I’ve always been skeptical of affordable skincare. With so many luxury brands promising miraculous results, it’s easy to overlook budget-friendly options. But when a friend insisted I try The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, I caved. At just $15, I figured it couldn’t hurt. What I didn’t expect was for this tiny bottle to completely transform my skin in under a month.

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that works wonders for balancing oil production, minimizing pores, and calming inflammation. The Ordinary’s formula combines it with zinc, which helps regulate sebum and reduce breakouts. If you’ve ever dealt with combination skin that’s oily in the T-zone but dry everywhere else, you know the struggle. This serum tackles both issues without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. After cleansing and toning, I apply a few drops morning and night. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t pill under makeup, and plays well with other products in my routine.

Within the first week, I noticed my skin looked less shiny by midday. By week three, the texture felt smoother, and those pesky blackheads on my nose were less visible. One of my colleagues, who also started using it, said her hormonal breakouts calmed down significantly. She used to rely on expensive spot treatments, but now she reaches for this serum first. It’s not just for oily or acne-prone skin, though. Even if you’re dealing with dullness or uneven tone, niacinamide can help brighten and even everything out.

A common mistake people make is using too much product. You only need 3–4 drops for your entire face—any more, and it can feel sticky. Also, avoid mixing it with pure vitamin C serums in the same routine, as they can counteract each other. Instead, use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night, or alternate days. Another tip: always follow up with sunscreen during the day, as niacinamide can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

What sets this serum apart is its simplicity. There are no fancy fragrances, unnecessary additives, or inflated claims—just effective ingredients at a concentration that works. I’ve tried high-end alternatives costing over $80, and honestly, they didn’t deliver better results. The Ordinary keeps it transparent, listing every ingredient and its purpose clearly on the packaging. You know exactly what you’re putting on your skin and why.

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be effective. Sometimes, the best solutions are the straightforward ones. This serum has become a non-negotiable step in my routine, and I recommend it to friends, family, and even strangers in the beauty aisle. It’s proof that you don’t need to splurge to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

If you’ve been on the fence about trying affordable skincare, let this be your sign to start. Grab a bottle, patch test it for a couple of days, and see what it does for you. Trust me, your skin—and your wallet—will thank you. For more skincare tips and honest reviews, follow along on my journey to simpler, smarter beauty.