For quite some time, I have been asked if I’d ever test and review products from a startup brand that recently went viral, Deciem The Ordinary Skincare. As someone who tends to be skeptical about testing brands I am unfamiliar with, after much consideration, I finally caved in and purchased a significant amount of skincare to try from this affordable brand. Within my haul, I selected one product that I was honestly quite excited to test out, The Ordinary Niacinamide solution.
Watch the ordinary niacinamide review video
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
When it comes to my skin and the ingredients it likes, I already know for a fact that it loves Niacinamide and Zinc. As such, seeing a product that was dedicated to these two key ingredients made me beyond ecstatic to get my hands on it. So let’s take a look at why I was excited by peeking at the product claims as described on the official website.
- Reduce blemishes
- Reduce clogged pores / congested skin
- Reduce excessive sebum(skin oil) production
- Brightens dull skin
- pH balanced (5.50-6.50)
- Alcohol-free
- Oil-free
- Silicone-free
- Nut-free
- Vegan-Friendly
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Wow… how can anyone say no to product claims like those! Not only are the claims and ingredients very ideal for someone like myself with sensitive acne prone skin, but the additional product benefits of being Vegan and cruelty-free is the cherry on top. On that note, let’s take a look at the formulation of ingredients that create such an appealing solution for the skin.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Aide from water being the first ingredient(which is fairly standard), the fact The Ordinary Niacinamide has the advertised ingredient; Niacinamide(vitamin B3) as the second ingredient on the list is great to see! Third on the list is Pentylene Glycol which is a moisturizing agent. Fourth, Fifth and sixth are 3 viscosity stabilizers being; Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Seed Gum, Xanthan Gum. Isoceteth-20 as a surfactant, Ethoxydiglycol as another viscosity stabilizer and finally, 2 preservatives being Phenoxyethanol and Chlorphenesin.
By taking that closer peek, it becomes clear to see that not only is the ingredients list minimal, but the minimalism of the formula focuses solely on the delivery of the key ingredients, Niacinamide and Zinc alongside a little hydration. Of course, it’s always wise to take an even closer look via cosDNA, an ingredient analyzing database to ensure that the ingredients are safe to use on your skin.
*The below chart has been directly sourced from cosDNA.*
| Ingredient | Function | Acne | Irritant | Safety  |
| Aqua | ‧Solvent |
1
|
||
| Niacinamide |
1
|
|||
| Pentylene Glycol | ‧Moisturizer |
1
|
||
| Zinc PCA | ‧Moisturizer |
3
|
||
| Dimethyl isosorbide | ‧Solvent ‧Viscosity Control |
1
|
||
| Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum | ‧Viscosity Control | |||
| Xanthan Gum | ‧Viscosity Control |
1
|
||
| Isoceteth-20 | ‧Surfactant ‧Solvent ‧Emulsifier |
3
|
||
| Ethoxydiglycol | ‧Solvent ‧Viscosity Control |
1
|
||
| Phenoxyethanol | ‧Preservative |
4
|
||
| Chlorphenesin | ‧Preservative |
2
|
Upon completely analyzing the ingredients of The Orindary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% solution, it’s clear to see that the ingredients are fairly safe to use without the side effects or irritation or clogged pores. Safety wise, the choice is yours as there are 3 ingredients that might prove otherwise. Now onto the real part, my experience with the product.
Packaging & Texture
One thing that was a selling point for myself on this brand and on The Ordinary Niacinamide solution was the packaging. All the solutions comes in lovely fogged glass vials with eye droppers to dispense the product. Not only does the vial look appealing, but thelabelingg also has a certain aesthetic to it that I would love displayed on my counter. To top it all off, the vial and eye drop design is quite hygienic as it avoids direct contact with the fingers and skin.
Aside from the packaging, the product itself is a clear gel looking substance that has a rather interesting texture. Although it looks like a gel/serum, it is just a little thicker than you would expect based on appearance. However, once it touches the skin, it begins to “melt” into a more liquid form. The texture I quite like as it is watery enough to spread easily, while being thick enough to control it’s movement and placement, without running down the face or dripping everywhere.
Overall Experience
One thing I want to note about this product is the lack of fragrance which is something I love as fragrances can be the be all end all for a product. When applied to the face, it has your average slight cooling sensation as any regular hydrating serum would provide. There is no tingling or stinging unless you have broken skin such as a popped pimple or overly exfoliated skin. It absorbed as a medium rate, not too quickly but also a little on the slower side if you applied a toner prior to application. If you use it in dry skin, it will absorb faster, but I recommend always using a toner first to prep the skin.
Results wise, for myself, I already know that Niacinamide works amazingly on my skin. As such, I was able to experience and reap all the benefits The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% had to offer. My skin became brighter, more radiant, dark spots faded faster and I had less clogged pores than before. Clogged pores are my biggest skin problem aside from dehydration and ingredient sensitivities so finding a product that helps reduce my clogged pores makes a world of difference! Niacinamide is a holy grail ingredient for not only targeting clogged pores but almost all skin concerns! It truly is an all-around powerhouse ingredient that has been widely under hyped for years. Zinc also places an amazing role as nourishing the skin but also fighting against acne breakouts!
For me, this solution has been the perfect addition to my skincare routine. It’s very gentle, it makes my skin look radiant and it reduces my clogged pores without any irritation. Yet, I think the real selling factor that makes this the ultimate treatment solution/serum for me is the fact that it only costs $5.90 CAD! Yes, you read that correctly, this holy grail serum is literally only $6! So all I’m saying is that this will be a must-have in my skincare routine over the next few years unless something earth-shatteringly better comes along!
My opinion
If you have Oily skin, combination skin, dehydrated skin, dry skin, clogged pores, acne, and are prone to being sensitive, then this is the serum for you! The Ordinary Niacinamide serum is affordable and it really works. I’m honestly in love with it! Oh, and did I forget to mention this brand is Canadian made?! Making me even more happy to fall in love with their products!
[wp-review id=”4103″]
Where to Buy?
You can purchase on Amazon.com here for US prices or on the Official Website here for Canadian Prices.
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