Skip to content
Piqora is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.Affiliate disclosure
The Ordinary

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

The budget serum that controls shine and refines pores.

4.7 · 68,275 reviews on Amazon8.4Editor score
Check priceIndicative price in US dollars (USD) as of October 10, 2026. Check Amazon for the current price.

Secure checkout on Amazon.com · affiliate link

Product typeNiacinamide serum
Size (oz)2.00 oz
TextureLight water-based serum

A serum with 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc PCA to regulate oil, minimize the look of pores and improve texture — vegan and fragrance-free.

Editor score

Efficacy8.5Texture7.0Ingredients / materials8.5Gentleness7.5Satisfaction9.4Value9.5
Editor score — Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Efficacy8.5
Texture7
Ingredients / materials8.5
Gentleness7.5
Satisfaction9.4
Value9.5
8.4
Overall
Editorial 0–10 rating based on specs, ingredients and verified buyer feedback.
Efficacy8.5
Texture7.0
Ingredients / materials8.5
Gentleness7.5
Satisfaction9.4
Value9.5

Specifications

Format & price
Product typeNiacinamide serum
Size60 ml
Size (oz)2.00 oz
Price per ounce—
Shades available—
Use & results
Skin / hair typeOily, Combination, Blemish-prone
ConcernsExcess oil, Visible pores, Blemishes, Texture
Finish—
TextureLight water-based serum
When to useMorning and night
Sun protection (SPF)—
Formula
Key ingredientsNiacinamide 10%, Zinc PCA 1%
Fragrance-freeYes
Cruelty-freeYes
VeganYes
Made inCanada
Other details
ContentsPack of 2 × 30 ml (1 fl oz) bottles per the listing

Our review

The Ordinary shook up skincare by selling well-known actives at rock-bottom prices, and this serum is its biggest hit. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the most evidence-backed ingredients: it regulates sebum, strengthens the barrier and evens tone; zinc adds oil control.

It works especially well on oily and combination skin: many users see less shine within days and finer-looking pores within weeks. 10% is a high concentration, so some sensitive skin feels tingling or redness at first.

Its weak point is texture: layer heavy creams or sunscreens too soon and it can pill. The fix is to pat it in and let it absorb. For the price, it's hard to find anything more effective.

How to use

Apply a few drops morning and night after cleansing, pressing rather than rubbing; let it absorb before moisturizer.

What we love / Keep in mind

What we love

  • Visibly controls shine
  • Refines the look of pores
  • Unbeatable price
  • Vegan and fragrance-free

Keep in mind

  • Can pill with other products
  • May sting sensitive skin at first
  • Don't layer in the same step as vitamin C

Best for

Oily or combination skin with visible pores and blemishes wanting an effective, cheap active.

Skip it if…

Very dry or reactive skin, which may be irritated by 10% niacinamide.

What buyers say

4.7
4.7 on Amazon
68,275 reviews on Amazon

Buyers report less shine, finer pores and fewer blemishes at a great price. Repeated complaints are pilling when layered and initial tingling on sensitive skin.

Less shineFiner poresPricePilling

Editorial summary of public reviews on Amazon and specialist sites.

8.4

Verdict

The best efficacy-for-price active on the site for oily skin.

View on Amazon
Compare it with…
Cult favorite
8.6
medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum with Salmon DNA
medicube

PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

4.6 · 24,579 reviews on Amazon

The viral pink Korean serum behind the 'glass skin' look.

1.01 oz$18.71 USDAll skin types
$18.90 USD
Best value
9.0
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (19 oz)
CeraVe

Moisturizing Cream 19 oz

4.7 · 148,854 reviews on Amazon

The dermatologist-recommended cream, at $1 an ounce.

19.00 oz$1.00 USDDry
$18.96 USD
Cult favorite
8.7
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Pimple Patches
Hero Cosmetics

Mighty Patch Original

4.6 · 189,016 reviews on Amazon

The patch that flattens pimples while you sleep.

All skin types
$22.90 USD

Sources

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%Check price
View on Amazon