Does The Ordinary niacinamide work?

What results are realistic?

The serum is most relevant if you want to reduce shine and improve the look of uneven texture. Niacinamide may help regulate oil production, making it useful for oily skin. It also helps calm inflammation and supports moisture retention. Those are ingredient benefits, not a promise that this particular bottle will clear acne.13

Niacinamide can make pores look less noticeable by improving the surrounding skin's smoothness, but nothing has been proven to reduce their actual size. Pores can look less noticeable, but they do not close on command, however persuasive the bottle looks. Formulas containing 5% niacinamide have also shown benefits for dark spots, so 10% is not a prerequisite for brightening.3

How does niacinamide work?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. Skin cells use it to make NAD, a molecule involved in energy production and cellular defence. Niacinamide also influences DNA repair and the way cells respond to stress. Its skincare effects involve several processes rather than one single target: supporting the skin barrier, reducing inflammation and affecting pigmentation. Applied to skin, niacinamide has improved signs of aging and excess pigmentation in clinical trials, both alone and alongside other ingredients.24

The skin barrier is the outer protection that helps prevent water loss and keeps harmful external factors out. Supporting that barrier is a different job from removing surface oil: niacinamide can support skin function as well as its appearance. Its antioxidant effects also help reduce oxidative stress, which is damage caused when reactive molecules overwhelm cells' defences.24

How should you use the serum?

1. 1Patch test before adding the serum to your routine. General niacinamide guidance suggests applying a small amount to your forearm and waiting 24 hours.
2. 2Cleanse gently, then apply 2 to 3 drops across your face and neck.
3. 3Let the serum absorb before applying the next product.
4. 4Follow with oils or heavier moisturizer. The Ordinary directs you to use this water based serum before those layers.
5. 5Use it morning and evening if tolerated. For sensitive skin, The Ordinary suggests starting on 1 to 2 days a week and increasing gradually.

The serum can be paired with hyaluronic acid, retinoids or salicylic acid. The Ordinary advises against pairing this formula with direct or indirect vitamin C, so use separate routines if you want both. That is a direction for this serum, not a blanket rule against combining every niacinamide product with vitamin C.13

What if it feels sticky or irritates your skin?

A sticky finish can come from excess product or awkward layering, not from the serum trying to double as makeup glue. Use less and let each layer absorb. If a combination still pills, alternate the products on different days rather than stacking them.1

Niacinamide is generally gentle, but itching, redness, mild burning and allergic reactions can occur. Stop using the serum if it irritates your skin. If you have sensitive skin and want a gentler starting point, choose a lower concentration instead of assuming you need 10%.13

Niacinamide does not replace sunscreen. Daily sunscreen remains the best way to avoid premature skin aging and skin cancer, even when your serum supports skin repair.5