Exploring new skincare products is always an exciting venture, and The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is no exception. This cult-classic serum has garnered many devotees for its straightforward formulations and affordability, making it a staple in many skincare routines. Here’s my experience with this particular serum.
Key Ingredients and Benefits
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Known for its ability to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion, niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient that helps to brighten skin tone and improve the skin’s barrier function.
- Zinc PCA: This ingredient helps to balance visible aspects of sebum activity. It’s great for reducing the appearance of blemishes and has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin.
My Experience
I was eager to incorporate this serum into my routine, given the rave reviews and the benefits of niacinamide and zinc. I incorporate The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% into my skincare routine by applying it every other day. This alternating schedule works well for me because I also use a vitamin C serum, which can sometimes clash with niacinamide.
The product comes in a sleek, minimalist dropper bottle, which is typical for The Ordinary’s aesthetic. Upon applying the serum, I immediately noticed its texture – it felt somewhat like glue. This was a bit off-putting, as it took a while to fully absorb into my skin, leaving a slightly sticky residue.
Despite the texture, I persevered, hoping the results would make it worthwhile. Over the course of several weeks, I observed that my skin did appear brighter, and the frequency of my breakouts reduced, and my skin became less oily. The combination of niacinamide and zinc seemed to calm my skin and balance its oil production, which was a significant plus.
Pluses
- Effective Ingredients: The high concentration of niacinamide and zinc delivers on its promise to reduce blemishes and brighten skin.
- Affordable: At around $6 per bottle, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality.
- Packaging: The dropper bottle is convenient and ensures you can control the amount of product used.
Minuses
- Texture: The glue-like consistency is not pleasant and can leave a sticky residue on the skin.
- Short Shelf Life: Once opened, the product seems to degrade quickly.
- Absorption: It takes a while to fully absorb into the skin, which can be inconvenient if you’re in a hurry.
Personal Insights
While the serum’s performance in terms of reducing blemishes and improving skin tone is commendable, the texture is a significant downside for me. It feels like glue, and the sticky residue it leaves behind is less than ideal. Additionally, the short shelf life means you need to use it relatively quickly to get the best results, which isn’t always practical.
Despite these drawbacks, the serum does deliver on its promises. It’s an effective addition to a skincare routine, especially for those on a budget.
Final Thoughts
I have dark spots from recent acne breakouts and enlarged pores from years of smoking (i quit smoking about 3 yrs ago; my enlarged pores made me insecure). Just from 2 weeks of daily use once a day ive noticed a difference in my skin. My pores have shrunk significantly and my dark spots have lightened a little. Also as a person with sensitive skin, this does not irritate my skin. It may tingle a little upon application but it quickly goes away.
– Amazon Customer
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a product worth trying if you’re looking for an affordable solution to reduce blemishes and brighten your skin. I believe that to develop a habit of using skincare products consistently, they need to be enjoyable to use. While I appreciate its effectiveness, I might explore other niacinamide products in the future that offer a more pleasant application experience. Well, since I haven’t been able to find an equally effective and affordable alternative, I continue to use this serum.
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