The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Solution Review - The Beauty Wonk (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to see results from the ordinary niacinamide 10 zinc 1? ›

How Long Will It Take to See the Results of Niacinamide? While some niacinamide-containing products start to show initial benefits in two weeks, most results will show in four weeks or more.

We recommend applying it twice per day, once in the morning and once at night.

A: After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops to your face in the AM and PM. It's water-based, so it should be applied before heavy creams or oil-based products.

DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide

Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.

“Niacinamide is best absorbed on damp skin,” the dermatologist suggested. If you are using it in combination with other active skincare ingredients, you can apply it on dry skin. “Otherwise, as a solo agent, application on damp skin gives best results,” dermatologist Aanchal Panth added.

Do: Use it every day. Given it is a tolerable ingredient, Dr. Garshick points out that niacinamide is safe to use every day and can be incorporated into a daily cleanser, moisturizer, or serum that is meant for daily use. It can also be used both in the morning or at night.

It is not recommended to use serum without moisturizer because serums alone do not provide sufficient hydration to the skin. Serums are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin, but they do not provide the hydration that your skin needs.

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.

Don't use vitamin C: Niacinamide and vitamin C can cause skin irritation and discoloration when used together, so it's best to use them at different times of the day. Don't overuse: While niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, overusing it can cause redness and irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Best Overall Product: Dot & Key's 10% Vitamin C + E, 5% Niacinamide Serum is the best overall product due to its comprehensive skincare benefits. This serum combines the brightening power of Vitamin C with the blemish-fighting properties of niacinamide.

Is 10% niacinamide too strong? ›

Shirazi says that higher concentrations of niacinamide—“particularly those at 10% or higher—“can potentially cause irritation such as redness and rebound oil production.” On that note, Dr. Green recommends that sensitive-skinned folks start with a lower concentration to avoid potential irritation and redness.

Especially, it should never be combined with a vitamin C or direct acid (such as AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs). If these ingredients are part of your routine, they should be applied at different times of day (e.g. niacinamide in the morning, and vitamin C or direct acids in the evening).

Research suggests that niacinamide can start to improve acne and hyperpigmentation within two to three months, while your oil production and skin barrier can start to see changes within a month. But if you're at month four and still see zero improvements? Switch to a stronger product.

Most studies show that even though you may find improvement immediately after starting Niacinamide, it usually takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks for a visible change.

By reinforcing the skin's protective barrier and balancing your skin's oils, these ingredients help to keep pores free of too many pimple-promoting components. By further reducing the effects of toxins and environmental stressors niacinamide and zinc help foster healthier, less congested skin.

Diminishes the effects of hyperpigmentation

Niacinamide cannot lighten or 'bleach' skin – but it does have the ability to minimise the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage or mature skin, which means you'll have a more even, glowing skin tone.