Compare Products: SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

The Inkey List

SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum

Budget20%
$17.99 / 30ml — $0.60/ml
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/ml

Who It's Designed For

The Inkey List
  • 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)
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 (20%), Zinc PCA (0.5%), Squalane (3%)

The Ordinary

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

Product Composition

29% similarity (6 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
aqua (water)niacinamidehydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerphenoxyethanolammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerzinc pca
Only in The Inkey List (9)
butylene glycolsqualaneglycerinbenzyl alcoholpolysorbate 60ethylhexylglycerindehydroacetic acidsorbitan isostearatetrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Only in The Ordinary (6)
pentylene glycoltamarindus indica seed gumxanthan gumisoceteth-20ethoxydiglycolchlorphenesin

User Feedback Patterns

The Inkey List
Serious oil control

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.

Strong but not irritating

Despite the 20% concentration, most users report no irritation. However, patch testing is frequently mentioned as important for first-time users.

Better than The Ordinary

Users who found The Ordinary's 10% niacinamide too weak or pilling-prone often prefer this. The gel texture absorbs cleanly.

Can leave white cast if overused

Some users report a white film if they apply too much. The brand addresses this: use less product and follow immediately with moisturizer.

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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