Compare Products: Glass Skin Refining Serum vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Peach & Lily

Glass Skin Refining Serum

Mid-range~2-5%
$39 / 40ml — $0.98/ml
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/ml

Ingredient Analysis

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum is a richer, multi-layered hydrating serum with three forms of hyaluronic acid and calming centella actives. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is a leaner, targeted niacinamide-and-zinc formula focused on pore refinement and oil control. Neither is universally better; the right pick depends on your skin concern.

Depends on primary skin concern: hydration and barrier repair vs. pore refinement and oiliness
How they differ
Hydration supportPeach & Lily

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum contains three distinct hyaluronic acid forms plus saccharide isomerate and beta-glucan. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum offers minimal humectancy beyond pentylene glycol.

Pore and oil controlThe Ordinary

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum pairs niacinamide with zinc PCA, a combination specifically aimed at sebum regulation. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum has niacinamide but no zinc or sebum-targeting co-active.

Barrier and calming supportPeach & Lily

Madecassoside, asiaticoside, beta-glucan, and adenosine in Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum form a strong anti-irritation and barrier-repair stack. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum has nothing comparable.

Anti-aging activesPeach & Lily

Adenosine and acetyl octapeptide-3 address fine lines directly. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum contains no dedicated anti-aging ingredients.

Formula simplicity and irritation riskThe Ordinary

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum has far fewer ingredients, reducing the chance of a reaction. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum's phytic acid and length may not suit very reactive skin.

What the label does not tell us
  • •Niacinamide concentration is undisclosed in both products; efficacy varies significantly between 2% and 10%.
  • •Zinc PCA concentration in The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is undisclosed; effect on sebum control depends on dose.
  • •Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum) appears late in the list, suggesting a low concentration where clinical effect is uncertain.
  • •The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum identification as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is an inference based on INCI match; this has not been confirmed.
  • •Dimethyl Isosorbide in The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum may increase absorption of all co-ingredients, including potential irritants.
  • •INCI order signals relative concentration but exact amounts are not disclosed for any ingredient in either list.

Analysis generated from both INCI lists using Claude. Ingredient order indicates relative concentration; exact percentages are usually undisclosed.

Who It's Designed For

Peach & Lily
  • Sensitive or eczema-prone skin seeking gentle actives
  • Those wanting the 'glass skin' luminous hydration look
  • Users who prioritize fragrance-free, clean formulas
  • People new to niacinamide who want a lower concentration
  • K-beauty enthusiasts looking for a multi-benefit 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

Peach & Lily

Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid (multiple types), Madecassoside, Peach Extract, Peptides

The Ordinary

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

Product Composition

6% similarity (2 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
water (aqua)niacinamide
Only in Peach & Lily (22)▾
propanediolbutylene glycol12-hexanediolprunus persica (peach) fruit extractdioscorea japonica root extractsodium hyaluronateadenosinehydrolyzed sodium hyaluronatemadecassosidehydrolyzed hyaluronic acidsodium acetylated hyaluronateacetyl octapeptide-3ethylhexylglycerinhydrolyzed corn starchsodium carbomerbeta-glucansaccharide isomeratephytic acidsucroseasiaticosidecaprylyl glycol
Only in The Ordinary (9)▾
pentylene glycolzinc pcadimethyl isosorbidetamarindus indica seed gumxanthan gumisoceteth-20ethoxydiglycolphenoxyethanolchlorphenesin

User Feedback Patterns

Peach & Lily
Hydration standout

Users consistently report improved hydration and a plumper, more luminous appearance. Many describe the 'glass skin' effect as real.

Sensitive skin safe

Eczema-prone and reactive skin users frequently report no irritation. Popular first serum for those new to actives.

Texture praise

Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly. Some note a slight initial tack that disappears once fully absorbed. Layers well.

Fading scars

Multiple users report gradual fading of acne scars and improved evenness over weeks of use.

Repeat purchase loyalty

High repurchase rate in reviews. Users describe it as a staple they consistently return to.

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. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum may be worth the premium if you want Niacinamide.

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