The Ordinary
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Category
- Serum
- Size
- 30 ml
- Price
- 5.00 GBP
- Ingredients
- 11
- Concentrations published
- 2 of 11
- Verified
The short answer
The formula is a simple water-based serum carrying 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc PCA in a short, low-irritant base. Niacinamide at this level has good evidence for sebum control and pigmentation. The 10% concentration is above where most published benefit plateaus, which is why some skin finds it irritating.
What is in it?
The full INCI list as published by the manufacturer, with each ingredient's function in this formula. Where a concentration is not published, the table says so rather than estimating it.
| INCI name | Function | Concentration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua (Water) | Solvent | Not published | |
| Niacinamide | Vitamin B3 — sebum regulation, pigmentation, barrier support | 10% | Concentration stated on the label. |
| Pentylene Glycol | Humectant, solvent, mild preservative booster | Not published | |
| Zinc PCA | Sebum modulation | 1% | Concentration stated on the label. |
| Dimethyl Isosorbide | Solvent, penetration aid | Not published | |
| Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum | Thickener | Not published | |
| Xanthan Gum | Thickener | Not published | |
| Isoceteth-20 | Solubiliser | Not published | |
| Ethoxydiglycol | Solvent, penetration aid | Not published | |
| Phenoxyethanol | Preservative | Not published | |
| Chlorphenesin | Preservative | Not published |
Download the full dataset (CSV)
Do the claims hold up?
- “Reduces the appearance of blemishes and congestion”
- Plausible. Niacinamide has repeatable evidence for sebum reduction and inflammatory lesion counts, though most published work sits at 2–5%, not 10%.
- “Zinc balances visible sebum”
- Weakly supported. Topical zinc PCA sebum data is thin compared with niacinamide's, and 1% is a low inclusion.
Read the full analysis
Sources
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% product page (ingredient list, size, price) — The Ordinary (DECIEM) Accessed 15 September 2026.
This is general information about cosmetic formulation, not medical advice. It does not replace a consultation for your own skin.