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The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for oily skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Superior

  • SuperiorOily Skin Fit
  • SuperiorEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

One of the best serums for oily skin.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Excellent suitability for your oily skin as niacinamide and zinc PCA work synergistically to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation, directly addressing your concerns about oily shine.
  • The inclusion of tamarindus indica seed gum and pentylene glycol provides essential hydration without clogging pores, further enhancing the formula's benefits for oily skin.
  • This product is safe for your skin, featuring a gentle formulation with no harsh ingredients and beneficial components like niacinamide and zinc PCA.

How to apply

  • Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
  • Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
  • Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.

People Say

★4.3Overall rating based on 10.0k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users with oily and acne-prone skin frequently praise this serum for its ability to regulate sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores, often resulting in a clearer, smoother complexion. A notable minority of users experience adverse reactions, including breakouts and irritation, suggesting the high 10% concentration may be too harsh for sensitive skin types.

Highlights

  • Minimizes pores Mostly Mentioned
    • “pores look significantly smaller”
    • “refined skin texture”
    • “tightens enlarged pores”
  • Unbeatable price Mostly Mentioned
    • “extremely affordable”
    • “great value for money”
    • “best budget skincare item”
  • Clears acne Often Mentioned
    • “cleared up my cystic acne”
    • “reduces frequency of breakouts”
    • “fades dark spots quickly”
  • Reduces oil Often Mentioned
    • “controlled my sebum production”
    • “less greasy throughout the day”
    • “mattifies my T-zone”
  • Texture issues Often Mentioned
    • “pills under makeup”
    • “leaves a sticky residue”
    • “foams up when rubbed”
  • Causes breakouts Sometimes Noted
    • “broke me out in cysts”
    • “caused tiny whiteheads”
    • “worst purging of my life”
  • Skin irritation Rarely Noted
    • “caused redness and burning”
    • “too harsh for sensitive skin”
    • “dried out my face”

Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, sephora.com, theordinary.com, influenster.com, walmart.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% one of the best fits for oily skin?

This treatment is one of the best fits because niacinamide and zinc PCA work together to control excess oil and calm redness, keeping your shine in order. Ingredients like tamarind seed gum and pentylene glycol also give your skin light moisture that is unlikely to clog pores.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?

Niacinamide and zinc PCA make this serum a great fit for oily skin because they work together to control shine and calm redness without clogging pores. Pentylene glycol and tamarindus indica seed gum help by adding lightweight moisture.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

What does Niacinamide do for oily skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily skin by significantly reducing excess oil production and shine. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture without clogging pores.

Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Antioxidants, 2021

What does Zinc PCA do for oily skin?

Zinc PCA helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and keeping skin calm and clear. It is unlikely to cause irritation and supports a healthy, balanced complexion.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012

Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Putting it in the evening keeps the routine simple and safe around sun exposure, though some treatments may also be used in the morning or twice a day.

Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum with retinol by applying this treatment first and following with your retinol. Combining them helps manage shine and keeps your skin calm, while providing a gentle routine that is unlikely to cause irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

How often should I use this serum?

This treatment is used in the evening as part of your routine. It is a gentle formula that helps calm oily shine and provides hydration without clogging pores.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018

Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores since it provides lightweight hydration, but some reviewers do report breakouts. It has a safe and gentle formula, though individual skin reactions can still happen.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition, 2026

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Topical nicotinamide plus an antibacterial adhesive agent and zinc-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid combined with adapalene significantly reduced noninflammatory acne lesions by the second week of therapy compared to placebo with adapalene in patients with moderate acne vulgaris.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Exposure of epidermal full-thickness skin equivalents to a blend of betaine, pentylene glycol, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhodiola rosea root extract significantly increased antioxidant, skin barrier, and oxidative stress biomarkers while reducing the negative impact of hydrogen peroxide on MMP3, MMP12, FBN2, ANXA1, and HGF, whereas a blend of Narcissus tazetta bulb extract and Schisandra chinensis fruit extract significantly increased 8 growth factors, 7 signaling, 7 structural/barrier function, 7 oxidative stress biomarkers, and specific microRNAs over control levels.

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018

  • Thiolated tamarind seed polysaccharide-chitosan composite scaffolds exhibited a swelling index of 310.42% and enhanced wound contraction of 96.32% by day 14 in rats, demonstrating improved tissue regeneration and antibacterial effects.

    Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition, 2026

  • Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

  • Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008

  • Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2005

  • Zinc PCA inhibits UVA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 production through suppressed AP-1 activation and enhances type I collagen synthesis by increasing SVCT2 mRNA expression in cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012

  • Biodegradable wound dressings functionalized with silver nanoparticles showed >99% pathogen growth inhibition, bactericidal effects, free radical scavenging, reduced inflammatory response in macrophages, and accelerated wound healing in animals.

    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2022

  • A topical xanthan gum nanogel containing gamma-oryzanol-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers and nanosized TiO2 and MBBT filters demonstrated high photoprotection with an SPF of 34 and no skin irritation or sensitization in a rat model.

    Pharmaceuticals, 2023

  • Dense chitosan-xanthan membranes associated with multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells accelerated wound healing in Wistar rats compared to untreated conditions, demonstrating safety and feasibility for dermo-epidermal wound treatment.

    Journal of Biomaterials Applications, 2015

Ingredients

Water, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc Pca, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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