The Ordinary · Serum

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 7.5 / 10

Reviewed by Michael C.

Import — an international brand sold in South Africa.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a water-based serum designed to assist with daily skincare maintenance. Retailing at R120 for 30ml, it offers a budget-friendly option for managing oiliness and congestion.

This serum offers excellent value for those managing oiliness and congestion, though the tacky texture may not suit everyone. It is a reliable, no-frills option for daily maintenance.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum offers a straightforward, water-based formula focused on daily skin maintenance. Combining high-strength niacinamide with zinc PCA, it provides a reliable treatment option for individuals dealing with excess surface oiliness and congestion. At a retail price of R120 for 30ml, it offers exceptional value for money, making essential skincare accessible without a high price tag. In terms of performance, the serum works effectively to manage shine and clear up congested skin over time. However, the application texture can feel noticeably tacky upon spreading, which might not suit everyone's preference or layer seamlessly under all heavier creams. Despite this minor texture drawback, it remains a highly popular, no-frills serum that consistently delivers on its core claims for budget-conscious consumers.

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No hype, just evidence — this review is independently researched from publicly available information, ingredient analysis and editorial testing.