Compare Products: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum vs Just Breathe Clarifying Serum
Ingredient Analysis
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is a focused pore and oil-control serum built around niacinamide and zinc. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum covers more ground, adding exfoliation, hydration, and soothing actives, making it more versatile but also more complex. Oily, acne-prone skin with no sensitivities gets more targeted benefit from Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum; sensitive skin or those wanting a simple routine fit A better.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum pairs niacinamide with Zinc PCA, a more bioavailable zinc form for sebum control. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum uses Zinc Gluconate, which is effective but listed lower in the formula.
Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum contains salicylic acid, a proven pore-clearing BHA. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum has no exfoliating actives.
Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum includes glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and panthenol. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum offers minimal hydration beyond its humectant base.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum has a shorter, simpler formula with fewer potential sensitizers. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum adds salicylic acid and more preservative-adjacent ingredients.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum has 11 ingredients versus Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum's 21. Simpler formulas are easier to troubleshoot if a reaction occurs.
- •Neither list discloses concentrations, so niacinamide percentage in both products is unknown and cannot be compared.
- •Salicylic acid concentration in Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum is undisclosed; efficacy depends heavily on percentage and pH.
- •Willow bark extract provides salicylate compounds but is not equivalent to formulated salicylic acid in activity.
- •Biotin applied topically has limited evidence for skin benefit; its inclusion in Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum is largely cosmetic.
- •The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is inferred to be The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% based on INCI match; this is not confirmed.
- •Penetration enhancer dimethyl isosorbide in The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum may increase delivery of all ingredients, not just desired actives.
Analysis generated from both INCI lists using Claude. Ingredient order indicates relative concentration; exact percentages are usually undisclosed.
Who It's Designed For
- 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
- Oily and acne-prone skin seeking pore decongestion
- Those wanting clean beauty at drugstore prices
- Users looking for gentler BHA delivery via willow bark
- People who want oil control without high niacinamide concentrations
- Skincare beginners seeking an accessible clarifying serum
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide (10%), Zinc PCA (1%)
Niacinamide, Willow Bark Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Salicylic Acid
Product Composition
14% similarity (4 ingredients in common)
Only in The Ordinary (7)▾
Only in Versed (18)▾
User Feedback Patterns
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.'
Users with oily skin frequently report reduced shine and fewer breakouts with consistent use.
Many users note calmer, less blotchy skin. Popular among those with rosacea-adjacent concerns.
Praised for watery, fast-absorbing texture. Some note it dries slightly tacky.
Some users see clearing; others report breakouts or no change. Individual response varies significantly.
Some sensitive skin users report irritation or breakouts, possibly from salicylic acid or willow bark.
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