The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Summary
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% scores 75/100. Delivers an effective therapeutic dose of niacinamide (Vitamin B3 at 10%) — one of the most evidence-supported skin actives for barrier strengthening, sebum regulation, pore minimization, and hyperpigmentation. The zinc PCA at 1% provides additional sebum-balancing benefit. Short, no-frills formula in a propanediol-glycerin base with biodegradable chelator (instead of EDTA), pentylene glycol from plant fermentation, and phenoxyethanol preservative. No fragrance, no essential oils. Note: at the 10% concentration this product can cause skin purging or sensitivity in first-time users — start every other day.
At a glance
Key ingredients 16
WaterNeutral
Solvent base. Inert.
See more about Water →Niacinamide (10%)Very Good
Therapeutic-grade dose of Vitamin B3. Strengthens skin barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss, regulates sebum, evens skin tone, reduces pore appearance, calms inflammation. One of the most evidence-supported skin actives in dermatology.
See more about Niacinamide (10%) →Pentylene GlycolNeutral
Plant-fermentation-derived humectant; cleaner than propylene glycol.
See more about Pentylene Glycol →Zinc PCA (1%)Good
Zinc combined with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (skin's natural moisturizing factor component). Helps regulate sebum and provides mild antimicrobial benefit; pairs synergistically with niacinamide.
See more about Zinc PCA (1%) →Dimethyl IsosorbideNeutral
Plant-derived solvent that enhances delivery of water-soluble actives into skin.
See more about Dimethyl Isosorbide →Tamarindus Indica Seed GumGood
Plant-derived thickener; biodegradable.
See more about Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum →CarrageenanGood
Seaweed-derived thickener.
See more about Carrageenan →Acacia Senegal GumGood
Plant gum thickener.
See more about Acacia Senegal Gum →Xanthan GumGood
Fermentation-derived thickener.
See more about Xanthan Gum →Isoceteth-20
PEG-derived surfactant; possible 1,4-dioxane contamination.
See more about Isoceteth-20 →Ethoxydiglycol
Synthetic solvent. Generally well-tolerated but petroleum-derived.
See more about Ethoxydiglycol →PropanediolGood
Corn-fermentation-derived humectant. Cleaner alternative to propylene glycol.
See more about Propanediol →Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateGood
Biodegradable chelator.
See more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →Citric AcidNeutral
pH adjuster.
See more about Citric Acid →Phenoxyethanol
Synthetic preservative considered safer than parabens but can irritate sensitive skin at higher use levels. EU caps at 1%.
See more about Phenoxyethanol →ChlorphenesinBad
Synthetic preservative-booster — CIR-safe and well-tolerated, but a petroleum-derived synthetic that clean brands typically replace with food-grade/natural systems. Minor clean-beauty demerit.
See more about Chlorphenesin →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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