Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsBetter Than I Hoped For
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2018
I purchased this B3 gel in desperation. I am 70 years old, have rosacea, facial eczema, and rosacea-related acne, redness and sensitivity, and very congested pores. Also, the age-related sagging and wrinkling that most women have. My complexion was very nice when I was younger, so all these problems have been challenging to say the least. Most creams, etc. make me break out or redden. A rosacea website suggested B3. In the past, I used a B3 cream which made me break out badly from the added coconut oil to which I am very sensitive. However, this brand has fewer ingredients, no penetrants to inflame my eczema, and comes well-reviewed. It was also not terribly expensive. Most web reviewers note one must use B3 10% faithfully for three months to get full benefits. On the third day of use, however, I noted the redness of my facial skin subsiding, including my acne scars. By the end of seven days, my pores appeared smaller, even on my nose, and the overactive sebum glands in my T-Zone were shrinking. White heads were either coming to the surface and easily extracted after a shower, or shrinking below the skin. I started using this on my neck and noted increasing firmness [which I badly need]. I am not much concerned with wrinkles, as I had oily skin until menopause, and have not yet noticed any difference. Because this gel is thick, I first spray with a non-alcohol toner, and then put one or two drops on my fingers and spray three times with the toner before applying. This amount covers my whole face, neck and eye area. I then apply a lightweight moisturizer after the B-3gel has sunk in. At first, I only did this one time a day There is a very tiny bit of flaking from this gel--it is drying a little. That, I think, is why the acne scars improve. However, this flaking is not noticeable after I apply the moisturizer. I can use mineral powder makeup with no difficulty. I now use the B3 two times a day. The Zinc in this gel appears to prevent my acne from forming like any antibiotic. I will have an undersign cyst begin to form, but by the next day it is gone. I plan to keep using this product and have ordered oral B3 vitamins, also, but have not yet begun taking them. I feel I must be deficient in this vitamin to have such a positive response topically. I should add that I usually have to take extra oral zinc when I break out badly, because I had a bad, life-threatening staph infection six years ago. The breakouts I have from rosacea often become infected now and scar badly. This Topical treatment, however, means I no longer have to take zinc orally, which is much better for my system. I hope this very detailed review helps someone else who suffers from demagogical problems as I do. PS: I also may begin using this gel on the tops of my hands at night, under my hand cream, just to see if my aging skin improves there, too. Retin A appears to thin my skin, but this B3 seems to thicken the protective layer even when the gel is not applied. Try it!! UPDATE: April 19, 2019. I am on my third or fourth bottle, buying them now for friends. I regret this review is so long, but so afraid the company will go out of business since their founder died. These are wonderful formulations--especially this one. I've not found anything as effective at any price. Started using the caffeine eye gel last night and saw a difference immediately.
The Ordinary is a skincare brand that focuses on providing high-quality ingredients at an affordable price. Many of the products are simple and easy to incorporate into your skincare routine.
One of The Ordinary’s best sellers is Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Did you know that The Ordinary also offers a powder niacinamide product? These niacinamide products both contain a high percentage of niacinamide, so you can get quick and visible results.
Today I will discuss my experience with both Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and 100% Niacinamide Powder in this The Ordinary niacinamide review.
This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.
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The Benefits of Niacinamide
Niacinamide [vitamin B3] is one of my favorite skincare actives because it offers so many benefits for the skin. Niacinamide:
- Balances sebum production and offers anti-inflammatory benefits for acne prone skin
- Reduces the look of enlarged pores
- Fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots, improves uneven skin tone by interrupting melanin [pigment] production, and can treat melasma
- Improves collagen production and the proteins filaggrin, involucrin, and keratin, which support skin elasticity and firmness and a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines
- Boosts ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and helps improve rosacea
- Increases cell turnover and loosens dead cells to promote exfoliation and reveal healthier cells underneath for a brighter, more radiant complexion
- Exhibits antioxidant benefits to protect the skin from UV damage and oxidative stress
Niacinamide is so beloved because it has so many properties that address the signs of aging, brighten skin tone, boost the skin barrier while treating various skin conditions.
So, how about The Ordinary’s niacinamide products? We know how affordable The Ordinary products are, but what makes these niacinamide products so popular?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a best-selling serum that contains 10% niacinamide plus 1% zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid [PCA] to help control sebum [oil] activity.
The formula utilizes a high 10% concentration of niacinamide to help improve the look of blemishes and congestion in the skin.
The Ordinary points out that this niacinamide serum is not intended to be an acne treatment and that benzoyl peroxide and/or retinoic acid are ingredients you can use to treat acne.
Salicylic acid is also helpful in the treatment of acne. But fans of this serum swear by it for improving their breakouts, skin texture, and pore size.
Niacinamide [a 4% gel] has, in fact, been shown to be as effective as 1% clindamycin gel in the treatment of acne. It does wonders to control oil throughout the day and over time, improves skin texture.
This serum and all products from The Ordinary are cruelty-free and vegan.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Ingredients
Aqua [Water], Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc Pca, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
How To Use The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
Since The Ordinary niacinamide serum is water-based, you should apply it to your face after cleansing and toning in the morning and/or evening before your moisturizer and heavier creams.
Niacinamide can be used with other skincare actives, but certain potent actives can reduce the effectiveness of niacinamide. The Ordinary notes that you should not use this niacinamide serum with vitamin C [l-ascorbic acid and/or ethylated l-ascorbic acid] products.
You should also wait at least 15-30 minutes between using direct acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid and this niacinamide serum for maximum effectiveness.
Be sure to patch test before trying this and any new skin care product on your face for the first time.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is such a fan favorite, so I was sure this would be one of my favorite products from The Ordinary. Unfortunately, there is something in the formula that irritates my somewhat sensitive skin upon application.
While it dissipates after a few minutes, I am more inclined to use another niacinamide [like this one] that doesn’t irritate my skin.
This is so disappointing because it is such an affordably priced niacinamide serum and The Ordinary customers RAVE about this serum and its ability to decrease breakouts, blemishes, and even help with acne scars [post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation].
I noticed that this serum really helps to keep oil at bay all day and minimizes the look of pores. I have combination skin, and it works well around the t-zone to balance oil production.
Luckily for me, there is another very effective The Ordinary niacinamide product that doesn’t irritate my skin: The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder.
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder is a pure niacinamide powder for topical use that zeroes in on visible shine, enlarged pores, and irregular skin texture.
How To Use The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder
You must mix The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder with a water-based non-conflicting product with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0. Mix 1/4 scoop of the spoon provided with the appropriate base product in the palm of your hand. Then apply it to your face in the morning and/or evening.
The Ordinary offers some product mixing suggestions from their own line, like the following:
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum [formerly known as The Ordinary “Buffet”]
- “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Matrixyl 10% + HA
- Argireline Solution 10%
The Ordinary says that 1/4 scoop of the powder contains 0.05g of niacinamide, so if you mix 0.05g with four drops of the non-conflicting base, it will yield a 10-15% concentration of niacinamide.
The Ordinary notes that you should not use products with topical Vitamin C [ i.e., l-ascorbic acid, ethylated l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin C derivatives] and this niacinamide powder in the same routine. You should also not mix this powder with direct exfoliating acids.
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder Ingredients
Niacinamide [the one and only ingredient!]
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder Review
I am a huge fan of niacinamide so quickly purchased this The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder after it was introduced. I like the fact that you can mix it with different products depending on what you are using in your skincare routine.
These days I like to mix the powder with The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum [formerly known as The Ordinary “Buffet”], Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, or The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid, which contains Matrixyl 3000 for additional anti-aging benefits. The fine grain powder dissolves easily without leaving any clumps or changing the texture of the serum/moisturizer that it is mixed with.
Granted, it’s not easy to figure out how much a quarter of a scoop is. It would have been much easier if The Ordinary included the correct size scoop. But you have to do your best to measure 1/4 of the round bottom scoop.
Since the powder requires mixing, I must admit that I don’t use it as much as I do other niacinamide products that don’t require as many steps. BUT, I love the pure ingredients that contain no extra fillers and how CUSTOMIZABLE the powder is.
I think The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder delivers on controlling shine, reducing the look of pores, and improving skin texture.
If you don’t mind a little extra effort, this is a great way to incorporate niacinamide into your skincare regimen.
Related Post: What to Use After The Ordinary Peeling Solution
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% vs The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder: Which is Better?
It really comes down to personal preference. If you want a premixed niacinamide serum that is easy to use, go with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
If you prefer a more customized niacinamide product and if you don’t mind spending a little extra time mixing niacinamide with other skincare serums or moisturizers, choose The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder.
FAQs
Does The Ordinary Niacinamide help acne?
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum and Powder both help acne and breakouts by regulating sebum production. They also reduce the look of pore size and strengthen your skin barrier to help prevent breakouts in the future.
Is The Ordinary Niacinamide good for acne scars?
When used consistently and over time, The Ordinary niacinamide products can help fade hyperpigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.
Can you use The Ordinary Niacinamide with retinol?
Yes, you can use The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum with retinol. Niacinamide is excellent for strengthening the skin barrier and has anti-inflammatory benefits, which can be helpful when using potentially irritating retinol and retinoids.
Can The Ordinary Niacinamide be used with hyaluronic acid?
Yes, you can use both The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum and Powder with hyaluronic acid. I love mixing The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum for an anti-aging and oil control boost to my skincare routine.
The Ordinary Niacinamide vs The Inkey List Niacinamide
For my thoughts on how The Inkey List and The Ordinary niacinamide serums compare, please see my post on The Inkey List vs The Ordinary.
Final Thoughts: The Ordinary Niacinamide Review
Niacinamide is a multi-benefit skincare active that provides so many benefits for the skin and deserves a spot in just about every skincare routine.
The Ordinary niacinamide products are an excellent choice to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and acne.
These niacinamide skin care products are especially helpful for aging, oily, and acne-prone skin. Pair with The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for more acne-fighting power!
While The Ordinary niacinamide serum is a fan favorite, don’t overlook their niacinamide powder. The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder is an affordable and effective customizable option, especially if you have time to mix your own product every day.
Thanks for reading!
Related The Ordinary Review Posts:
- The Ordinary 10% Mandelic Acid + HA Review
- The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Review
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Review
- The Ordinary Caffeine Solution Review
- The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Review
- The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Review
- The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Review
- The Ordinary Anti-Aging Skincare Review
- The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Review
- The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA Review