My feed is full of it. People swearing this serum made them break out worse than finals week.
Here’s the thing: dermatologists say niacinamide doesn’t cause purging. That’s for retinoids. So what’s really happening?
The Ordinary‘s 10% Niacinamide + Zinc 1% Serum. $6.80. The claim? Clearer, more balanced skin. The internet’s claim? A breakout nightmare.
10% Niacinamide
A high concentration aimed at visibly reducing blemishes and congestion.
1% Zinc PCA
Targets excess oil — the kind that makes your foundation slide off by noon.
The Price
Less than your morning latte. The real risk is FOMO.
Photo: Masum Rahimi / Unsplash
It’s a short list. The formula is brutally simple — no fragrance, no fluff. That’s the point.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Regulates oil & minimizes pores
- Zinc PCA: Mattifies & reduces shine
- Tamarinus Indica Seed Gum: The texture wizard — makes it slippery
- Pentylene Glycol: Hydration + helps the actives penetrate
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
Texture is sticky-tacky. Like a thin glue. Absorbs in 20 seconds — leaves a velvety, tight finish.
Week 2: A few tiny, angry bumps appeared. Not a purge — my skin was just pissed at the high dose. I dialed back to every other day. They vanished.
Photo: Laura Chouette / Unsplash
After a month, my midday shine was cut by 70%. Pores looked… airbrushed? Active breakouts? No real change. This is prevention, not an emergency spot treatment.
Photo: ONNE Beauty / Unsplash
It doesn’t cause purging. It can cause irritation if you use too much, too fast. A classic case of user error, not a bad product.