Compare Products: Niacinamide Oil Control Serum vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

The Inkey List

Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

Budget10%
$10.5 / 30ml — $0.35/ml
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/ml

Who It's Designed For

The Inkey List
  • Oily and combination skin seeking oil control
  • Acne-prone skin wanting to reduce blemishes
  • Enlarged pores and uneven texture
  • Those sensitive to zinc who want a niacinamide serum
  • Niacinamide beginners looking for a gentle entry point
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

The Inkey List

Niacinamide (10%), Hyaluronic Acid (1%)

The Ordinary

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

Product Composition

17% similarity (5 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
water (aqua / eau)niacinamidephenoxyethanolhydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerxanthan gum
Only in The Inkey List (19)
glycerinpropanediolbutylene glycolhydroxyethylcellulosephospholipidssqualaneglycine soja (soybean) oilallantoinsodium phytatepolysorbate 60panthenolglycolipidsleuconostoc/radish root ferment filtratesorbitan isostearateglycine soja (soybean) sterolscitric acidhyaluronic aciddisodium phosphatesodium phosphate
Only in The Ordinary (6)
pentylene glycolzinc pcatamarindus indica seed gumisoceteth-20ethoxydiglycolchlorphenesin

User Feedback Patterns

The Inkey List
No pilling

Multiple users note this formula does not ball up under other products or makeup, unlike some competing niacinamide serums.

More hydrating than expected

Users with dry or combination skin report this feels more hydrating than pure niacinamide serums with zinc, likely due to the squalane, HA, and lack of zinc.

Packaging frustrations

The squeeze bottle with press-down cap makes it difficult to control how much product dispenses. Some users report buildup around the opening.

Visible pore improvement

Consistent feedback about reduced pore appearance within 2-4 weeks of daily use.

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.'

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