The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

SerumBudgetEvening only
High-dose niacinamide serum targeting sebum regulation, visible pore appearance and post-acne marks. Water-based, fragrance-free, and compatible with almost every other active on the shelf — the default oil-control serum for combination and oily skin.

What this is good for

✓ Great forOilinessAcneDark SpotsRough Texture

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on.

~50–80%Aqua (Water)
10%Niacinamide
~3–10%Pentylene Glycol
1%Zinc PCA
~1.5–4%Dimethyl Isoso…
~1–2%4 ingredients
≤ 1% each2 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %★ brand-disclosed %1% regulatory line

What's actually doing the work

Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 / Nicotinamide
Vitamin
The most versatile and universally tolerated skincare active. Inhibits melanin transfer (fading dark spots), reduces sebum by up to 68%, strengthens the skin barrier via ceramide synthesis, calms inflammatory pathways to reduce redness, and visibly minimises pores over 4–8 weeks. Works at any pH and pairs with virtually every other active.

Routine placement

Evening only

Similar on the shelf

Put this in context

Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.