The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for combination skin
Niacinamide
Zinc Pca
Pentylene Glycol
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Xanthan Gum
Superior
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best serums for combination skin.
- The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. 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 combination skin and oily shine concerns as niacinamide and zinc pca work synergistically to regulate sebum production and minimize pore appearance.
- Pentylene glycol and tamarindus indica seed gum further support hydration and skin texture, enhancing the overall efficacy for your skin.
- The formulation is safe for your skin, free from harsh ingredients and containing soothing agents like niacinamide and zinc pca.
How to apply
- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
People Say
★4.3Overall rating based on 10.0k+ reviewsBased 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 combination skin?
This treatment is an exceptional fit for combination skin because niacinamide and zinc pca work together to control oil and make pores less noticeable. Pentylene glycol and tamarindus indica seed gum also help keep your skin hydrated and smooth.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?
Niacinamide and zinc pca make this serum a great fit for combination skin because they work together to control oily shine and make pores look smaller. Pentylene glycol and tamarindus indica seed gum also help keep your skin hydrated and smooth.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018
What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.
What does Zinc PCA do for combination skin?
Zinc PCA helps keep combination skin clear by balancing oil and calming redness. This ingredient is unlikely to irritate your skin and works well to reduce blemishes in oily areas without drying out your face.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, which keeps the routine simple and safe around sun exposure. Niacinamide and zinc pca help regulate oily shine and support skin texture while keeping the formula gentle for your combination skin.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023
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 product, or by using them on alternating nights to keep your skin calm. Niacinamide and zinc help keep your skin comfortable and are unlikely to cause irritation when combined with active steps.
How often should I use this serum?
Apply this serum in the evening. It is well suited for your combination skin to help control oily shine and improve skin texture safely.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores, but some reviewers do mention breakouts since it treats oily areas and helps clear congestion. It is safe for combination skin and free from harsh ingredients.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018
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, 2020Exposure 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, 2018Thiolated 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, 2026Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005Zinc 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, 2012Biodegradable 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, 2022A 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, 2023Dense 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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