The Ordinary NIACINAMIDE 10% + ZINC 1% 30ML

Values: 100% Genuine (Adilsons policy) · Fragrance-Free (confirmed via INCI) · Vegan-Friendly* · Halal-Friendly*.

Living with visible shine and enlarged-looking pores by mid-afternoon is genuinely demoralizing when it feels like nothing you do changes it — this serum addresses the oil-production side of that equation rather than just blotting the symptom.

Pros: one of The Ordinary's most consistently well-reviewed SKUs, budget-friendly, genuinely reduces shine and supports fading of post-acne marks over time. Caveats: some people experience transient flushing at first use, the plant-gum texture can feel tacky under certain sunscreens, and this exact SKU is currently out of stock at Adilsons.

GREEN — safe for all ages, including teens dealing with genuine oiliness or early breakouts. Niacinamide and zinc are among the gentlest, most extensively used actives in skincare, with a long safety track record even in younger users.

Bedside-compatible: yes, no rinsing required. It qualifies for a bare-bones 2-3 product routine (cleanser, this serum, moisturizer) on low-energy days.

Step 1 (When): AM and/or PM. Step 2 (How much): 2-3 drops. Step 3 (How): pat into skin; if you flush easily, start every other day for the first week.

Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. Cleanser. 2. Toner (optional). 3. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — 2-3 drops. 4. Moisturizer. 5. Sunscreen SPF50+.

In Mauritius humidity, this serum's plant-gum texture can feel slightly tacky under a silicone-heavy sunscreen — wait the full 60 seconds and consider a lighter, more fluid SPF if pilling becomes an issue.

1. Double cleanse if wearing SPF/makeup. 2. Toner (optional). 3. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — 2-3 drops. 4. Moisturizer.

This is a non-restricted, supportive lane — it does not compete with a retinoid or acid running elsewhere in the same routine.

Technique: pat into skin, don't rub. Skin state: either damp or dry is fine. Wait time: 30-60 seconds before the next step, longer if you plan to layer a heavier sunscreen on top.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global rules: viscosity ladder thinnest-to-thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serums 30-60s. Amount defaults: serum 2-3 drops, moisturizer 1-2 peas, sunscreen the two-finger rule. If a routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers, never increase them.

AM Maximum Stack: cleanse → toner → essence → antioxidant lane → pigment-support lane → hydration lane → oil-control lane (this product lives here) → peptide/repair lane → eye product → moisturizer → SPF50+ non-negotiable.

PM Maximum Stack: cleanse → toner → soothing serum → anchor active (retinoid/acid on scheduled nights) → this oil-control serum as a targeted layer → moisturizer. Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep one lane per night — this product can accompany whichever lane you run.

Unlike an exfoliant or retinoid, niacinamide does not need a rest-day schedule — it is generally used AM and/or PM every day. If you flush easily, ease in with every-other-day use for the first week, then move to daily.

Before starting, having a gentle, non-stripping cleanser already in your routine helps — a harsh cleanser plus this active together can be more irritating than either alone.

Excess sebum and enlarged pore appearance: niacinamide helps regulate sebaceous gland activity, while zinc PCA offers additional oil-control and antibacterial-supportive properties. Secondary benefit: niacinamide also supports fading of post-acne marks (PIH) over time.

Nutritional co-factor note: a high-glycemic diet and dairy intake are linked to insulin/IGF-1 pathways that can increase sebum production — this is a topical-plus-dietary framing, not a medical claim, but worth knowing if oil control plateaus.

What this product cannot do: it cannot physically shrink pores (pore size is largely structural) — it can only reduce the oil and buildup that make pores look larger.

Sunscreen: primary pick Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+, a lighter chemical formula less likely to pill with this serum's texture. Alternatives: SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream.

Gentle cleanser to avoid over-stripping: primary pick COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. Alternatives: Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, Anua Heartleaf Succinic Cleansing Foam.

A stronger, targeted brightening pairing (different pathway): primary pick Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum. Alternatives: SKIN1004 Poremizing Fresh Ampoule, AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

× L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C (on reactive skin): niacinamide and Vitamin C are compatible in most modern formulas, but on reactive skin the combination can trigger extra flushing. If that happens, wait 10-15 minutes after Vitamin C before applying this serum, or split Vitamin C AM / niacinamide PM.

Redundancy note: this is a supportive, non-restricted lane and can generally accompany a retinoid or acid lane elsewhere in the same routine without conflict.

Close rule: do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep one lane per night. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier and hydration.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath — this serum's oil-regulating mechanism is particularly relevant during the luteal phase.

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can trigger inflammatory acne and increased sebum production — niacinamide's anti-inflammatory, oil-regulating profile makes it a reasonable supportive choice during high-stress periods, even though it isn't a dedicated stress-skin product.

Water-Permeable. This is a thin, water-based serum that does not form an occlusive film, so it does not physically block water contact during ablution.

Adilsons provides this assessment based on the product's physical properties. Rulings on wudu validity vary between scholars. Consult your own trusted Islamic authority.

MYTH: "Niacinamide shrinks pores permanently." REALITY: it reduces the oil and debris that make pores look larger — actual pore size is structural and doesn't change.

MYTH: "Flushing means I'm allergic." REALITY: transient tingling/flushing on first use is a known, common, non-allergic response that typically settles within 1-2 weeks of consistent use.

The "grimy" feeling in Mauritius heat is usually sebum and sweat doing their job, not dirt — over-washing to compensate strips the acid mantle and can trigger the very oiliness you're trying to fix. This serum works with your skin's oil regulation rather than through more aggressive cleansing.

Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; if your cleanser leaves a tight, filmy residue, a pH-balancing toner before this serum helps counteract that.

Full INCI: Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Carrageenan, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Cocoyl Proline, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Carrageenan, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Cocoyl Proline, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Preservative system: Phenoxyethanol and Chlorphenesin, broad-spectrum cosmetic preservatives.

Fragrance status: Fragrance-Free, confirmed via INCI. Scent: effectively none. EU 26 allergen screen: none detected. Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free.

Halal: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body.

Cruelty-Free: *Brand-stated policy. Not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or equivalent third-party audit in this research pass. *The Ordinary's parent company entered Mainland China retail (Sephora China) in February 2025, where post-market animal testing may apply by law; cross-border e-commerce sales may be exempt.

Microplastic status: Microplastic-Free — no synthetic film-forming polymers detected in the declared INCI (the gums used are plant-derived thickeners, not plastics).

MFDS Classification: Not applicable — Canadian brand, not MFDS-registered. Clinical evidence: niacinamide's sebum-regulating and barrier-supportive effects are among the best-documented in cosmetic dermatology; zinc PCA's oil-control role is also well-supported. Evidence confidence: High for the ingredient class; no brand-published in-vivo trial specific to this exact SKU was found.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Safe based on the declared INCI (no common FA-feeding esters identified).

Assessment: Medium. The plant-gum thickening system in this formula is more prone to pilling under certain sunscreens or moisturizers than a pure water-thin serum.

Mitigation: use a light hand, wait the full 60 seconds, and choose a fluid rather than thick-silicone sunscreen if pilling is a recurring issue.

Fresh formula is a clear-to-milky gel; separation that won't remix or an off smell signals it should be discarded.

Storage: keep away from direct heat and sunlight; Mauritius bathroom humidity accelerates preservative degradation over time.

Patch test: inner forearm 24 hours, then behind the ear 24 hours, before full-face use.

72-hour barrier reset (if reaction occurs): stop all actives; for 72 hours use only a gentle cleanser, plain moisturizer, and mineral SPF; reintroduce one product per 14 days after.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care.

1. Starting at twice-daily use if you know you flush easily. 2. Skipping moisturizer, assuming an "oil control" serum means skin doesn't need hydration. 3. Layering a thick sunscreen right after without waiting. 4. Over-cleansing on top of using this serum. 5. Touching your face/phone screen frequently, which reintroduces bacteria regardless of what serum you use.

Phone hygiene note: phone screens are a well-documented bacterial vector for jawline and cheek breakouts — wiping your screen regularly supports whatever oil-control routine you're running.

At 2-3 drops per use, twice daily, a 30ml bottle lasts roughly 60-90 days.

Using more product per application does not improve oil control faster and simply uses the bottle sooner. Reorder about two weeks before you expect to run out.

This serum's job is sebum regulation and mild anti-inflammatory support — it sits in the water-thin oil-control rung, in both AM and PM.

AM: cleanser → this serum → moisturizer → SPF50+. PM: cleanser → this serum (or after an anchor active on scheduled nights) → moisturizer.

If you're in your luteal phase and breaking out more, this serum's relevance increases — consider adding it PM if you've only been using it AM. If you flush easily, ease in at every-other-day rather than daily from the start.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth. The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

If you want a niacinamide serum that also targets dark spots more aggressively via tranexamic acid, Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum is a genuine dual-purpose alternative.

Choose Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% over the Anua alternative if you need: pure oil-control with zinc's antibacterial-supportive angle, without the added tranexamic acid if dark spots aren't your primary concern.

Upgrade triggers: if oil control is well-managed but dark spots/PIH remain your bigger frustration, the TXA-containing alternative addresses that directly.

Don't upgrade if: you're satisfied with current oil control and don't have a significant pigmentation concern — adding TXA without a real need is unnecessary complexity.

This product's primary function is: sebum regulation via niacinamide + zinc. You do not need this if you already own another open niacinamide serum with the same job — finish that one first.

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

This is one of The Ordinary's most widely discussed SKUs across INCIDecoder, CosDNA, SkinSafe, and DermApproved aggregation, with consistent praise for visible oil reduction and PIH fading within weeks. A recurring theme is initial flushing on first use that settles with continued use, and occasional pilling under certain sunscreens.

A specific Reddit thread for this exact SKU was not found in this research pass — say so plainly rather than inventing one.

Quick version: if you know you flush easily, start every other day for one week, then move to daily AM and/or PM if comfortable. Most people can start at daily use without issue.

Why does my face flush when I use this? Transient flushing/tingling is a known, common, non-allergic response to niacinamide at first use — it typically settles within 1-2 weeks.

Can I use this with Vitamin C? Yes, in most modern formulas, though reactive skin may prefer splitting them AM/PM or waiting 10-15 minutes between.

Will this shrink my pores? It reduces the oil and buildup that make pores look larger, but pore size itself is structural and doesn't change.

Is the 60ml size the same formula? Yes — it's the same formula in a larger fill, best suited to established users who've already confirmed tolerance.

Can teens use this? Yes, niacinamide and zinc have a long safety track record across age groups.

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3; regulates oil production and supports barrier function and PIH fading.

Zinc PCA

A zinc salt used for oil control and antibacterial-supportive properties.

Sebum

The natural oil produced by skin's sebaceous glands.

PIH

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — flat brown/tan marks left after acne heals.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: anyone with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin looking for a well-evidenced, budget-friendly oil-control serum with a long safety track record.

Key benefits: strong ingredient-level evidence for both niacinamide and zinc, gentle enough for daily use, supports PIH fading over time.

Keep in mind: some transient flushing is common at first use, the texture can pill under certain sunscreens, and this exact SKU is currently out of stock.

Assessment: Suitable. Fragrance-free, retinoid-free, with a minimal, well-tolerated preservative system.

Consult your oncology care team before introducing any new skincare products during treatment.