Everyone’s layering niacinamide and retinol together at night. Derms say that’s a waste.
The real magic happens when you split them: niacinamide shields your skin all day, retinol repairs it all night. Using them separately lets each ingredient work at its peak potency without interference.
This is The Ordinary‘s 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc serum. $6.80. The claim? It tackles oil and pores without drying you out.
Oil Control
My T-zone was matte by 10 AM.
Pore Blurring
Not a miracle, but they looked less like craters.
The Catch
Pills like crazy if you layer it wrong.
It’s a simple, brutalist formula. 10% niacinamide to regulate oil and strengthen your barrier. 1% zinc PCA for absorption and a bit of anti-inflammatory action.
- Niacinamide (10%): Calms redness, manages sebum production
- Zinc PCA (1%): Aids absorption, mild astringent
- Tamarinind Seed Polysaccharide: The slip agent — feels slick
- Pentylene Glycol: Humectant and solvent
Watery, slightly sticky. Absorbs in 15 seconds if your face is damp. Leaves a faint, tight film.
Week 2: My foundation stopped sliding off my nose. Unexpected bonus? It made my vitamin C serum (in the AM) and my retinol (in the PM) feel less irritating.
Shininess was cut by 70%. Blackheads looked softer. Did it erase pores? No. But it made them less obvious.
It’s not a luxury experience, but it’s a brilliantly effective daytime anchor for your retinol nights. Use it right and it’s a workhorse.