The Ordinary
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
High-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula. Combines niacinamide with zinc PCA to visibly reduce blemishes and balance oily skin.
Ingredient Snapshot
11 beneficial ingredients detected with no known safety concerns.
No flagged ingredients detected — all analysed ingredients are considered safe.
Ingredients (11)
Aqua (Water)(Water)
Benefits
- ✓Universal solvent that forms the base of the formula
- ✓Delivers hydration to skin cells
Niacinamide(Vitamin B3)
Benefits
- ✓Visibly reduces enlarged pores over time
- ✓Improves uneven skin tone and fades dark spots
- ✓Strengthens the skin barrier by supporting ceramide synthesis
- ✓Reduces excess sebum production — helpful for oily and acne-prone skin
- ✓Well-tolerated by most skin types including sensitive skin
Potential concerns
- !At very high concentrations (>5%), may cause temporary flushing or redness in sensitive individuals
- !Rarely, may cause mild irritation or breakouts during the first few weeks of use
Sources
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — FDA Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Niacinamide is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It is a well-established skin-conditioning agent with evidence supporting its role in improving skin texture, tone, and barrier function.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Niacinamide: CTPA lists niacinamide as a safe and effective skin-conditioning agent widely used across cosmetic formulations, with a strong safety profile across concentrations typically used in cosmetics (2–10%).
Pentylene Glycol
Benefits
- ✓Humectant that draws moisture into the skin
- ✓Enhances absorption and spreadability of active ingredients
- ✓Has mild antimicrobial properties that support product preservation
Potential concerns
- !May cause mild irritation in individuals with very sensitive skin at higher concentrations
Sources
CTPA Ingredient Library — Pentylene Glycol: Pentylene Glycol is approved for use in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent. It is considered safe at concentrations used in leave-on and rinse-off formulations.
Zinc PCA
Benefits
- ✓Regulates sebum production — beneficial for oily and combination skin
- ✓Has antimicrobial properties that may reduce acne-causing bacteria
- ✓Soothes inflammation and redness
- ✓Supports healthy skin cell renewal
Potential concerns
- !Very high concentrations of zinc compounds may irritate sensitive skin
Sources
Korean MFDS — Zinc Compounds in Cosmetics: Korean MFDS recognises zinc-based compounds as safe and effective for use in cosmetics for sebum regulation and skin-soothing purposes. Zinc PCA is approved for leave-on skin care formulations.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Benefits
- ✓Acts as a penetration enhancer — helps active ingredients absorb more effectively into the skin
- ✓Lightweight solvent that improves formula texture without leaving a greasy residue
Potential concerns
- !As a penetration enhancer, it may increase the absorption of other ingredients, including any potentially irritating ones in the formula
Sources
CTPA Ingredient Library — Dimethyl Isosorbide: Dimethyl Isosorbide is listed as a safe solvent and penetration enhancer in cosmetic formulations by CTPA. It is used to improve the delivery of active ingredients to the skin.
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum(Tamarind Seed Gum)
Benefits
- ✓Natural polysaccharide that provides long-lasting skin hydration
- ✓Forms a lightweight film on the skin surface that reduces moisture loss
- ✓Helps improve skin elasticity and smoothness
Sources
CTPA Ingredient Library — Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum: Tamarind seed gum is considered safe for use in cosmetics as a humectant and film-forming agent. It is a naturally derived ingredient with no known safety concerns at concentrations used in cosmetics.
Xanthan Gum
Benefits
- ✓Natural thickener that gives the formula its serum-like texture
- ✓Stabilises the formula and prevents ingredient separation
- ✓Derived from fermentation — considered a naturally sourced ingredient
Potential concerns
- !Rarely, may cause mild irritation in highly sensitive individuals
Sources
FDA — Xanthan Gum Safety Assessment: FDA considers xanthan gum safe for use in cosmetics as a thickening and stabilising agent. It has a long history of safe use in both food and cosmetic products.
Isoceteth-20
Benefits
- ✓Emulsifier and solubiliser that helps oil and water-based ingredients blend uniformly
- ✓Improves the texture and spreadability of the formula
Potential concerns
- !As a PEG-derived ingredient, may cause mild irritation for individuals with very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
Sources
CTPA Ingredient Library — Isoceteth-20: Isoceteth-20 is approved for cosmetic use as a surfactant and emulsifying agent. It is considered safe at concentrations typically found in leave-on and rinse-off formulations.
Ethoxydiglycol
Benefits
- ✓Solvent that improves the penetration and delivery of active ingredients
- ✓Enhances the smooth, lightweight feel of the formula on the skin
Potential concerns
- !May enhance penetration of other formula ingredients, including any potential irritants
Sources
CTPA Ingredient Library — Ethoxydiglycol: Ethoxydiglycol is listed as a safe solvent in cosmetic formulations by CTPA. It is used to improve product texture and ingredient delivery.
Phenoxyethanol
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative that protects the product from bacterial and fungal contamination
- ✓Considered one of the safer alternatives to parabens
- ✓Effective at low concentrations (≤1%)
Potential concerns
- !At concentrations above 1%, may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions
- !Some individuals with sensitive skin may react to preservatives in general
Sources
FDA — Phenoxyethanol in Cosmetics: FDA has reviewed phenoxyethanol as a cosmetic preservative and considers it safe at concentrations up to 1.0% in cosmetic products. FDA advises caution in products used around the mouth of infants.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Phenoxyethanol: CTPA confirms phenoxyethanol is a permitted cosmetic preservative under EU Cosmetics Regulation at a maximum concentration of 1.0%, and is considered safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on products.
Chlorphenesin
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative effective against bacteria and fungi
- ✓Often used in combination with other preservatives to broaden antimicrobial coverage
Potential concerns
- !May cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- !EU Cosmetics Regulation limits its use to 0.3% maximum concentration
Sources
CTPA Ingredient Library — Chlorphenesin: Chlorphenesin is a permitted cosmetic preservative under EU Cosmetics Regulation (max 0.3% in rinse-off, max 0.2% in leave-on products). CTPA considers it safe when used within these limits.
Ingredients listed in order of concentration (highest first).
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