Compare Products: Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% vs SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum
Ingredient Analysis
Both serums share the same hero duo: niacinamide and zinc PCA, targeting pores and oil control. Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% adds hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for extra hydration and antioxidant support. The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum adds squalane for a richer, lipid-replenishing feel, making the choice skin-type dependent.
Both contain niacinamide and zinc PCA in the same top positions, so core efficacy for oil and pore concerns is equivalent.
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% includes sodium hyaluronate and glycerin higher in the list, plus dimethicone to lock moisture in.
Squalane in product The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum provides an emollient boost that product Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% lacks entirely.
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum contains benzyl alcohol and two additional emulsifiers that may irritate sensitive or reactive skin.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate is a chelating agent that extends shelf life by binding metal ions; product Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% has no equivalent.
- •Niacinamide concentration is not disclosed in either list; efficacy depends heavily on the actual percentage used.
- •Zinc PCA position in both lists suggests a low concentration, which limits oil-control strength.
- •Tocopheryl acetate in Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% requires skin conversion to active vitamin E; conversion efficiency varies.
- •Benzyl alcohol in product The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum is a preservative at low levels but can irritate sensitive skin; exact level unknown.
- •Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% is likely The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% based on ingredient match, but this is inferred, not confirmed.
Analysis generated from both INCI lists using Claude. Ingredient order indicates relative concentration; exact percentages are usually undisclosed.
Who It's Designed For
- Oily and combination skin seeking sebum control
- Uneven skin tone and dark spots
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
- Enlarged pores and textured skin
- Those who want higher niacinamide concentration than standard 10%
- Very oily skin seeking maximum oil control
- Stubborn enlarged pores unresponsive to lower niacinamide concentrations
- Users who have tolerated 10-15% niacinamide and want to increase strength
- Budget-conscious users wanting clinical-strength actives
- Those seeking exfoliating effects (20% niacinamide has mild exfoliating properties)
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide (12%), Zinc PCA (2%)
Niacinamide (20%), Zinc PCA (0.5%), Squalane (3%)
Product Composition
26% similarity (6 ingredients in common)
Only in Naturium (10)▾
Only in The Inkey List (7)▾
User Feedback Patterns
Users who have tried both brands frequently note Naturium feels 'better quality' with faster absorption and less pilling, though acknowledging The Ordinary costs less.
Most users report visible improvement in skin texture and oil control within 2-4 weeks, with more significant changes at the 6-8 week mark.
Some users note a subtle odd scent, though it dissipates quickly after application. Generally not a dealbreaker.
Consistent praise for how this serum absorbs and layers under other products without pilling or feeling heavy.
Users with very oily skin consistently report this as one of the most effective oil-control products they have tried. Many note all-day mattifying effect.
Despite the 20% concentration, most users report no irritation. However, patch testing is frequently mentioned as important for first-time users.
Users who found The Ordinary's 10% niacinamide too weak or pilling-prone often prefer this. The gel texture absorbs cleanly.
Some users report a white film if they apply too much. The brand addresses this: use less product and follow immediately with moisturizer.
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