Day 3 and I almost quit. My makeup slid right off my face in little gray rolls.
The pilling was so bad I had to wash my face and start over. A viral serum shouldn’t make you late for work.
It’s The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. $6.90. The claim? Clear pores, control oil, calm redness. For that price, I had to see.
Texture
Water-based, slightly sticky serum.
Scent
None. It smells like… nothing.
Packaging
A glass dropper bottle that feels surprisingly expensive.
Photo: kevin laminto / Unsplash
It’s a simple, targeted formula. The 10% niacinamide is a high dose for brightening and regulating oil. The 1% zinc helps with inflammation.
- Niacinamide 10%: Regulates sebum, minimizes pores
- Zinc PCA 1%: Anti-inflammatory, oil control
- Tamrindus Indica Seed Gum: The texture agent that can pill
- Pentylene Glycol: Hydration + helps other ingredients penetrate
Photo: Rosa Rafael / Unsplash
Applies like water — absorbs in 10 seconds. Leaves a faint, tight film. Not moisturizing at all.
By week two, the pilling stopped. My skin had to adjust to the high concentration. Unexpected: it dried out a patch on my cheek. Had to double up on moisturizer.
Photo: Igor Rand / Unsplash
My T-zone was noticeably less shiny by 3 PM. Pores? They looked tighter, but not invisible. Zero effect on existing blackheads. The redness around my nose faded.
It’s a brilliant, fussy little product. Manages oil like a pro, but you have to follow its rules.