Compare Products: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum vs Just Breathe Clarifying Serum

The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/ml
Versed

Just Breathe Clarifying Serum

Budget~4-5%
$20 / 30ml — $0.67/ml

Who It's Designed For

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
Versed
  • 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

The Ordinary

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

Versed

Niacinamide, Willow Bark Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Salicylic Acid

Product Composition

14% similarity (4 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
aqua (water)niacinamidezinc pcaphenoxyethanol
Only in The Ordinary (7)
pentylene glycoldimethyl isosorbidetamarindus indica seed gumxanthan gumisoceteth-20ethoxydiglycolchlorphenesin
Only in Versed (18)
glycerinsalix nigra (willow) bark extractsodium hyaluronatesalicylic acidaesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extract12-hexanediolbutylene glycolpeg-40 hydrogenated castor oilhydroxyethylcelluloseyeast extractglyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymertrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateammonium glycyrrhizatebiotinpanthenolpropylene glycolcaffeine

User Feedback Patterns

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.'

Versed
Oil control success

Users with oily skin frequently report reduced shine and fewer breakouts with consistent use.

Redness reduction

Many users note calmer, less blotchy skin. Popular among those with rosacea-adjacent concerns.

Lightweight texture

Praised for watery, fast-absorbing texture. Some note it dries slightly tacky.

Mixed acne results

Some users see clearing; others report breakouts or no change. Individual response varies significantly.

Sensitive skin reactions

Some sensitive skin users report irritation or breakouts, possibly from salicylic acid or willow bark.

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