Overview & Description

• What it is: A water-based serum combining a high 10% concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3) with 1% zinc PCA. It’s specifically formulated to enhance skin brightness, improve texture, and support the skin barrier over time. The Ordinary+1
• Key benefits:
  • Helps reduce enlarged pores and regulates excess sebum production The OrdinaryUlta Beauty
  • Targets signs of aging such as fine lines and supports skin plumpness and suppleness The Ordinary
  • Enhances skin radiance and improves overall smoothness and texture The Ordinary+1
  • Offers a brightening effect and supports barrier function by reinforcing lipids like ceramides The Ordinary

Ingredients & Formulation Highlights

• Niacinamide: Known for its multi-action benefits—brightening, supporting hydration, reducing inflammation, and improving skin barrier resilience The OrdinaryWho What Wear
• Zinc PCA: Works to regulate oil (sebum) production and assist with reducing congestion and shine Ulta BeautyPeople.com
• Clean, lightweight formula: Free from fragrance, alcohol, oil, silicone, gluten, and more—making it suitable for many skin types, especially oily or sensitive skin Ulta BeautyTarget
  • Typical ingredients include aqua, niacinamide, pentylene glycol, zinc PCA, tamarind seed gum, xanthan gum, and preservatives like phenoxyethanol Ulta Beauty

Usage & Efficacy

• Application:
  • Use twice daily, in the AM and PM, after cleansing and before heavier moisturizers or treatments The Ordinary+1
  • As a water-based serum, it fits early in your routine and layers well with other treatments like hyaluronic acid. Avoid combining with pure vitamin C in the same routine, as they may reduce each other’s effectiveness The OrdinaryUlta Beauty
• Results timeline:
  • 15 minutes in: Users report a noticeable boost in plumpness, suppleness, and radiance The Ordinary
  • Around one week: Skin texture begins to appear smoother The Ordinary
  • With continued use: Improved pore visibility, reduced sebum, diminished fine lines, and a more balanced complexion emerge The OrdinaryPeople.com

Real Users Say

• Amazon reviewers highlight its effectiveness at balancing oil, minimizing pores, and being gentle on sensitive, acne-prone skin:

“My pores look smaller, and my skin feels smoother and more balanced…” Amazon

“...powerful but still gentle—great for managing oil, breakouts, and uneven tone without irritating…” Amazon

• From Reddit:

“no decrease in redness, but my pores aren't nearly as big, and I feel like my dark spots have decreased.” Reddit

• Another shared:

“It has the consistency like any other serum, not too thick nor too watery…controlled my sebum production… but second time caused extra oiliness and peeling.” —valuable feedback on potential reactions depending on skin tolerance. Reddit

Expert & Media Perspective

• Allure and dermatologists emphasize niacinamide as a key ingredient for managing pores, improving texture, and calming the skin—though results take consistent use Allure
• People.com rankings reinforce its popularity—among best-selling, affordable serums under $20, praised for oil control and inflammation support People.com
• WhoWhatWear names it “Best Overall” niacinamide serum, calling out its tolerance and efficacy at managing acne and oil production Who What Wear

Summary Table