Compare Products: SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum vs Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

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
  • Experienced vitamin C users who want maximum potency at minimum cost
  • Those who have built tolerance to lower vitamin C concentrations
  • Users willing to work with a challenging texture for strong active delivery
  • Budget-conscious shoppers seeking L-ascorbic acid at 23%
  • People who use vitamin C as a nighttime treatment

Key Ingredients

The Inkey List

Niacinamide (20%), Zinc PCA (0.5%), Squalane (3%)

The Ordinary

23% L-Ascorbic Acid, 2% Sodium Hyaluronate (HA Spheres), Squalane

Product Composition

19% similarity (5 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
butylene glycolsqualanehydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerethylhexylglycerintrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Only in The Inkey List (10)
aqua (water)niacinamideglycerinphenoxyethanolbenzyl alcoholammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerzinc pcapolysorbate 60dehydroacetic acidsorbitan isostearate
Only in The Ordinary (11)
ascorbic acidisodecyl neopentanoateisononyl isononanoatecoconut alkanesethylene/propylene/styrene copolymersilica dimethyl silylateglucomannancoco-caprylate/caprateacrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate crosspolymertrihydroxystearinbht

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
Intense stinging on first use

Nearly all first-time users report significant stinging and tingling. This subsides for most within 1-2 weeks of regular use as skin builds tolerance.

Pilling is a universal complaint

Layering anything over this product commonly causes pilling. Users have found that applying it as the last step at night or mixing with a drop of oil reduces this issue.

Effective brightening at unbeatable price

Users who tolerate the texture report visible brightening, improved tone, and reduced dark spots. The $8 price point makes it a cult favorite despite the application challenges.

Night-only use recommended by most

Due to texture and pilling issues, most users reserve this for nighttime use. It does not layer well under sunscreen or makeup.

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