Cult-favourite $6 The Ordinary serum is 'like magic in a bottle': Here's why it's so popular
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Super oily skin got you down this summer? Well, if it makes you feel any better, this beauty editor is in the same boat.
That’s why I recommend incorporating a now-buzzing ingredient into your skincare routine this season and beyond: enter niacinamide. While this superhero ingredient has been trending lately, it is far from new. Also known as vitamin B3, it brightens and evens out the skin's complexion, eliminates the look of wrinkles, reduces water loss through the skin and improves elasticity — very similar to retinol — and is commonly used with serums and moisturizers.
But aside from its countless anti-ageing properties, niacinamide also supports the skin barrier to increase resilience and improve texture by shrinking the size of pores. That also means helping to balance and control oil production and congestion — making it a must-have for those with dealing with greasy skin.
Looking to test the waters with this do-it-all ingredient? Skincare junkies (343,500 of them to be exact) are loving this niacinamide-packed formula by The Ordinary — which also happens to retail for just $6. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% features a high, pure concentration of this vitamin and is supported by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
SHOP IT: Sephora, $6
ALSO AVAILABLE AT: Deciem, Ulta, Amazon
“This stuff is like magic in a bottle for my skin!” says one five-star reviewer. “I have oily skin and this helped regulate my oils. It also helped get rid of those pesky small bumps on my skin (fungal acne). I use this daily and noticed these improvements after a few weeks.”
“I have struggled with acne and oily skin for the longest time and I have never felt so proud of my clear skin before. The serum has significantly reduced the size of my pores and made my skin less oily, ultimately reducing the acne and pimples on my face,” reads another. “It took my skin a month to see a difference and 8-10 weeks to enter a whole new world of completely clear skin.”
But while it helps control oil-causing breakouts, The Ordinary emphasizes that it is not a treatment for acne. For persistent acne-related conditions, shoppers recommend using Benzoyl Peroxide and/or Retinoic Acid. But once you find the right formula and the best routine for your skin, use it consistently to see the best results.
For other suggestions, scroll through our niacinamide picks below.
Shani Darden Skin Care Sake Toning Essence
SHOP IT: Sephora, $68
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment
SHOP IT: Sephora, $166
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
SHOP IT: Paula’s Choice, $44
SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3
SHOP IT: Dermstore, $112
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Stress Rescue Super Serum with Niacinamide
SHOP IT: Sephora, $96
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