No. 80
in skincare
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How it works.
56% would recommend
Why we ranked it No. 80 in skincare
Sample
84 redditors with explicit opinion · 13 positive · 8 negative · 2 neutral
Score0.579 — formula: 0.75 × % positive + 0.25 × pos/neg ratio
Confidence95% CI: 37–74% · the true approval rate falls in this range with 95% statistical confidence
Verdict
Polarizing — Threshold-based label from our methodology.
Sources
r/SkincareAddiction, r/SkincareAddicts, r/acne, r/TheOrdinarySkincare, r/SkincareAddictionUK + 6 more
The · skincare
Polarizing
Ordinary Niacinamide
r/SkincareAddictionr/SkincareAddictsr/acner/TheOrdinarySkincarer/SkincareAddictionUKr/30PlusSkinCare
TL;DR — Reddit consensus
Budget niacinamide that controls oil and fades dark spots for many, but the 10% concentration breaks out or irritates a vocal minority.
Amazon vs Reddit
Amazon loves it. Reddit isn't sold.
On Amazon: ★4.7 from 55,501 reviews — that's roughly 92% positive.
On Reddit: 56% of 84 redditors recommend it.
The gap of 36 points is unusual and worth reading the cons before you buy.
What redditors love
+
Keeps t-zone shine-free all day when used as primer
“I use it as a primer and my nose/t-zone stay shine free all day. It makes a huge difference and The Ordinary Niacinamide w/Zinc is perfect for this.”
u/Ill-Cat-1536 · r/TheOrdinarySkincare →
+
Reduces oiliness noticeably after finishing one bottle
“One thing that helped reduce my oiliness was The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. After I finished the bottle, I got cocky and bought Revolution Skin”
u/bionicmoonbeam · r/tretinoin →
+
Fades dark spots over time while controlling oil
“The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Helps with oil control AND fades dark spots over time.”
u/chappell_unicorn44 · r/SkincareAddiction →
What they don’t
−
Caused closed comedones after 2 weeks of use
“I bought the ordinary niacinamide because everyone says it's amazing, used it for 2 weeks and got closed comedones”
u/Unique-Face-2500 · r/TheOrdinarySkincare →
−
10% concentration too high and potentially irritating
“Id say drop the Ordinary Niacinamide serum, its a very high percentage of niacinamide and it could be irritating you”
u/eonnagata · r/KoreanBeauty →
−
User didn't love it enough to recommend alternatives
“I've switched to The Ordinary Niacinamide + zinc (don't love this so other recommendations would be appreciated)”
u/ShitCaraSays · r/SkincareAddictionUK →
COMPARE WITH
Cheaper alternative
Good Molecules
Good Molecules ha serum
→
Premium pick
Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon eye serum
→
Direct quotes
What 40 redditors actually said.
Top 6 by confidence shown — expand below for the rest. Click any to open the original on Reddit.
B
u/bouloo
·
r/30PlusSkinCare
using Liz Earle hot and polish cleanser as I’ve always liked her stuff. AM: Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide serums. Under the eye is just whatever cream I’m trying next as nothing seems to help with moisture or brightening, so currently
M
u/missionkoh
·
r/SkincareAddiction
*Routines:* *AM:* * Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil and/or Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser * The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc (Started on week 8ish) * Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser * Eucerin UreaRepair 5% (I skip this step sometimes) * Kose Perfect UV Essence
I
u/IrishStruggles
·
r/SkincareAddiction
This is how I cleared my acne Morning Routine (AM): Gentle cleanser (CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser) Niacinamide serum (The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%) Lightweight moisturizer Sunscreen (Beauty of Joseon SPF — this helped A LOT) Night Routine (PM): Same gentle cleanser BHA exf
U
u/Unique-Face-2500
·
r/TheOrdinarySkincare
acinamide broke me out but marine hyaluronics fixed my dehydrated skin I bought the ordinary niacinamide because everyone says it's amazing, used it for 2 weeks and got closed comedone
M
u/matchy_blacks
·
r/SkincareAddiction
Your skin looks terrific! Congratulations! (I’m…uh…a lot older than you but The Ordinary Niacinamide is like a magic potion. :) )
B
u/bionicmoonbeam
·
r/tretinoin
Amazing results! One thing that helped reduce my oiliness was The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. After I finished the bottle, I got cocky and bought Revolution Skin
Show all 40 mentions ↓
"skin still needs a gentle cleanser, not a stripping one.
2. Niacinamide serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Helps with oil control AND fades dark spots over time. Use 3-4 drop"
View thread →
"ores, at 22, you are better off using 15% Azelaic Acid, I would advise dropping the Ordinary Niacinamide serum if you decide to switch to Azelaic Acid
And please stop using the micr"
View thread →
"product on a buy one get one offer, so it cost me around ₹300.
WRP 8.5/10
4) The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
I have heard it helps many people, but personally I did not feel a huge"
View thread →
"e dead skin cells and promote smoother skin. Some products I’ve recommended are the ordinary niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% serum, the ordinary glycolic acid 7% exfoliating toner, drunk elepha"
View thread →
"Does your skin like niacinamide? If so maybe check out The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion. It helps with maintaining your skin barrier and redu"
View thread →
"s this normal
okay so im kinda confused and a bit annoyed ngl
i’ve been using the ordinary niacinamide 10% + zinc for a few months and in the beginning it was actually really good for m"
View thread →
"*Routines:* *AM:* * Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil and/or Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser * The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc (Started on week 8ish) * Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser * Eucerin UreaR…"
View thread →
"actual time before changing anything else, also simplified massively, just the cerave hydrating cleanser, the ordinary niacinamide, cerave moisturising cream and ultrasun spf. stopped layering five serums bc honestly …"
View thread →
"I’ve been using the ordinary toner, salicylic acid serum, and niacinamide serum every night and my skin is feeling way better and (I think) looking like it’s clearing a little, I just wanted the opinion of others."
View thread →
"posay for oily skin cleanser -Haru haru black rice hyaluronic toner -Good molecules hyaluronic acid serum -The ordinary niacinamide serum -Vanicream hyaluronic acid & ceramides moisturizer"
View thread →
"so I tried skipping each/all of those. Nothing changed when skipping daily SPF moisturizer (Aveeno), niacinamide (The Ordinary) or my Vitamin C (No 7 Radiance). I read that maybe it's because my skin was too dry, so t…"
View thread →
"using Liz Earle hot and polish cleanser as I’ve always liked her stuff. AM: Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide serums. Under the eye is just whatever cream I’m trying next as no…"
View thread →
"Don’t dry it out. Hydrate it. Ditch anything with fragrance. Add Hyaluronic acid (I like the ordinary) morning and night. And niacinamide."
View thread →
"matte moisturizers (with spf during the day and no spf at night) and it doesn’t clog my pores. I also use The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% during the day time after cleansing/toning and it keeps those bumps at…"
View thread →
"problems (yet). I usually get VERY greasy/oily if I use ANY moisturizers or serums, even hyaluronic acid/niacinamide left me greasy (I have very oily skin) but FINALLY the Ordinary is keeping my face oil free and the …"
View thread →
"Cleanser only 2️⃣ Hydrate + Flood • Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner • La Roche-Posay Hyaluronic Acid Serum • The Ordinary Niacinamide (optional; skip if you get dryness, pilling, or sensitivity) 3️⃣ Seal & Nourish • Cer…"
View thread →
"Pimple patches. Panoxyl acne facial wash maximum strength 10%. The Ordinary Niacinamide. That Panoxyl though! Leave it on for maybe 5 minutes. But make sure to rinse it off well because it does have peroxide in it whi…"
View thread →
"I’ve used The Ordinary niacinamide serum and it worked really well for me"
View thread →
"It's the ordinary hyaluronic acid and/or niacinamide! I have the same problem and know other people that do too"
View thread →
"I did a lot in my twenties. I stopped using harsh cleansers and switched to a milky one, and I also use the Ordinary niacinamide. Before makeup, I apply a good moisturizer and finish with a moisturizing spray on top, …"
View thread →
"Cerave Foaming facial cleanser , St Ives toner with green tea and witch hazel , the ordinary hyaluranic acid 2% + B5 , Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% , Cerave daily facial moisturizer . In that order . Wash your pillows an…"
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"It works fine that way, even under makeup. For the acne scars and a bit of acne prevention, i also use the niacinamide + zinc from the ordinary. The niacinamide should help with the scars and the zinc is good for acne…"
View thread →
"in that area (perfumes, lotion, body wash). Use a drop or two of hyaluronic acid and a drop or two of niacinamide after the shower. The ordinary makes these both for an affordable price vs other companies. Also if you…"
View thread →
"helped me was taking birth control. Not only did it help with my shityy periods but my acne too. I also use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide serums. I wash my face daily with Cerave Acne Foaming Cream clea…"
View thread →
"- this is my favorite azelaic acid product, great for acne Anua azelaic acid - very light, nice for daytime The Ordinary niacinamide + zinc - this combo makes it a great daytime serum for oily skin Skinfix Ultra Barri…"
View thread →
"Thanks! I might go back to the ordinary serum, I used it a lot before, maybe it’ll help. I bet niacinamide is missing in my routine. The main ingredients I use in my routine are beta Glucan , glycerin and Squalane. I …"
View thread →
"The Ordinary's niacinamide serum - everyone acts like it's skincare Jesus but it just made me break out worse than my teenage years."
View thread →
"it’s improved so much. Use BHA once a week. My current routine involves: - Cetaphil daily facial cleanser - The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid on damp skin - The Ordinary Niacinamide - Nivea Night Cream (blue bottle) Good l…"
View thread →
"and [Cera Ve Acne Control Cleanser](https://a.co/d/12WW1Dd). I exfoliate at night gently. I also use [The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum](https://a.co/d/2StxOPS) after exfoliating. Then after I use [Cera Ve Ultra Light Mo…"
View thread →
"it is! Cleanse with water, itk Milky Hydrating Toner, dampen skin with water, itk Hyaluronic Acid Serum, The Ordinary Zinc + Niacinamide serum, Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, Cetaphil in the tub, Clig…"
View thread →
"This is how I cleared my acne Morning Routine (AM): Gentle cleanser (CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser) Niacinamide serum (The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%) Lightweight moisturizer Sunscreen (Beauty of Joseon SPF — this…"
View thread →
"I, too, have had bad reactions to niacinamide (the ordinary serum RUINED my barrier for a while). I'm so sorry! It hurts like hell. Also: I love how you write. This sounds like a terrible situation but the post was a …"
View thread →
Threads tracked
The conversations we're watching.
●
r/TheOrdinarySkincare
Niacinamide Broke Me Out But Marine Hyaluronics
●
r/SkincareAddiction
r/SkincareAddiction
●
r/tretinoin
r/tretinoin
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r/SkincareAddictionUK
When To Use Prescription Steroid Cream
●
r/SkincareAddiction
r/SkincareAddiction
●
r/TheOrdinarySkincare
r/TheOrdinarySkincare
●
r/KoreanBeauty
r/KoreanBeauty
●
r/SkincareAddictionUK
Skin Me To The Ordinary
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