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

Who It's Designed For

EQQUALBERRY
  • Those looking to address uneven skin tone and dark spots
  • Users who want vitamin C benefits without L-ascorbic acid irritation
  • Sensitive skin types seeking a fragrance-free brightening serum
  • People who prefer lightweight, non-sticky serum textures
  • Those interested in barrier support alongside brightening actives
  • K-beauty enthusiasts looking for a multi-functional serum
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

40% Acerola Fruit Water, 4% Niacinamide, 2% Arbutin, 5 types of Ceramides, 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid

The Ordinary

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

Product Composition

8% similarity (4 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterniacinamidexanthan gum2
Only in EQQUALBERRY (41)
malpighia glabra (acerola) fruit waterbutylene glycolglycerincetyl ethylhexanoate12-hexanediolarbutinhydrogenated lecithinpentaerythrityl tetrabehenatediethoxyethyl succinatebetaineceramide nphydroxyethyl ureacaprylic/capric triglyceridemelia azadirachta leaf extractcetearyl alcoholsqualanemelia azadirachta flower extractpanthenolcurcuma longa (turmeric) root extracttocopherolcarbomerbutyrospermum parkii (shea) buttertromethamineallantoinethylhexylglycerin3-butanediolocimum sanctum leaf extractdisodium edtasodium hyaluronatesodium carboxymethyl beta-glucancorallina officinalis extractmalpighia glabra (acerola) fruit extractglyceryl stearatehydrolyzed hyaluronic acidhydrolyzed sodium hyaluronatehyaluronic acidhydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronatepotassium hyaluronaterubus fruticosus (blackberry) fruit extractvaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit extract
Only in The Ordinary (7)
pentylene glycolzinc pcadimethyl isosorbidetamarindus indica seed gumethoxydiglycolphenoxyethanolchlorphenesin

User Feedback Patterns

EQQUALBERRY
Lightweight, non-sticky texture

Users consistently praise the serum for being lightweight and non-sticky. Several reviewers specifically note it absorbs quickly, unlike typical vitamin C serums.

Visible brightening within weeks

Many users report improved skin tone and reduced dark spots within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use. The brand cites an Intertek study showing 57.49% melanin area reduction in one week, though the full study methodology is not publicly available.

Small bottle size

At 30ml, several users note the bottle runs out quickly, especially with daily use on face, neck, and body as suggested by the brand.

Results vary by skin type

Some users report minimal visible change after several weeks. Most negative reviews cite underwhelming brightening results rather than irritation or breakouts.

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 Serum may be worth the premium if you want 40% Acerola Fruit Water.

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