Compare Products: SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
Ingredient Analysis
Both serums share niacinamide and zinc PCA as their core actives, targeting pores and oil control. The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum adds squalane for extra hydration and barrier support. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum has a simpler, shorter formula with fewer potential irritants.
Both formulas list niacinamide second and zinc PCA in comparable positions. Concentrations are undisclosed, so neither can be called stronger.
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum contains squalane and glycerin alongside butylene glycol, giving it more hydrating ingredients than The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum.
The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum has four preservative or antimicrobial agents. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum has two, and its shorter list means fewer potential reactants overall.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum has 11 ingredients versus The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum's 15, making it easier to identify a culprit if a reaction occurs.
Dimethyl Isosorbide in The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum acts as a penetration enhancer, potentially improving delivery of niacinamide and zinc PCA.
- •Niacinamide concentrations are not disclosed. Effective studies typically use 2 to 5 percent. Position in both lists suggests meaningful amounts, but this cannot be confirmed.
- •Zinc PCA appears earlier in The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum's list than in The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum's, which may mean a higher concentration, but this is inferred from order only.
- •Chlorphenesin in The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is an effective preservative but can cause contact sensitivity in some people.
- •The penetration-enhancing effect of Dimethyl Isosorbide varies by formulation pH and molecular weight of co-ingredients.
- •No pH values are disclosed for either product. Niacinamide stability and tolerability can depend on formulation pH.
Analysis generated from both INCI lists using Claude. Ingredient order indicates relative concentration; exact percentages are usually undisclosed.
Who It's Designed For
- 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)
- 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
Niacinamide (20%), Zinc PCA (0.5%), Squalane (3%)
Niacinamide (10%), Zinc PCA (1%)
Product Composition
29% similarity (6 ingredients in common)
Only in The Inkey List (9)▾
Only in The Ordinary (6)▾
User Feedback Patterns
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.
Many users with oily skin report significant oil control and fewer breakouts. High repurchase rate in this demographic.
Commonly reported issue. Users recommend applying to damp skin or mixing with a hydrating serum to improve layering.
The formula can feel sticky, especially if too much is applied. Most users adapt application technique over time.
Some users report initial breakouts. Unclear whether this is purging, sensitivity, or coincidence. Most who push through report improvement.
Almost universally praised for price-to-performance ratio. Common comment: 'can't believe this costs $6.'
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