woah. woah. 😳. So much of an improvement when I use it right before bed. I struggle to find the best SPECIFIC and PRECISE words to use to explain how it improves the feel of my face when I touch it with my hands and makes me PASSIVELY feel a good balance of acid and oil that’s present on my skin without touching it. I am just shocked by how much better and more balanced and ~cleaner~ my skin feels after one day of use. I am really struggling to express myself in a coherent way. I don’t understand how just 2 drops of this product made my skin feel THIS much better the morning after the night I used it. I am writing this on the morning of 11-30-2025. I am certain that I will return to add to this review later because of how much I love it and how much effect I get from it! Read more

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. Read more

This is so effective, I was surprised. I have dry, congested, rosacea prone skin and I was amazed at how effective this was. Within the first two or so times I applied it, it worked wonders on the appearance of my pores and congestion on my nose and foreheads, although it did peel on my more sensitive areas. I spaced it out in application and wow has it made a huge difference. Had become a new staple product for me! Read more