Compare Products: Seeking C Vitamin C Face Serum vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Eight Saints

Seeking C Vitamin C Face Serum

Mid-range
$36 / 30ml — $1.20/ml
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/ml

Who It's Designed For

Eight Saints
  • Those who prefer natural and plant-based skincare ingredients
  • Users seeking a gentle vitamin C derivative over L-ascorbic acid
  • People who enjoy strongly scented skincare products
  • Those looking for a hydrating vitamin C serum with botanical extracts
  • Users comfortable with essential oil-containing products
The Ordinary
  • Oily and combination skin seeking oil control
  • Those who want a no-frills, high-potency niacinamide serum
  • Budget-conscious skincare users
  • People targeting enlarged pores and textural irregularities
  • Users building ingredient-focused routines

Key Ingredients

Eight Saints

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Leaf Juice, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Jojoba Oil

The Ordinary

Niacinamide (10%), Zinc PCA (1%)

Product Composition

5% similarity (2 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
aquaphenoxyethanol
Only in Eight Saints (30)
sodium ascorbyl phosphatemsmbotanical hyaluronic acidaloe barbadensis leaf juiceacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymertocopherolsimmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oilsodium hydroxideglycerincentella asiatica extractequisetum arvense extractgeranium maculatumtaraxacum officinale extractethylhexylglycerinpotassium sorbatesodium benzoatealcohollitsea cubeba fruit essential oilcitrus bergamia (bergamot) peel oilcitrus limon (lemon) peel oilcitrus paradisi (grapefruit) peel oilcitrus aurantifolia (lime) oilzingiber officinale (ginger) root oilcinnamomum camphora (ho wood) oilcymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass) oilcymbopogon nardus (citronella) oilpogostemon cablin (patchouli) oilcananga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oilcinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) leaf oilcitrus aurantium amara (neroli) flower oil
Only in The Ordinary (9)
niacinamidepentylene glycolzinc pcadimethyl isosorbidetamarindus indica seed gumxanthan gumisoceteth-20ethoxydiglycolchlorphenesin

User Feedback Patterns

Eight Saints
Scent is polarizing

Users either love or dislike the strong citrus-herbaceous scent. Those who enjoy essential oils often rate it highly; fragrance-sensitive users find it overwhelming.

Skin feels hydrated and softer

Multiple reviewers note improved skin softness and hydration within the first week. The aloe, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil contribute to this effect.

Some users report irritation

A portion of reviewers experience stinging, redness, or irritation, likely from the essential oil blend. The cinnamon and citrus oils are common triggers.

Gradual brightening

Users who tolerate the formula report gradual brightening over several weeks. Results are described as subtle rather than dramatic.

The Ordinary
Holy grail for oily skin

Many users with oily skin report significant oil control and fewer breakouts. High repurchase rate in this demographic.

Pilling under other products

Commonly reported issue. Users recommend applying to damp skin or mixing with a hydrating serum to improve layering.

Tacky texture

The formula can feel sticky, especially if too much is applied. Most users adapt application technique over time.

Purging or breakouts

Some users report initial breakouts. Unclear whether this is purging, sensitivity, or coincidence. Most who push through report improvement.

Value for money

Almost universally praised for price-to-performance ratio. Common comment: 'can't believe this costs $6.'

Which Should You Buy?

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum offers great value at a lower price point. Eight Saints Seeking C Vitamin C Face Serum may be worth the premium if you want Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.

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