My chin erupted in tiny, angry bumps three days after starting this serum. Classic purge, right? Dermatologists say no.
Niacinamide doesn’t cause purging—it’s not an exfoliating acid. That breakout is likely irritation from the 10% concentration, which is notoriously high.
It’s the $6.80 The Ordinary serum everyone owns. The claim? Clear pores, balanced oil, and a calm complexion. Simple.
Texture
Watery, slightly sticky serum — not a gel.
Application
Dries down in under 30 seconds, but can pill if you layer wrong.
Scent
Absolutely none. It smells like a lab, in a good way.
Photo: Nataliia Rabinovych / Unsplash
The formula is brutally simple. 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to regulate oil and improve texture. 1% Zinc PCA to tackle excess sebum.
- Niacinamide (10%): Reduces oil & minimizes pores
- Zinc PCA: Mattifies & soothes
- Tamrindus Indica Seed Gum: The texture agent
- Pentylene Glycol: Hydration + preservative
Photo: Daniel Barnes / Unsplash
Feels like slick water going on. Then it tightens — not a dry tightness, but a firm, matte film.
Week two: The initial bumps faded, but my T-zone was shockingly less greasy by noon. Unexpected win. The pilling is real if you’re impatient.
Photo: Alexandre Sousa / Unsplash
Oil production halved. Pores looked a bit refined. Zero effect on existing hyperpigmentation for me — that’s not its main job.
It’s a powerful, one-trick pony for shine. But that “purge” is your skin yelling — listen to it.