How I Feel About The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Hello, gorgeousness. As you can see from the title, I will be reviewing The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% today. It's going to be a long post, I can feel it but hopefully, it's enjoyable any other way. But first things first, it's only fitting if I throw a quick disclaimer before I start telling you how I actually feel about the serum.

All opinions are completely my own experience as a consumer. If you like the product, good for you. If you don't, okay we're cool. Please take everything I said in this post with a pinch of salt. Another thing is my skin type. I have oily skin and am slightly acne-prone. PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is my #1 skin concern. 

So, how do I feel about The Ordinary Niacinamide?

I bought it in November 2018 and it was around that time where I experienced a complete breakout. I was trying out so many new skincare products a few months back. Long story short, one day, while I was scrolling through my Twitter timeline, I feel like The Ordinary Niacinamide was having its very moment where everyone kept talking about it, how good or bad it is. It was a lot to take in but I did my own research like I always do. I read and read and read (only legit information, though) and placed my order. Just like that.

It claims to help with breakouts, sebum, pores and blemishes. Of course, I was sold because I was in desperate need to fix my skin. Also, my skin loves any product that has Niacinamide in it. So, I thought it was a great move to pull out the 'big gun'. And by 'big gun' I mean trying out a pure 10% Niacinamide serum because "Yeah, it will work! What could possibly happen?"

Well, sadly, it didn't work. *crying inside*

I gave it a full shot. I tried it properly, I didn't neglect my sunscreen and my basics are pretty okay. I didn't use it on my skin and expected an overnight result. I was really patient with it because I want it to work. I know this kind of product could be tricky, that's why I was being patient through and through. But still, it didn't work.

I didn't remember exactly my first application but it was within the first week of December 2018 and I remember I did a patch test and I apply this method where I only use it once during the first week and I will see how it 'meshes' with my skin. After that, I will apply twice for the second week and thrice for the third week and so forth. This is the method I use to 'introduce' intense or tricky skincare like this to my skin.

First-week application

---

I was so scared. I don't know what was the thing that I was scared about. Probably the serum won't work on me? But I spew out that thought because that's bad luck. So, first-week application - I was already getting a new pimple on my skin. I can feel it. It's hiding under my skin. However, I am well aware of all the 'purging' thingy and that's why I kept having a positive thought about the serum and I kept using it.

Second & third-week application

---

Oh. My. Goodness. It was insane. It gave me a lot of the 'under skin' pimples mainly on my chin and my forehead. I am not comfortable with the 'under skin' pimple because it's huge under there and you cannot pop it, you are unable to see it but it's there under your skin. I know this was the culprit. It's the only new thing that I put on my face during the whole month. My skin probably wasn't ready for it so I decided to stop using it. 

It didn't help with my breakouts and dared to add more to my breakout 'collection'. My pores stayed the same. I don't normally have any issues with my pores but just to let you know it did absolutely nothing. And as far as blemishes and the sebum, no good news at all. It's definitely a flop for me.

So, what now?

If y'all haven't caught up with my activities recently, I have gone full-on basic with my skincare routine. I am free from any serums, essences and all of that good stuff for a little over a month now. I guess this is the solution. I don't want to risk my skin. I don't want to mess up with it again, I am only gonna use products that are a-okay with my skin. My skin is at a good place now, thank goodness. I cannot put too much product on my skin, especially the intense ones like this. It will act up.

I guess you already got the answer. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is not for me, at the moment. It didn't work on my skin. I still have mine for about 70% of its content and I don't know what am I supposed to do with it. Alrighty, that's all I have for you guys today. I hope you enjoy it. See you in the next one xx

Update 20/05/2021: I don't want to jinx myself but I love this Niacinamide serum. If you have oily skin and acne-prone skin, the trick is to not lather the product all over your face. Spot-treating is the way to go. Dot and tap the product around your problem areas and voila!

*Some links used are affiliated links, which allows me to earn a small commission when you buy the product using my link. Please note that no commission is earned through clicking links. Thank you~

Have you tried any of The Ordinary products? Have you tried the one I mentioned?