Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

A user says their skin absolutely rejected The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, suspects the zinc, and advises patch testing first.

“My skin absolutely rejected that The Ordinary niacinamide formulation, and I suspect the Zinc component, so do a patch test first.”

Many tiny whiteheads after a week on acne-prone skin.

“I am experiencing many tiny whiteheads after a week of using the ordinarys niamicide and zinc..”

A user finds their skin looks bright and radiant every time they use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, calling it underrated for about $6.

“The Ordinary’s Niacinamide is about $6. Every time I use that serum my skin looks bright & radiant.”

Used alone, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc worked wonders and practically cleared their dark spots.

“I was using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, and it worked absolute wonders. It practically made all my dark spots disappear.”

Wrecked their sensitive, reactive skin at full strength and still reacted when diluted with cream.

“Yo la probé pocas veces con toda la concentración y me destrozaba la piel (tengo piel sensible y reactiva)”

A month of nightly use improved oil, clogged pores and breakouts.

“I started using it about a month ago, and I’ve already noticed a nice difference in my skin, specifically in oil production, clogged pores, and breakouts.”

Highly effective on combination skin; minimizes pores and clearer face.

“Highly effectively on combo skin. Minimize pores, face looks more clear”

Did nothing for their skin and may have caused a breakout.

“I didnt like it. I used this when I first started on my skincare journey and I suspect it caused a breakout, don't know for sure though.”

Irritated their skin and caused bumps, likely from the zinc; made pores look smaller but was very drying.

“I am 90% sure the reason the ordinary serum irritated my skin so much and caused bumps was the zinc pca and not the niacinamide.”

No cystic acne, but it definitely irritated their skin; they now avoid high-strength niacinamide.

“I used to use The Ordinary niacinamide serum and while it didn’t give me cystic acne it definitely irritated my skin.”

About a month of every-other-day use brought deep, painful cysts; they stopped after cutting it out.

“after having used The Ordinary nicinamide 10% + zinc serum once every other day for about a month.”

Reacted to it, which they put down to niacinamide.

“I’ve reacted to The Ordinary niacinimide serum, so I’m pretty confident it’s that ingredient.”

Their skin felt dry and more wrinkled even with a water mist; thinks it is not needed for everyone.

“Just got this product. Even with water mist my skin felt dry and more wrinkled. This product is not needed for everyone”

Felt like a chemical burn the next day and took two weeks to repair, though other niacinamide products are fine.

“the moment I put The Ordinary Niacinamide serum on my face, it felt like I had a chemical burn the next day.”

Their neck broke out badly; they conclude the 10% is too much for sensitive skin.

“Then started using the niacin/zinc and at first things were clear then my neck started breaking out BAD and of course I blamed hormones... turns out that high of percentage is a no for my sensitive skin.”

Fine nightly for a month and bought a second bottle, but later it burned after a sunscreen incident.

“Niacinamide ordinary was fine. Used it nightly no issues for a month. Even bought a second bottle.”

Second attempt: purging stopped quickly and the burning faded, with minimal breakouts since.

“On my second round of trying it, the purging actually stopped after only maybe a week. The burning lasted a similar amount of time”

Face extremely red, then very dry and sloughed off as if peeled.

“My face got extremely red after I used it. My skin was so dry and eventually sloughed off like I had a chemical peel or something.”

Gives them problems; they tolerate niacinamide better at lower strengths.

“I have issues with the ordinary plain niacinamide but find if it’s mixed with other things at a lower percent it’s slightly more tolerable.”

Pilled when layered between hyaluronic acid and moisturizer.

“I used The Ordinary niacinamide after The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid serum on a slighly wet face and topping it off with the Purito Oat In moisturizer.”

After a month the skin by their nose suddenly burned and swelled.

“I've been using this product for over a month now and never had a reaction until today. The skin to the left and right of my nose started burning and swelled up.”

The only saving grace for their lifelong breakouts.

“I used to have breakouts all my life (I'm now 37 years old). I started using this product years ago and swear by it.”

A game changer for their adult acne within a week.

“Can I tell you this $7 product sold at Sephora was THE game changer.”

Three months without breakouts, but it leaves their skin dry and tight, so they follow with a thick moisturizer.

“Ive been using TO niacinamide for about 3 months, missing a day here and there. I never got the breakouts that other people have from it.”

Six weeks of use: hydrated their skin, seemed to reduce hyperpigmentation, and stopped tightness after cleansing.

“For me it surprisingly worked SOOO WELL.”

Two days of use left a red spot that hadn't faded five months later.

“Please I've got a big red spot on my face because of this product I've use it just for 2 days 5 months ago”

Burned at first, but their skin got used to it.

“When I first started using this it caused my skin to burn but my skin eventually got used to it.”

Started breaking out after using it for fungal acne and sebaceous filaments.

“does your skin usually purge when using this product? not sure if i should discontinue use or not, im breaking out”

Broke out horribly until switching to another brand's niacinamide.

“there is no purge on niacinamide, this brand’s formulation is just REALLLYYYYY BAD ☠️i broke out horribly using it as well, switched to Good Molecules and never had an issue since!”

Liked it enough to buy it again; uses it nightly and finds the zinc calming.

“I really liked it previously. Haven’t used in a year but just bought some today. Use it once a day as part of pm routine. The zinc helps calm the skin.”

Noticed no difference and gave it away; another brand's niacinamide worked better for oil and pores.

“TO'S was the first niacinamide serum I tried, and I ended up giving it to my cousin cause I didn't notice any difference in my skin.”

Uses it every morning and says it has helped their oily skin, pores and acne.

“The Ordinary, been using it every morning for a couple years now and I love it! For reference, I have pretty oily skin and it has helped with my oiliness, pores, and reducing acne.”

Loves it after a few months; it reduced oiliness and some rosacea redness.

“been using this too for a few months now and love it. reduced my oiliness and some rosacea redness.”

Tried it long ago and didn't love it.

“I’ve tried the ordinary one a long time ago but didn’t love it.”

Likes the effect on blemishes and pore size but their skin started peeling, so they stopped using it.

“I love this product. It helps my blemishes and my pores look smaller because my pores humongous, but my skin is peeling. Like when u have dead skin you rub it off”

Took about two weeks to acclimate but is now a must-have.

“When I started using it my skin took two-ish weeks to acclimate, but nowadays it's a must have in my routine.”

Loves how skin looks the next day but it itches for 5-10 minutes.

“I love how my skin looks the next day but I can’t get past the itching although it does subside 5-10 mins after applying.”

On day two their cheeks heated up and went red, then they broke out.

“Day 2 of using this: I felt my cheeks heat up and they became red.”

Uses the 10% happily with zero reactions and the best texture in a long time.

“I use the 10% because my skin is neurotic and enjoys it for some reason. I had zero reactions to it.”

Seemed too strong and gave them a burning sensation.

“I stopped using it. It just seems way too strong and gave me a burning sensation.”

Pills like crazy on them, so they are looking for another option.

“It pills like crazy on me. Looking for another option.”

Tried it and didn't care for the texture.

“I've tried The Ordinary's product and didn't care for the texture.”

Finds the niacinamide and zinc combo from The Ordinary marvelous for their skin after trying other forms.

“I've used niacinamide in other forms in the meantime, but it's the niacinamide and zinc combo that turns out to be marvelous for my skin after all”

Works awesome on very oily skin, helping oil control and blemishes.

“10% niacinimide from TO works awesome on my skin there’s a reason it’s a staple product for that brand.”

Woke up after one use with a full-face breakout down the neck.

“I just woke up after using TO Niacinamide 10%, and my entire face has broken out, even down my neck!”

Irritated their oily skin badly, while lower-percentage niacinamide products work flawlessly.

“10% TO niacinamide irritated the living shit out of my oily skin while my 3% niacinamide cica mask or my 3.5% purito calming serum work flawlessly.”

Found out the hard way that the 10% is way too harsh.

“also found out the hard way the 10% is way too harsh.”

Broke them out badly; skin only calmed years later thanks to isotretinoin.

“This broke me out so bad. It has been more than 3yrs and my skin has just got a little calmer thanks to isotretinoin”

Says it saved their skin, suggesting a bad reaction may come from other products.

“TO niacinamide saved my skin. Maybe you're using too many products and it reacted with one of them?”

Destroyed their skin; they found the concentration far too high.

“This serum destroyed my skin as well. The concentration is way, way too high.”

Broke out in pustules all over their face that felt tight and itchy.

“i broke out in pustules all over my face, and it felt extremely tight and itchy.”

Messed up their skin the same way, with dry patches the next day.

“10% messed up my skin EXACTLY like that. You can expect dry patches tomorrow.”

After a break, restarting caused a huge breakout and a ruptured skin barrier.

“i restarted in the winter and it broke me out like crazy and i believe absolutely ruptured my skin barrier.”

Two bottles made their skin worse with no benefits and more acne.

“I’ve gone through 2 bottles of the 60ml TO niacinamide, and throughout that time it honestly made my skin worse. I didn’t see any changes, just much more acne.”

Got six large pimples after two days and still has marks from them, though it works for their sister.

“gave me 6 humongous zits from 2 days of using it. Until now I’m still suffering from the marks it left on my skin”

Three weeks of twice-daily use cleared melasma spots with no irritation.

“This product is miraculous. In just 3 weeks of use, it cleared up the spots on my face caused by melasma. I apply it every day twice a day, no irritation at all.”

Loves it paired with a 2% retinoid in the evening; pregnancy hyperpigmentation is much reduced.

“I really love this product with the retinoid 2% in the evening. My hyperpigmentation due my prenancy is a lot less.”

Found The Ordinary meh when searching for a moisturizer for dry skin.

“I tried the cerave (didn’t work), TO(meh), and GRs pink juice (not moisturizing enough plus $$$)”

Badly inflamed their existing acne.

“Whatever you do, don't use the Ordinary Niacinimade, it inflamed my existing acne sooooo much”

Broke out in whiteheads on nose and chin; better after stopping.

“I broke out with the same whiteheads all over my nose and chin! I stopped using it and it’s already better”

Too much niacinamide: breakouts and red skin even in low amounts.

“I tried it but it was too much niacinamide and started to break out and my skin felt very red, even when using low amounts”

Has used it forever and it helps their oiliness and breakouts.

“The ordinary 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc has been in my routine forever. It helps with my oiliness and breakouts.”

Worked well for a few months even on sensitive skin, before they switch to 5%.

“I’ve been using the Ordinary one for a few months and it’s worked well for me even though I have sensitive skin.”

Likes both the 10% serum and a 3% toner in separate routines.

“I have both The Ordinary niacinamide serum 10% and Good Molecules niacinamide toner 3%. And like them both (in separate routines).”

Hated it because the sticky feeling was intolerable.

“I've tried the ordinary, hated it. The sticky feeling is intolerable.”

Gave them the angriest, reddest pimples, though other 3-5% niacinamide products work well.

“TO Niacinamide gave me all the symptoms you mentioned. The angriest, reddest pimples.”

Uses it a couple of times a week for good effects.

“I cycle in TO Niacinamide serum a couple times a week and get some good effects”

Allergy testing with a dermatologist showed a reaction to this serum, so they avoid it.

“I did allergy testing with a dermatologist who encouraged me to test some of my home products in addition to the standard and I reacted to the ordinary's niacinamide and zinc as I anticipated.”

Great for their skin; keeps using it mainly because the zinc changes their skin.

“It's great for my skin but yes i think it's overrated. I really hope brand will release more zinc serum instead. This is the only reason i keep using TO niacinamide; zinc changes my skin.”

Says the 10% formula can be irritating and it made them break out.

“The ordinary one has 10% which can be irritating. It made me breakout.”

Used it for years but was annoyed by pilling.

“I've used the Ordinary's for years but was annoyed at how it pilled, I tried the glow recipe”

A re-test gave a rash across the chin and cheeks, which they suspect is an allergy.

“I went without it for two months and my skin got better, used it today because I really wanted to cement my suspicions and I have a rash exactly like this now all across my chin and cheeks.”

Broke them out so badly they needed a professional to clear their skin.

“It broke me out so badly that I ended up having to go to a professional to clear my skin. I don't use the ordinary at all anymore.”

Got severe breakouts in one cheek patch after a sister gave it to them.

“My sister gave this to me to try, had the same issue.. Got severely worse in one patch on my upper cheek. I went from no breakouts there to 4”

Broke out at first; one to two drops in moisturiser is all their skin tolerates.

“I solved it by adding one drop only to my moisturiser, gradually increasing to 2 drops. No more. That’s all my skin is able to tolerate so far.”

Fine for two bottles, then their face got bumpy.

“I used The Ordinary 10% niacinamide and it was fine for the first 2 bottles and then my face got bumpy.”

Uses it daily alongside vitamin C and tretinoin with no problems.

“been using The ordinary's niacinamide + zinc serum every single day, every single time I do my routine, with Vit C AND tretinoin. I havent had any problems”

Only uses it on blemishes every other day because it dries their skin.

“I use the Ordinary niacinamide plus zinc only as a spot treatment because it dries out my skin so much, and when I do use it to treat specific blemishes it's every other day.”

Three weeks in with tret it's a miracle for their oily T-zone with zero breakouts and smaller pores.

“for me, too, it's like a miracle cure for my oily T zone, literally the first thing that has worked in years; zero breakout, no irritation, and much smaller pores.”

Irritation went away once they applied less, mixed in the palm.

“this time I applied a pea sized amount on my palm and mixed it, and then proceed to pat it on my face.. the irritation went away after that”

A breakout from this serum left them devastated and not wanting to leave the house.

“This me after trying niacinamide again. I got it from TO with zinc..”

Needed fewer drops at first, then tolerated it but only liked it, never loved it.

“when I started with this product I couldn’t use a full dropper so I started using less and then it was fine, now my skin can tolerate it better”

Stung badly on the cheeks after a clean patch test, so they removed it.

“I applied it across my whole face and my cheeks (ONLY cheeks) started to sting so bad so i removed it.”

Mixed with a niacinamide-free moisturizer, one or two drops leave skin satin.

“I mix it with a moisturizer that doesn’t have any niacinamide! It works great, one or two drops at most and my skin is satin.”

By itself it dried and reddened skin around the nose and mouth, so they mix it with HA.

“I found the niacinamide by itself gave me dry, red skin around my nose and mouth.”

Cut to two or three times a week to get rid of irritation.

“I use the same product but only apply it twice or three times a week which got rid of my irritation”

Bad reaction at first; two drops or mixing with moisturizer is tolerated better.

“I had a bad reaction starting this product too. I’ve found 2 drops for my whole face and neck is tolerated better, or mixing it with moisturizer as suggested by others!”

Loves The Ordinary generally but disliked its niacinamide and upgraded to Paula's Choice instead.

“TBH I love the ordinary but hated their niacinamide. I had to upsell myself to Paula’s Choice.”

Believes it made breakouts far worse; cleared up after cutting it.

“I believe it was making my breakouts a million times worse cause after cutting it out I cleared up.”

A few months of use only made their skin worse; it cleared on stopping.

“i used it for a few months too and it only made my skin worse. skin cleared up after i stopped using it”

Didn't suit them; skin cleared after stopping and moving to Good Molecules.

“I think it just wasn't suitable for my skin haha! my skin cleared up after I stopped using it and I replaced it with Good Molecules”

Uses it daily; skin feels more supple and glowy.

“Honestly cant say if im overdosing on it but my skin feels more supple and glowy.”

Had consistent spots for a month and stopped, with no new acne since.

“I was using it for a while and had pretty consistent spots for a month and I stopped just a couple of days ago and no new acne today”

Caused more breakouts across multiple attempts.

“Niacinamide caused me to break out more . Multiple attempts . Maybe try eliminating”

Four days of use caused breakouts on the chin and jawline they hadn't had in months.

“I only used this product for 4 days straight, once a day, and I haven't broken out like this for months. It's mostly around my chin and jawline area.”

Burns a little with slight redness right after applying.

“I just started using the ordinary one. It burns a little and i can see a slight redness immediately after putting it.”

Bad reactions to it on the face though it works on their body.

“I have the ordinary one but I have bad reactions to it. Like most of the ordinary products.”

Broke them out, but it worked great for their oily-skinned boyfriend.

“I bought The Ordinary’s Niacinamide and it made me broke out (sad). However I gave it to my boyfriend, who has oily skin, and it worked great for him.”

Holy grail for acne as long as no other niacinamide products are layered.

“My HG is The Ordinary one, but you have to make sure that you don't use any other products with niacinamide in it. 10% is pretty high..”

After a good year, restarting caused their worst breakout in a long time.

“About 4 weeks ago I started using the ordinary’s niacinamide serum again and immediately started breaking out worse than I have in a long long time”

Wrecks their skin every time, even with a second bottle.

“I break out from TO Niacinimide too. I keep thinking it’s something else and trying it again but it wrecks my skin every time.”

Hates the sticky, gluey texture.

“I really hate the texture of this product from TO, it’s STICKY, GLUEY.”

Broke out in whiteheads the next day, some turning into week-long painful pimples.

“The next day I broke out with white heads. Most of the white heads were gone after 3/4 days”

Paula's Choice 20% is fine but The Ordinary broke them out terribly.

“I use Paula's Choice TWENTY PERCENT niacinamide with no issues, but The Ordinary broke me out terrible.”

Little whiteheads appeared all over twice and only cleared once they stopped.

“I would get a lot of little whiteheads all over my face, sometimes they would appear before the end of the day. And they would only clear up after I stopped using it.”

Reacted to it and returned it; the salesperson said many people do.

“A lot of people seem to have a reaction to the TO Niacinmide (myself included, and when I was returning it to Ulta, the salesperson was like "yeah, me too, a lot of people return this")”

A month of awful deep chin pimples that cleared right after stopping.

“was seeing some pretty awful, deep pimples on my chin line and figured it was "purging" from the niacinamide. I stopped using it and it cleared right up.”

After a rough start their skin cleared up and has never been healthier.

“After some days my skin started clearing up like never before. I still have some pimples but my skin has never been healthier.”

Uses it but hasn't noticed as great a difference as others report.

“I currently use the ordinary niacinamide and honestly haven't noticed a great difference as others”

Says the niacinamide with zinc made their skin look great, good quality and very cheap.

“Their hyaluronic acid and nicacidamine with zinc have both made my skin look great but honestly not super dewy”

Six months in it has made their skin look better than in years, but it pills.

“I started using TO's Niacinamide serum about 6 months ago, and it's *really* made my skin look better than it has in years.”

The combo helped clear their acne but they ditched the TO serum for pilling.

“For me, the niacinamide-zinc combo has been a huge part of getting rid of my acne. I ditched the TO serum because of the pilling”

Dried them out badly so they stopped using it.

“Zinc is good for your skin, but holy hell did it dry me out, I had to stop using TO”

Broke out and irritated with the 10% strength; skin is calmer without niacinamide.

“Niacinamide broke me out and gave me lots of irritation, especially at the 10% strength of The Ordinary.”

Dried and broke them out like crazy; The Inkey List was far better.

“TO Niancinimide was drying me out and breaking me out like crazy. Something was off about the formulation.”

Helped a lot in their acne transformation.

“The niacinamide 10% from the ordinary definitely helped a bunch!”

They love it and credit it in their own routine.

“I love the ordinary niacinamide and zinc”

Stinging, pilling, foaming and dryness for only some oil control; switched to The Inkey List.

“had problems with the niacinamide: stinging, pilling, foaming (?), poor absorption, over drying, all for some noticeable oil control.”

A week of nightly irritation, then swollen eyes forced them to stop.

“I had a bad reaction to TO Niacinamide. I used it for about a week, each night my face would be irritated”

Stung and they were sensitive to the formulation; Inkey List caused no irritation.

“It stung for me too, I was a bit sensitive to their formulation. I switched to The Inkey List's niacinamide+HA and I didn't experience any irritation.”

Stings but using less or applying to wet skin helps.

“yeah it stings my skin too! I think putting way on less, or putting it on when your skin is wet seems to work better for me.”

Stings slightly on cheeks and around the nose each time, leaving brief redness.

“every time i apply this serum it stings a little bit on my cheeks and around my nose”

Doesn't sting them as they apply it at different times from acids.

“it personally doesn't sting my skin, but I also apply it at different times when I plan on using a chemical exfoliate”

No results and a slightly irritating formula, yet used for eight weeks.

“Hmm so honestly I haven't had any results and the formulation is a bit irritating to me. Still I've used it for at least 8 weeks and still do.”

Reduced redness, faded acne marks faster and pores look less noticeable.

“The niacinamide definitely has reduced redness and seems to help clear up dark spots from acne faster than normal. I feel like my pores aren’t as noticeable because it’s helping to reduce sebum production.”

Great at first, but with tretinoin it stings and reddens bare skin.

“At first it was great but then I started tretinoin and I just cannot use it anymore on bare skin. My skin begins to sting and turn bright red.”

Patch test on the arm turned red and itchy, so they never used it.

“I patch tested it on my arm which caused it to become red and itchy.”

Their pores got clogged within weeks and recovery is taking months.

“I also tried the same product for a couple of weeks and my pores got clogged like yours. I have acne prone, sensitive skin.”

Got bumps and pimples on forehead and cheeks, which cleared after stopping, then returned.

“I don't have acne prone skin but once I started using it I got little bumps and pimples on my forehead and cheeks.”

Broke out at first, then mixing it into moisturiser helped.

“I use it at night, so I started putting it on top of my moisturizer, and now I just mix it in with my moisturizer and that seemed to help!”

Broke them out; Paula's Choice niacinamide worked far better.

“The ordinary’s niancinamide broke me out too. It’s something in their formula. I bought paulas choice and it’s amazing. It doesn’t break me out and my skin has improved a lot!”

Initial breakouts but softer skin; persisting got better.

“When I first started using niacinamide, I felt like it was breaking me out too but then I realized my skin felt softer despite the new breakouts. I kept using it and it got better!”

Tiny bumps all over their cheeks and sandpaper-like skin.

“i guess im one of the few who can't tolerate niacinamide. i started getting tiny bumps all over my cheeks from using it”

No dryness; it leaves a slight smooth layer that absorbs quickly.

“I haven’t personally had any dryness with it. It leaves a slight smooth layer feeling on the skin after use which quickly absorbs.”

Wanted to like it but it makes them break out like crazy.

“I wanted to like the product so badly but unfortunately it makes me break out like crazy :(”

Loves it; it kickstarted healthier skin and is cheap.

“I loooove this product, it's what kickstarted my skin becoming healthier! And super cheap compared to other stuff”

Got closed comedones and itchy pimples, so they stopped; 10% is too high for them.

“I got closed comedones and itchy pimples from it too. In the end I stopped using it because the concentration is way too high.”

Got large breakouts on cheeks where they don't usually get acne and removed it.

“I had the same reaction, large breakouts on my cheeks where I don't typically get acne.”

Gave up on it; pimples took a month to clear.

“Same thing happened to me. I just gave up on it and stopped using it altogether. It took like a month for the pimples I got while using it to go away.”

After a rough start it worked well and they are on their second bottle.

“But for me, it worked well and I'm on my 2nd bottle now.”

Pills with almost every product they own.

“TO’s niacinamide pills with about every product I own so it’s very hard to work into my routine.”

Will not repurchase because of stickiness that pills when layering moisturizer.

“I’m not repurchasing the ordinary due to the stickiness so this is *chefs kiss*”

Loved it but stopped because it felt a little sticky and pilled under moisturizer or makeup.

“I was previously using the niacinamide serum from The Ordinary which I loved, but I stopped using it since it's a little sticky and pilled up if I apply moisturizer or makeup on top.”

Uses it and says it works fabulously for a very low price.

“I’m using the Ordinary niacinamide serum and it works fabulously for a 10 price tag.”

Redness eased by mixing one or two drops into moisturizer.

“I found that if I mix it in with my moisturizer (1 or 2 drops only) that it works as a good buffer and less iritation.”

Broke out terribly over 6-8 weeks, though lower-percentage niacinamide works.

“I broke out terribly from it. Gave it a good 6-8 weeks and finally had to cut it loose.”

Normally never breaks out but this broke them out badly.

“I'm not acne prone and never break out and that shit broke me out bad.”

Fine for a whole bottle then broke out on the second and can't tolerate niacinamide since.

“I used a whole bottle up with no issue, then boom, breakouts after I started my second bottle and haven't been able to tolerate niacinamide since”

Intense burning and stinging after first use, so they washed it off.

“After the first time I used it, I had INTENSE burning and stinging. I waiting a few minutes, but I finally had to wash it off.”

Pretty happy with it and has had zero issues despite complaints that it breaks people out.

“I’ve been pretty happy with TO Niacinamide. I’ve honestly never used anything else, so I have no comparison. I’ve heard complaints that it breaks people out, but I have had zero issues.”

Painful bumps appeared after using it, after 1.5 bottles with no issue.

“It seems to me that I've got these after I used the Niacinamide.”

Didn't impress them; they prefer a Good Molecules serum.

“Honestly, the ordinary niacinamide didnt inpress me.”

Dried out their normal skin and gave a few breakouts, though a friend with dry skin loves it.

“I have normal skin and it really dried my face out and a gave me a few breakouts.”

Calms redness on sensitive skin and helped a bad eczema flare.

“I have dehydrated and oily skin, it's very sensitive. It works to calm the redness. I also used it when a got a very bad eczema breakout this summer and helped a lot.”

Caused breakouts and redness on rosacea-prone cheeks; cleared after stopping.

“This product caused breakouts and redness on my cheeks, which is not usually a problem area for me. I stopped using it, and the irritation went away.”

Controlled oil and calmed redness but didn't do anything for acne.

“TO niacinamide worked well for my mildly oily and acne prone skin in controlling oil production and calming down redness. Didn't do anything for the acne though”

Seems to prevent breakouts and doesn't irritate their skin.

“I have combination skin and I really like it. Seems to prevent breakouts for me, and doesn't irritate my skin.”

The zinc bothered them and was too drying.

“So personally the zinc bothered me high hell. If you tolerate zinc well you can try it but I found that it was too drying.”

Broke out both times they used it.

“I broke out from this too! Both times I’ve used it”

Wanted oil control but got breakouts within two days of starting.

“I wanted to try this product to contain some oil on my T zone and keep blemishes away but it's becoming the opposite just after 2 days of use.”

Breaking out around chin, mouth and forehead though Naturium's version was fine.

“I just recently got the Ordinary niacinamide and I’m breaking out all around my chin, mouth, and forehead.”

Broke out after a single use with forehead bumps lasting weeks.

“I bought it after seeing the hype and used it once and broke out the neck day. It’s been like 3 weeks and my forehead and still broken out with tiny bumps”

Works well for pores and redness; the early carrageenan version broke them out.

“It works really well for my pores and redness! The very early version with carrageenan did break me out.”

Whiteheads and cystic breakouts that stopped once they quit.

“I had breakouts around my jawline and the area around my nose (cheek and nasal folds)”

Broke them out; a Korean dupe did not.

“TO's Niacinamide broke me out too like it did a lot of people.”

Broke them out badly, which they mistook for success others had, and was horrible for them.

“I assumed it had to be good because so many people have been so successful with it, but it was honestly horrible for me.”

Gave breakouts and rashes that looked like razor burn.

“my skin just HATES niacinamide. I kept getting breakouts/rashes that looked like razor burns.”

Adores it; helped clear their skin once daily at night on sensitive skin.

“I adore this product and once I took away the Cerave, it really helped clear up my skin in combination with other products. I do only use it once a day in the PM”

Skin felt soft with less nose redness for 5-6 days, then a deep sore breakout appeared.

“It did make my skin wonderfully soft and reduce redness around my nose for the first 5-6 days but then I woke up with this breakout”

Says they purged for a couple of weeks from it, with small closed comedones.

“I purged from the Ordinary Niacinamide for a couple weeks actually.”

Broke them out until they stopped and simplified to a hydrating routine.

“The ordinary niacinamide made me break out like that and it only went when I stopped using it and switched to a simple and hydrating routine.”

The TO 10% niacinamide made them break out and they plan to pass it to a sister.

“Tbh TOs 10% niacinamide made me breakout... did you see any changes in your skin when you started using it?”

A few weeks in, they love the results.

“I’ve been using The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic acid and the Niacinamide + Zinc for a few weeks now and love the results I’m getting.”

Too drying for them because of the zinc, and they disliked the texture.

“TO serum was too drying for me due to the zinc and I didn't like the texture, I would not buy it again”

Applying it to wet skin fixes the pilling and stickiness.

“I’ve found that applying TO niacinamide to wet skin completely fixes the pilling/stickiness issue”

Disliked the texture so gave it to their oily-skinned teenage son, for whom it works wonders.

“I gave my unused TO Niacinamide to my teenage son who has oily, acne prone skin and it has been working wonders for him).”

Works wonders on very oily skin and never feels sticky.

“I use it every night ( very oily skin ) and it works wonders for my skin and it never feels sticky or like it’s too much”

Mixed into a HA lotion it spreads well, but they disliked it on its own.

“sinks in nicely, no stickiness and plays well with the rest of my skincare and makeup. I didn't like it on its own.”

Sticky but unbeatable price, and much better under a moisturizer.

“I am a little unhappy with how sticky TO is but honestly... the price is unbeatable. Once I put a moisturizer on top, it’s much better.”

Sticky, pilled under makeup and showed no results in two weeks.

“I had to really rub it into my skin, which I am never a fan of. And then my face felt sticky”

Credits the 10% + zinc serum for improved skin, but it took about a year to see change.

“I am using the Ordinary's Niacinamide but it took probably like a year or so to see change.”

Gets tiny breakouts after a single use, and their brother also broke out in week two.

“I put it on once and I get tiny breakout. I tired this two time’s with gaps to see which products was the problem.”

Switched from Glossier Super Pure to the TO serum and their skin broke out badly.

“I was using Super Pure for a while with great results and decided to switch to TO and all hell broke loose.”

Their skin hated it before the pill but later it transformed their skin.

“Before I started birth control, my skin hated TO's Niacinamide & Zinc. After two weeks of being on the pill, I decided to try again”

A few days in and so far so good despite thinking they have sensitive skin.

“I just started using the TO zinc/niacinamide a few days ago. So far so good even though I thought I have sensitive skin.”

It stung going on at first use.

“I just used mine for the first time tonight and it stung going on.”

Irritation and small breakouts, especially on the forehead; suspects Zinc PCA.

“after trying this product my skin reacted, leaving irritation and small breakouts especially on my forehead.”

A week in with no bad reactions and subtle drops in oiliness and acne scars.

“I’ve been using TO niacinamide and zinc for a little over a week with no bad reactions and have noticed subtle decreases in oiliness and old acne scars.”

Enjoys it and thinks it has helped, though it takes time to see.

“I enjoy using the TO niacinamide and yes I do think it has helped, but like a lot of other key ingredients it takes time to notice a difference.”

First OTC product that calmed their acne and slightly regulates sebum.

“It was the first OTC product I used that really seemed to help calm my acne down and I find over time it does help regulate my sebum production a bit.”

Reduced oil, pore appearance and redness.

“it has helped me to reduce sebum production, minimize look of pores and redness.”

Helped a lot with oil, nose blackheads and cheek pores; can pill over some oils.

“It’s helped me! Helped a lot with sebum and blackheads on my nose. Helped with pores on my cheeks.”

No breakouts and skin barely gets oily or shiny anymore.

“It 100% worked for me. No breakouts, and my skin barely gets oily/shiny anymore.”

Reduced shine and scarring with no breakouts since starting.

“I love the product. It’s helped reduce shine and with scarring for me. I have had no breakouts since starting with the product”

Amazing for them, with visible results after about six weeks.

“Yes! It’s been amazing for me but it took about 6 weeks for visible results.”

Two weeks in, skin much smoother.

“i've been using it for about 2 weeks and it's made my skin so much smoother.”

Causes redness and sensitivity, though other niacinamide formulas are fine.

“TO niacinamide formulation causes me redness and sensitivity. So nope. I thought for the longest time I'm sensitive to niacinamide”

After a rough start, four months in it no longer breaks them out and reduced sebum.

“It’s been about 4 months it doesn’t break me out anymore and I’ve seen good improvements in reduced sebum production.”

Irritated painfully sensitive skin with breakouts and redness.

“it irritated my skin quite a lot (some breakouts, but mainly readness).”

Bumps and milia nearly gone and redness calmed after weeks.

“Nearly all of the bumps and all of the milia I had on my face are gone now. The redness of my face has calmed down a little bit as well.”

Broke out their face; on the chest it did nothing for months.

“It certainly broke out my face so I started using it on my chest are, where it literally has done nothing for months.”

Apart from tretinoin, the most impactful ingredient in their routine.

“Personally apart from Tretinoin it’s probably the single most impactful ingredient in my routine”

Already seeing reduced redness after one week.

“I've been using TO niacinamide for 1 week only and already seeing reduced redness.”

Couple weeks in with no breakouts, but not much happening.

“I’ve been on it for a couple weeks and haven’t broken out thankfully but not much has been happening in general.”

Immediately got clogged pores and small closed comedones despite not being acne prone.

“I immediately got clogged pores and small CCs with that product.”

Big difference quickly after a year on CeraVe; nothing else has made their pores so tight.

“personally I've had pretty good results from TO Nia 10, after a year of using Cerave night tub, I saw a big difference really quickly introducing the TO - nothing else has made my pores so tight.”

Broke them out in areas they never usually break out.

“I had the same problem, it broke me out in areas I never usually get breakouts.”

Uses it with no such bad effect on their skin.

“I use the niamicide 10% and it never had such an effect on my skin”

Had a bad reaction, just flushing; their dermatologist said to stop.

“I had a bad reaction to the same product (just flushing).”

Almost no effect on their skin; finds it very mild.

“Considering I felt like it had almost no affect on my skin I'd agree with you, I find it very mild.”

Completely changed their oiliness: matte all day and not oily in the morning.

“TO Niacinamide completely changed that for me. Now I’m matte all day and I wake up in the morning without feeling oily and gross.”

Subtle itchiness that lasted for a while, and the texture felt heavier and tackier than Super Pure.

“But after using it my skin felt a bit irritated, but not to an unbearable extent—more like a subtle itchiness that lasted for a while.”

Initial itchiness faded after easing in with HA and increasing slowly.

“Over time, I've increased the amount I used and have stopped mixing it, and I have no itchiness any longer.”

No itchiness but it didn't seem to do anything, unlike Glossier Super Pure.

“I never had itchiness with TO, but it just didn’t seem to do anything for me”

A week of use made their face explode with acne they'd never had before.

“It was just every type of acne and acne I’ve never had before, and it felt really irritating when i used it.”

Had flaky dry patches and papules after using it.

“how was ur reaction like to TO niacinamide, i had like flakey dry patches and papules after it.”

Loves it though they purge on restarting after a break.

“I love their niacinamide but if I do take a break from it I tend to purge on restarting it.”

Finished a bottle and their skin broke out while normally relatively clear.

“I just finished a whole bottle and my skin looks similar when I normally have relatively clear skin.”

A week of use caused a ton of whiteheads all over the face.

“I used it for about a week, so not really enough time to know for sure that it’s not purging, but it caused a ton of whiteheads all over my face.”

On their third and fourth bottle; slightly oily feel but it absorbs nicely and is a lasting staple.

“I like i, it is oily I guess you can say but honestly it absorbs into the skin so nicely.”

Has used it for about six months and it is now a permanent part of their routine.

“I’ve been using niacinamide for about 6months and it’s definitely a permanent fixture in my routine now.”

Applying to one side of the face for a week caused significant breakouts, including in new areas.

“The acne I got on that side of my face was pretty significant for me - large pimples, and some in areas I never get pimples in.”

A four-week one-sided patch test gave the same breakout result.

“TO Niacinamide patch test for 4 weeks on one half of my face. same results too”

Skin feels soft and bouncy but four days in it gave tiny whiteheads.

“I started using TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% on my pimple scars four days ago and it has been been giving me tiny whiteheads?”

Breaks them out like crazy and seriously messed up their skin.

“To niacinamide breaks me and many others out like crazy. Seriously messed up my skin.”

Gave whiteheads for no obvious reason so they stopped.

“It started giving me whiteheads too and I had no idea why, had to stop using it unfortunately.”

Whiteheads from this one, but the lower amount in CeraVe micellar water is fine.

“I got whiteheads from TO Niacinamide, but now use CeraVe Micellar Water every morning (with niacinamide as an ingredient) and it doesn’t bother me.”

Had the same reaction and suspects a changed formula.

“I had the same reaction with it. More people than not seem to be unable to tolerate it these days.”

Once a holy grail, now causes a reaction; suspects reformulation.

“I’m starting to think they reformulated cause that was one of my holy grail products and now I get a reaction when I use it.”

Had the same hives-like reaction.

“Yes,exactly as how you explained it I had the same reaction.”

No issues with other products but this gave tiny red spots and whiteheads.

“haven't had issues with any products I've tried other than TO niacinamide. It gave me tiny red acne spots with little whiteheads as well.”

One use caused hives-like bumps and whiteheads.

“after one use, my skin is experiencing a very bad allergic reaction to it. There are red bumps (hives looking) everywhere on my face and numerous whiteheads.”

More breakouts but skin feels softer and glowier.

“I started using it 4 days ago. I am experiencing an increased amount of breakouts (all in places where I usually break out). My skin does feel softer and looks more glowy.”

Stopped their acne from leaving dark marks; acne now stays pink.

“when I started using this, it stopped the hyperpigmentation in its tracks and now my acne stays pink before it goes away. No more dark purple marks for me!!”

Early pimples went away but after 20 days no noticeable change yet.

“However as of right now Im not noticing much change in my skin.”

Three days left their forehead oilier and covered in weird new pimples.

“I used it for 3 days straight and my forehead got so much more oily and I completely broke out all across my forehead with these weird pimples I’ve never had.”

By day three their whole face was swollen, bumpy, red and stiff.

“On day two or three my entire face was swollen, bumpy and red, and the skin felt so stiff I legit couldn’t move my face.”

No purge, and acne marks visibly cleared after about 10 days.

“No it didn’t get worse. However, it started to visibly clear up after about 10 days of use.”

Didn't work for them and made their skin purge like crazy.

“That stuff didn’t work for me :( it made my skin purge like crazy.”

Six months with no luck; maybe a little for scars but nothing for active pimples.

“I’ve used it for about 6 months and didn’t have any luck with it. My skin just didn’t care for it haha.”

The product they credit most overall for clearing texture, redness and clogged pores.

“for glow, the PURITO Centella Sunscreen overall, The Ordinary Niacinamide”

Gave them small red bumps they never had before.

“It gave me small red bumps I never had before.”

Three days of use gave small inflamed whiteheads, so they stopped.

“I recently got this and used it for three days, but started to get these small but inflamed whiteheads.”

Three days in they woke up with two large painful bumps on their chin.

“I'm on my 3rd day of TO niacinamide + zinc and I woke up with 2 large painful bumps on my chin”

Amazing: redness and PIH faded in weeks and skin brightened.

“I use it currently and I have to say its amazing - I saw my redness and pih fade in a few weeks and my skin became brighter.”

Tacky texture and broke them out with no improvement after months.

“I used it on and off for a couple months with no good effect. As others have said, the texture is very tacky. It made me break out.”

Too sensitive for it neat so they mix three drops into lotion.

“I mix 3 drops in with CeraVe lotion bc my skin is too sensitive to take it straight up!”

Applied for a few days and seems to be getting good results.

“My skin is soft and sensitive. i applied few days and seems receiving good results.”

Applied over still-damp skin it absorbs better and their face is less oily.

“I find that my skin absorbs it better and my face is not as oily.”

Too strong neat: hot and prickly, works diluted in toner or moisturiser.

“I find it too strong by itself, my skin feels hot and prickly if I apply it straight as a serum.”

Applies it straight after washing and it seems to work just fine.

“I wash my face, pat dry it and then go in with the Niacinamide. Seems to be working just fine.”

Tried it every way and sees no difference whatever they do.

“I’ve both tried it on dry and wet skin alone and before and after moisturizer and also as a spot treatment and I see no difference no matter what I do.”

Introduced gradually; lessens the look of pores and brightens skin.

“this product has survived the purge because it successfully helps to lessens the appearance of pores and brightens my skin.. I really do notice the difference with my skin”

Tightened pores miraculously but their sensitive skin can no longer use it.

“I used on my cheeks few times. It did miraculously tightened the pores. I can no longer use it anymore”

Used to work great, lately it seems to break them out in new places.

“This used to work great with my skin (oily and sensitive) but more recently I noticed it seems to be breaking me out in places I wouldn't normally”

Doesn't see the hype and finds it hasn't done anything spectacular.

“It’s alright, I don’t get the hype personally I don’t feel it’s done anything spectacular I just use it because people recommend it.”

Made their relatively good skin inflamed.

“I bought TO Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% and started to incorporate it into my routine. It made my relatively good skin inflamed exactly like yours pictured.”

Bumps disappeared once the dry shampoo, not the serum, was removed.

“Update: I stopped using dry shampoo and continued with the niacinamide. Bumps are disappearing!”

Twice daily for hyperpigmentation and it has helped.

“I use niacinamide x2 a day. Morning and evening for hyperpigmentation. It's helped in that regard.”

Gives rash-like pimples around their mouth.

“It gives me rash-like pimples around my mouth. Have read that some people are sensitive to it.”

After the first use their skin looked brighter and blemishes slightly lighter.

“I woke up this morning after applying Niacinamide for the first time and thought my skin looked brighter and my blemishes also slightly lighter.”

Skin tolerates it but they haven't seen significant improvements yet.

“My skin seems to be cool with it, but I haven’t seen any significant improvements yet.”

Uses it morning and night with no issues on very oily skin.

“I use TO niacinamide in the AM and PM and I’ve never had any issues with it. I have very oily skin though”

Didn't purge, shrank acne, stopped new pimples and helped old PIH.

“It shrank my existing acne, stopped pimples from forming, and helped with some old PIH.”

Says niacinamide should not cause purging, but this one broke them out too.

“Niacinamide should not cause purging. TO niacinamide broke me out too.”

Broke them out badly; face is happier after stopping.

“It broke me out badly and I stopped using it . My face is much happier now”

New acne came up every day while using it.

“but I had new acne come up everyday since I've been using it.”

Cleared skin quicker and better than Accutane did, without side effects.

“TO Niacinamide cleared up my skin quicker and better than Accutane ever did, without the terrible side effects.”

Discovered their intolerance through this serum; it breaks them out terribly.

“I first discovered my skin's intolerance to niacinamide through trying The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc. My skin just breaks out terribly from it.”

Culprit of a bad breakout; skin improved after they threw it away.

“that stuff was the culprit of a rly bad breakout I had over the summer. threw it away and started seeing positive changes in my skin in the following weeks.”

Allergic to it, it gave them milia.

“I am allergic to it and it gave me milia, it seems you had an allergic reaction too.”

Got big pimples within three days of use.

“I tried TO's niacinamide and had big pimples within 3 days of use.”

Broke them out at first for a few days then became very beneficial.

“I think this product broke me out at first but then stopped and it became very beneficial.”

After one use their face was red with inflamed dots despite a clean patch test.

“No reaction to patch test but my face was weird after one use: red, with inflamed dots”

A huge pimple after one use, the only change in their routine.

“I got a huge pimple after only one use of TO's niacinamide. I never break out anymore, and that was the only change in my routine”

Broke them out and messed with their skin; they went back to simple routines.

“TO broke me out and messed with my skin so much... honestly less is more with skin care.”

Broke them out after one application; it now sits on the shelf.

“It broke me out as well after one application. I no longer use it, but it’s still on the shelf.. waiting to give it away.”

Irritates when applied to dry skin but is fine in one or two drops on wet skin.

“TO Niacinamide + Zinc irritates my skin if I put it on while my face is dry.”

Only gets pilling when their skin is unbalanced or they use too much.

“I feel like I only experience the pilling when my skin is still working to get into balance.”

After an initial rough first week, uses it a few times weekly and says skin never looked better.

“After that, I use it 3ish times a week and my skin truly never looked better”

Broke them out briefly at first but after another week it got better.

“Sure enough it did for a little bit but I stuck with it for another week and it eventually got better.”

Gave them the biggest cysts ever, leaving big scars.

“Leave it- have me the biggest cysts ever that left really big scars”

Broke them out and made acne much worse; cleared after switching to The Inkey List niacinamide.

“This formula broke me out too and made my acne so much worse.”

Made them break out; pimples went away within days of stopping.

“It made me break out, and once I stopped using it my pimples went away 3-4 days later”

Holy grail: regulates oil and sebum and brightens, though it pills with new routine.

“I think it's a holy grail for my skin. It regulates my oiliness and sebum production so well and brightens my skin”

Red bumps all over their face by the second day, possibly an allergy.

“I had the same reaction with the Niacinamide and Zinc. I could not pass the second day! I had red bumps all over my face.”

Had a similar reaction and stopped after day one, suspecting the strength.

“I also experienced something similar but stopped after day one.”

Mixed into moisturiser it no longer breaks them out but benefits are unclear.

“I've had suggestions to just add a few drops to my moisturizer. I did that, and didn't break me out, but I'm not sure if it's worth it.”

Breaks out for a week whenever they return to it after a break.

“I realised that whenever I stop using TO's niacinamide for a few months then return to it, I break out for a week then its all good.”

Stings after acid products like the glycolic toner.

“I use the same product and I find that it 'stings' when I use it after I use certain products with acids in them e.g. TO glycolic acid toner.”

Three days in their skin looked bad and stung for a few seconds.

“I have only used Niacinamide from TO for 3 days and my skin looks like never before (like in a bad bad way). It's also kinda stingy for a few seconds after I apply it”

Absorbs quickly and gave great results on their combination skin.

“Everything absorbs rather quickly and I don't have to wait between steps. I have combination skin and have seen great results with niacinamide:)”

Broke out heavily within a day, looking like closed comedones.

“Within a day I started breaking out heavily (looked like CC’s) on my forehead and cheeks.”

Caused horrific cystic acne; a patch test brought one huge cyst the next day.

“It caused horrific cystic acne. When I stopped and did a patch test to see if it was the cause, I got one huge cyst right on the spot applied it, the very next day.”

Daily use caused minor breakouts; every other day it works fine.

“When I first started using it, I applied it every day for a week and noticed some minor breakouts. I stopped using it and the went away”

Broke out at first, then built up slowly mixed with moisturiser.

“it made me break out too after the first use so started using it mixed in my moisturizer (just one drop) every 3 days, then every day”

Got five big inflamed pimples overnight on the test side.

“Over night I got FIVE big inflamed pimples on that side of the face. I normally never get actual pimples, only closed comedones.”

Stung and burned on the face with a sunburned look for days despite clean patch tests.

“The moment I applied to my face it began to sting and burn. I had a “sunburned” look for about 3-4 days after with mild flakiness accompanying it.”

Stings when their skin is already dry or irritated.

“It has stung me before on occasion. I find it stings when my skin is already dry or irritated.”

No stinging in summer but it stings in winter after exfoliating.

“It didn't sting me at all in summers but It stings me now in winters especially after i have freshly exfoliated my skin.”

Likes it after a couple of months but it always stings at night.

“I’ve been using TO niacinamide and zinc serum for a couple of months now and I like it expect it always stings my face when I put it on at night.”

It broke them out so they stopped using it.

“Yeah and it broke me out. I stopped using it.”

Never had stinging unless they used a harsh exfoliant just before.

“I've been using the TO Niacinamide for a while now and I've never had stinging except when using a harsh exfoliant just before.”

Pilling stopped once they applied it directly to wet skin.

“Yes i used to experience the same problem. What solved my issue is applying Niacinamide to directly wet skin.”

No piling with one drop followed by a facial oil.

“I've also started using this just a few days ago. I haven't experienced any piling but I only use one drop for now followed by a facial oil.”

Their products pill; applying it right after a hydrating toner avoids it.

“TO products are very inelegant. Many of thier products pill. To avoid pilling I always used NZ right after my hydrating toner.”

Pills majorly under anything layered over it, and feels sticky.

“I’ve noticed it majorly pills if I put anything after it so all the all products just end up pilling and coming off.”

Does exactly nothing positive or negative for them.

“Weirdly, TO Niacinamide does exactly nothing positive or negative for me.”

Didn't break them out but didn't do anything either.

“For me, I have mixed feelings about this serum. It didn't break me out, but it didn't do anything for me either!”

Seems to make their face even more oily despite the oil-control hype.

“but I feel left out because ever since I started using it it seems to make my face even more oily.”

Less oil masked the problem; after cutting it they have fewer pimples and blackheads.

“I have since cut the serum out of my routine and I’ve had fewer pimples on my face and fewer blackheads on my nose!”

The zinc was the problem; they switched to Good Molecules and like it.

“the zinc was the problem for me as well, I started using the good molecules one and I really like it”

TO caused whiteheads all over their cheeks although other niacinamide is fine.

“I also react well to Niacinamide but TO caused whiteheads all over my cheeks.”

Has used it for years and it works great for them.

“I’ve been using it for a few years now, and it works great for me.”

Less oil and matte skin but their skin seems dull and dry, with no pore change.

“I suddenly notice less sebum production and a more matte skin... but no such in a good way! My skin seems dull and dry!”

A three-week one-sided test brought new pimples only on the untreated side, so it may not be the cause.

“I have been testing Niacinamide only on 1 side of my face (left side) mornings and nights for 3 weeks. I got a few new small pimples but interestingly, they were all on the OTHER side”

A month of nightly use with visible progress.

“1 month on TO's Niacinamide serum and TO's 30% AHA + BHA 2% Peeling Solution! Skin is still not perfect but I can see progress!”

Caused irritation and breakouts at first but their skin got used to it.

“Yeah it did cause some irritation and breakouts when I introduced it but after a couple of uses my skin got used to it.”

Uses it right after toner and it works well on oily skin.

“I personaly use it just after toner (hada labo) and works well (oily skin)”

Broke out when they jumped straight to nightly use; recommends easing in.

“I had breakouts when I first started it bc I jumped in at every night.”

Finds it too strong alone so they mix a drop into moisturiser.

“Personally I find the concentration too strong by itself so I buffer it by mixing a drop into my moisturiser on the back of my hand.”

Broke out around day 3, but CeraVe PM with 4% niacinamide gives zero breakouts.

“I couldn't handle TO Niacinamide and Zinc and broke out after about day 3, but now using CeraVe PM with 4% Niacimamide, zero breakouts”

Always used it with snail essence and never more than two or three drops.

“I always used it with the cosrx snail essence, and never used more than two or three drops.”

The TO one made them flush and caused spots where they never get them.

“The first time I used was the TO one, it made me flush, I got new spots in places where I never get spots.”

Gets whiteheads the next day every time, even with weeks between attempts.

“I have tried TO niacinamide + zinc and I get whiteheads the next day each time I have used it”

Each use broke them out and left skin dull; suspects the zinc.

“Every time I would use it, my skin would break out and it would look really dull and lifeless.”

Reactive skin that tolerated it after careful patch testing, despite scary reviews.

“My skin tends to be reactive so I was super super careful with patch testing, but fortunately it turns out I’m in the majority in this case and can use it without any problems”

After tolerating other niacinamide products, the TO one gave their worst breakout ever.

“After using other products with niacinamide I finally tried the TO one and it gave me the worst breakout I’ve ever had.”

Burned and dried their skin when used alone, though mixing it into snail mucin worked.

“I tried using it on it's own when I first got it, my skin burned a lil and got dry (I'm oilslicky).”

Half a pipette irritated around the mouth; three drops mixed with Hada Labo works without issues.

“I now use 3 drops mixed with a squirt of hada labo morning and night and haven't had any more issues.”

Has found it insanely mild and is surprised others react badly.

“That same TO product has been insanely mild for me. Surprised at a negative reaction to it actually but everyone is different!”

Made their skin very itchy, especially around the jawline.

“I used TO's niacinamide too before I switched to the one I'm using now. Made my skin hella itchy especially around the jawline.”

Skin became very dry by the second day, so they limited it to nights.

“On the second day though, I noticed my skin had become very dry and I didn’t like the feeling.”

Their psoriasis returned on the face after years; 4% works for them.

“I couldn't handle 10% either, my psoriasis came back after years, right on my face.”

Made their face very red and irritated so they stopped; suspects TO's formulation.

“it too made my face super red and irritated after using it. I had to stop using it completely on my face.”

Broke out in tiny pimples under the skin despite non-sensitive skin.

“I’ve had no reaction to niacinamide in the past before using TO’s product but when I did I broke out in tiny little pimples just beneath the skin”

Found it harsh and very irritating despite resilient skin; other 10% niacinamide products are fine.

“The TO one is really freaking harsh for some reason. I have really resilient skin but it was irritating AF.”

Broke them out; skin cleared after stopping following three months of use.

“Unfortunately this product broke me out as well. I’m not sure if it caused the break out on its own or it just did not work well with the other products I was using”

Says it foams and dries to a sticky film.

“Yes it foams! Dries to a sticky film too! I thought I was the only one”

Five days in with mild initial irritation and a few pimples, still willing to persist.

“I'm using TO niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% for 5 days now. Once a day I use 4-5 drops on my entire face. Aside from the initial mild irritation, a few pimples popped up as well.”

Uses it at night; it sometimes dries their skin.

“I personally just use it at night. Sometimes my skin gets dry from it so I switch to EON and drink more water.”

Mixing it with snail mucin stops pilling.

“mix it in with my Cosrx Snail Mucin - it stops pilling!”

Breaks them out every time with large red bumps that last.

“This product breaks me out every time I use it. It’s not purging, but large red bumps which takes forever to go.”

Got lots of closed comedones and switched to Shark Sauce.

“I was using this, and holy hell, all the CCs! Switched to Spooky Shark Sauce, and my skin is much happier”

Does better using it as a spot treatment than all over.

“I’ve personally had better luck with it if I use it to spot treat rather than coat my entire face.”

It gave them closed comedones that cleared once they stopped.

“I stopped using it because it gave me CCs. Once I stopped using it, the CCs went away.”

Spreads easier and uses less by warming a drop between fingertips.

“I have found with mine (from TO) I get it to spread much easier and use less when I put a drop on my pointer and middle finger tip”

On their seventh bottle and it has helped tremendously with closed comedones.

“I’m on my seventh bottle now and it’s helped tremendously with my closed comedones!”

Broke out the day after using it undiluted.

“When I used it (undiluted) I broke out the next day.”

Holy grail after a slow introduction cleared cysts and pimples.

“TO Niaciamide is my HG. I will never go without, but everyone is different. At $10 it is worth a go.”

Breaks out each time they try it, though unsure of the correlation.

“Every time I try the TO niacinamide, I have breakouts. I’m not 100% certain that I’m not imagining the correlation”

Mixing two drops with snail essence covers the face with no stinging.

“I found that this combination is enough to cover my entire face. So far, no stinging or irritation.”

Three to four drops feel like a lot but absorb quickly.

“It feels like way too much at first but quickly absorbs after gently rubbing it in.”

A bit too strong neat, so they mix one drop into moisturiser.

“I find the TO Niacinamide to be a bit too strong, so I prefer mixing one drop into my moisturizer - especially during winter when my skin is dry.”

Reacted with cyst-like bumps and scarring a year later.

“I had clear skin before and reacted the same way with this product. It was a year ago and I am still struggling with the scar and cyst-like bumps.”

Says it breaks them out terribly, a huge bummer for a holy-grail product.

“It breaks me out terribly too. Huge bummer since it's such a holy grail for other people.”

Had a breakout like this and threw it out.

“I literally had this the other day. I threw mine out and applied mario badescu drying lotion, which has helped control the breakout. I've literally never had a breakout like this”

Cleared when they ran out but spots returned three days after repurchasing.

“I’ve used it for 2 months now, ran out ten days ago, and cleared up a bit. Assumed a coincidence so repurchased and three days later I have spots cropping up.”

Broke them out in closed comedones and whiteheads and altered neck texture.

“Broke me out in CCs & whiteheads. I stopped using it after the 4th time. It altered the texture on one half of my neck”

One of the few things that breaks them out; replaced by a different serum.

“It's one of the sole things on Earth that breaks me out.”

Took a long time to realise it was breaking them out, then they binned it.

“It took me a long time to realise it was breaking me out. It may well be doing the same to you!”

Used it a couple of months and it was definitely the culprit.

“Yep. Made me break out too. Used it for a couple of months then gave up. It was definitely the culprit!”

Broke them out; likes Shark Sauce as an alternative.

“TO niacinamide also broke me out. I really like shark sauce as an alternative.”

Controlled oil but kept causing closed comedones, so they stopped.

“it really helped with controlling excess sebum but I kept getting so many cc's”