Score computed from verified review sentiment, ingredient efficacy, and cross-platform consistency.
Reviewed by Flash AI Editorial Team · Last updated March 2026.
Users report significant fading of acne scars and hyperpigmentation within a week of using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, leading to a clearer and brighter complexion.
This serum is praised for its effectiveness in managing oily and acne-prone skin, with users noting it helps control excess sebum production and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is noted for its ability to reduce the appearance of pores, leading to smoother and clearer skin, with some users observing smaller-looking pores after consistent use.
The serum is lauded for its affordability and value for money, with users noting its effectiveness in improving skin clarity and brightness at a low price point.
Some users report an off-putting smell and a disappointing experience with the serum, with one user finding it to be the most disappointing Niacinamide serum they have tried.
The high 10% concentration of niacinamide in this serum can be too potent for some individuals, potentially leading to irritation, dryness, or even breakouts, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin types.
Some users have reported receiving a product that is not original, with issues like leaking applicators and a strange serum texture, leading to disappointment with the quality.
Flash AI analyzes thousands of reviews across Amazon, Nykaa, YouTube & Reddit, etc. to give you one honest score — and finds you the best price in India.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a water-based face serum formulated to target blemishes, acne, dryness, and enlarged pores. It earns an AI Score of 78/100 on Flash AI, supported by 241,614 verified reviews across 5 platforms, placing it among the most extensively reviewed serums in its category. The score breakdown reflects strong performance in blemish control (85) and pore minimizing (80), with meaningful marks for skin texture improvement (75) and an irritation potential score of 60 that warrants attention for sensitive skin users. Manufactured by Deciem in Canada, this serum is designed for consistent daily use by all skin types.
The formula centres on two key actives: niacinamide at 10% and zinc at 1%. Niacinamide at this concentration targets blemishes, helps minimize the appearance of pores, and works to smooth uneven skin texture. Zinc at 1% supports blemish-prone skin alongside niacinamide. The serum maintains a pH between 5.00 and 6.50, sitting within a skin-compatible range for a water-based formula. Free from alcohol, oil, silicone, and gluten, the lightweight texture absorbs quickly without leaving residue. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free, and the specs recommend applying it in the morning and evening daily.
Verified reviewers consistently highlight the serum's ability to fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation, with some reporting visible improvement within a week of regular daily use. Users with oily and acne-prone skin praise its effectiveness at controlling excess sebum, noting a non-greasy finish that layers cleanly under sunscreen or moisturiser. The blemish control score of 85 aligns closely with this reviewer feedback. However, the 10% niacinamide concentration may be too potent for those with sensitive or dry skin, with reports of irritation, increased dryness, or new breakouts following use. Some users experience mild stinging or redness on broken skin. Patch testing before full-face application is advisable for all first-time users.
Priced from ₹599 to ₹4224 across 14 sellers, this serum delivers clear value at its lower price points. The scale of reviewer feedback, 241,614 reviews across 5 platforms, provides an unusually reliable signal: the serum consistently delivers for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types seeking oil control, pore reduction, and post-acne brightening at an accessible cost. Flash AI recommends this serum for those managing active breakouts or residual acne marks. Those with sensitive or dry skin should begin at a lower application frequency and monitor for any signs of irritation before committing to twice-daily use.
"With a Flash AI Score of 78/100, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 60mL earns its ranking through demonstrated, cross-platform results."
— Flash AI Editorial TeamThe Ordinary is a skincare brand celebrated for its no-nonsense approach to effective ingredients at remarkably affordable price points. Their product range focuses on single-ingredient formulations like Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide, targeting concerns such as uneven texture, dullness, and acne-prone skin. Available across major Indian marketplaces including Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and Nykaa, the brand has built a loyal following for delivering transparency-first skincare.
| Features | Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Minimalist 2% Hyaluronic Acid + Pga | The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum | Vilvah Milk Drops Brightening Serum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Actives | Niacinamide 10%, Zinc 1% | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 | Niacinamide | Alpha Arbutin, Hyaluronic Acid… |
| Best For | general skincare | Women | Sensitive Skin | Pregnant women |
| Fragrance | — | Unscented | — | Unscented |
| Price From | ₹599 | ₹499 | ₹254 | ₹215 |
"Amazing product! My skin is a bit oily and prone to acne, and this helps a lot. I usually use it after I was my face and after I apply moisturizer."
"I've tried cheap to mid priced Niacinamide serums at 5/10/15% and this is by far the most disappointing. First off, the smell is really off-putting, it's ..."
"Skin Suitability:sensitive acne prone combination oily skin Absorption:quite fast after spreading and patting in The serum is quite thin but still rather ..."
The specs recommend applying this serum in the morning and evening, daily. Apply a few drops after cleansing and before heavier creams or moisturisers. If you are new to niacinamide at 10% concentration, starting with once-daily use and gradually building to twice daily is a sensible approach.
The specs list all skin types as suitable. Reviewers with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin report the strongest results, particularly for sebum control and blemish reduction. Those with dry or sensitive skin should use caution given the high niacinamide concentration, which has caused irritation and dryness in some users.
Niacinamide is the primary active in this formula at 10% concentration. It targets blemishes, helps minimize the appearance of pores, and works to smooth uneven skin texture. Reviewers report visible fading of acne scars and hyperpigmentation with consistent daily use, with some noting improvement within a week.
Review insights suggest some users notice fading of acne scars and hyperpigmentation within a week of consistent use. Results vary by skin type and the nature of existing concerns. The most reliable feedback comes from users who maintained daily application for several weeks before assessing outcomes.
Reviewers flag that the 10% niacinamide concentration can cause irritation, increased dryness, or new breakouts for those with sensitive or dry skin. Some users also report mild stinging or redness when applied on broken skin. Patch testing before full-face use is strongly advisable, and starting with once-daily application can help reduce the risk of a reaction.
This formula uses niacinamide at 10% combined with zinc at 1%, as listed in the specs. Many standard niacinamide products use lower concentrations. The higher concentration targets blemishes and sebum control more aggressively, though it also increases the likelihood of irritation for those with sensitive or dry skin. The oil-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free formulation also distinguishes it from products with heavier or richer bases.
This serum is available across 14 sellers, with prices starting from ₹599. Comparing listings across major Indian retail platforms gives you the best chance of securing the lowest rate. Flash AI tracks price variations across sellers so you can identify the most competitive listing at any given time.
The serum has a lightweight, water-based texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Reviewers consistently note it works well as a base layer under sunscreen or moisturiser, and does not feel heavy with daily use. A small number of users mention an off-putting smell, though this is a subjective experience and not universally reported.
The specs state this serum is formulated for daily morning and evening application. At 10%, niacinamide is well-tolerated by many users, though some report mild irritation, stinging, or redness, particularly those with sensitive skin or when applied on compromised skin. If you experience persistent discomfort, reduce application frequency and consult a dermatologist.
This is a water-based serum, so it layers well as part of a multi-step routine. Apply thinner, water-based formulas first. The serum has a pH of 5.00 to 6.50. If your routine includes other actives such as AHA, BHA, or vitamin C, spacing them across your morning and evening applications can help reduce the risk of irritation from combining multiple active ingredients.