Compare Products: Vitamin Illuminating Cream vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

EQQUALBERRY

Vitamin Illuminating Cream

Mid-range
$25.99 / 50ml — $0.52/ml
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/ml

Who It's Designed For

EQQUALBERRY
  • Those targeting dark spots and hyperpigmentation with a cream format
  • Users who want tranexamic acid alongside niacinamide for enhanced brightening
  • Sensitive skin types seeking fragrance-free dark spot care
  • People who prefer a richer texture than serums for brightening
  • Those using the Vitamin Illuminating Serum who want a matching cream
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

EQQUALBERRY

67.3% Acerola Vitamin Water, 5% Niacinamide (50,000ppm), 3% Tranexamic Acid (30,000ppm), Liposomal Vitamin C, Ceramides

The Ordinary

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

Product Composition

11% similarity (4 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
niacinamidepentylene glycolaqua/water/eauammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Only in EQQUALBERRY (24)
malpighia glabra (acerola) fruit waterglycerindipropylene glycoltranexamic aciddiglycerinlimnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil12-hexanediolcoptis japonica root extracteriobotrya japonica leaf extractmentha viridis (spearmint) extractlithospermum officinale root extractchitosanrubus fruticosus (blackberry) fruit extractrubus idaeus (raspberry) fruit extractsambucus nigra fruit extractvaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit extractvaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) fruit extracthyaluronic acidhydrolyzed hyaluronic acidsodium hyaluronatevinyl dimethiconepropanediolsilica
Only in The Ordinary (7)
zinc pcatamarindus indica seed gumxanthan gumisoceteth-20ethoxydiglycolphenoxyethanolchlorphenesin

User Feedback Patterns

EQQUALBERRY
Gentle on skin

Users report no irritation despite the active-heavy formula. Tranexamic acid is generally well tolerated even by sensitive skin types.

Mixed efficacy for dark spots

Some users see visible improvement in dark spots within weeks. Others report the cream did not deliver as advertised for their specific pigmentation concerns.

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. EQQUALBERRY Vitamin Illuminating Cream may be worth the premium if you want 67.3% Acerola Vitamin Water.

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons