Compare Products: B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Sunday Riley

B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Premium10%
$65 / 30ml — $2.17/ml
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/ml

Ingredient Analysis

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum is a broad-spectrum antioxidant serum packed with botanical actives targeting aging, inflammation, and radiance. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is a minimal, targeted formula combining niacinamide with zinc for sebum control and pore refinement. The better choice depends on your skin concerns.

Depends on skin concern: anti-aging and antioxidant support vs. oily or acne-prone skin control
How they differ
Antioxidant depthSunday Riley

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum layers resveratrol, stabilized curcumin, green tea catechins, and gallic acid derivatives. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum contains no antioxidant actives.

Sebum and pore controlThe Ordinary

Zinc PCA directly regulates sebum production. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum has no equivalent sebum-targeting ingredient.

Soothing and barrier repairSunday Riley

Asiaticoside and madecassoside are well-studied for calming inflammation and supporting skin healing. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum lacks dedicated soothing actives.

Irritation riskThe Ordinary

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum has no added fragrance and a very short ingredient list. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum includes parfum, which is a common sensitizer.

Formula simplicity and predictabilityThe Ordinary

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum's short list makes it easier to isolate reactions. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum's many botanicals increase the chance of an unexpected sensitivity.

What the label does not tell us
  • •Niacinamide concentration is undisclosed in both products. Efficacy depends heavily on the percentage used.
  • •Zinc PCA concentration in The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is unknown. Low levels may have limited sebum-control effect.
  • •Resveratrol is notoriously unstable. Its position in the list suggests a meaningful amount, but formulation stability is not confirmed.
  • •Many botanical extracts in Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum appear late in the list, suggesting they may be present in trace amounts only.
  • •Dimethyl Isosorbide appears in both formulas as a penetration enhancer, which could amplify both benefits and irritation from other ingredients.
  • •Fragrance in Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum is listed as a single entry. Individual fragrance components are undisclosed, making sensitivity risk hard to assess precisely.

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

Who It's Designed For

Sunday Riley
  • Those seeking an antioxidant-rich niacinamide treatment
  • Users who want botanical anti-inflammatory ingredients alongside niacinamide
  • People addressing post-acne dark spots and uneven tone
  • Those who prefer prestige skincare with complex formulations
  • Users comfortable with light synthetic fragrance
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

Sunday Riley

Niacinamide (10%), Brightenyl (Diglucosyl Gallic Acid), Trans-Resveratrol, EGCG (Green Tea), Centella Asiatica

The Ordinary

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

Product Composition

25% similarity (9 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
water/eau/aquaniacinamidedimethyl isosorbidepentylene glycolethoxydiglycolxanthan gumtamarindus indica seed gumphenoxyethanolchlorphenesin
Only in Sunday Riley (25)▾
glycerinphenyl trimethiconeoctyldodecanolresveratroldiglucosyl gallic acidasiaticosidemadecassosideepigallocatechin gallatyl glucosideboswellia serrata resin extractcurcuma longa (turmeric) root extractocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf extractocimum sanctum leaf extractaloe barbadensis flower extractsolanum melongena (eggplant) fruit extractcoccinia indica fruit extractbetainecorallina officinalis extractmelia azadirachta flower extractmelia azadirachta leaf extractpeg-8tetrahydrodiferuloylmethanepunica granatum fruit extractargania spinosa kernel oilcalendula officinalis flower extractparfum/fragrance
Only in The Ordinary (2)▾
zinc pcaisoceteth-20

User Feedback Patterns

Sunday Riley
Texture and absorption

Users frequently praise the lightweight, watery texture that absorbs quickly without stickiness. Layers well under other products and makeup.

Brightening over time

Consistent reports of improved radiance and brighter complexion with regular use, though dark spot fading varies by individual.

Oil control

Oily skin users report reduced shine and less sebum production throughout the day.

Packaging concerns

Some users note the dropper packaging can cause product to dry and crust around the lid. Others have reported the product arriving discolored.

Price sensitivity

Mixed opinions on value. Some feel the botanical complex justifies the premium; others find it overpriced compared to budget niacinamide options.

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. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum may be worth the premium if you want Niacinamide (10%).

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