Which Niacinamide would you choose?
beautiewithjen
This is definitely not a dupe situation. These two formulas are only similar in the fact that they contain the same amount of niacinamide (as well as some texture and preservative agents).
I’ve been a longtime user of The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Good Molecules $6 - formula looks similar to TO and TIL with the only active ingredient being niacinamide
Naturium $16 - 10% niacinamide and 2% zinc
Good Molecules $14 - similar again to TO and TIL
I LOVE how Paula’s Choice lists their ingredients. Behind each one you’ll find out how it benefits the skin. This saves me a TON of time and effort when doing my reviews!
Individual reviews on The Ordinary and The Inkey List Niacinamide can be found on my page.
What’s your favorite Niacinamide to use?
❤️🍒Feb. 21
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FINALLY! It’s mine!
This is one brand I’ve been stalking and I’ve finally got my hands on the highly raved, much talked about PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator
I’d say what really draws me to this particular brand is its commitment to highly effective, well tested products. I feel they really listen to their customers and value their feedback.
Well, imagine my surprise when in pops an email from a Paula’s Choice social media team member asking for my address to send me some products just for being me?!? I couldn’t respond fast enough with a...., “YES!” I’m not sure why I’ve been sleeping on this brand for so long. I follow so many diehard fans that swear and have visual proof of the changes their products have made. I have a feeling it’s all going to change after this...
Just a little about PC if you haven’t heard of the brand (taken from the website) :
Did you know that the founder, Paula was actually fired from her job working at a cosmetic counter for explaining to a customer what products could and couldn’t do for their skin?
(This is what we need more of!! I was immediately drawn to the brand when I first heard about that!)
Our Philosophy
Science & Truth
Highly Effective
Formulary Excellence
Non-irritating & Fragrance Free
Multi-faceted Formulas
Cruelty Free
Packaged for Potency
Environmentally Conscious
On the website you can find Skincare Quizzes that can help you develop a Instant Routine or develop a more in-depth Routine at no cost!
You can also find Expert Advice Articles on just about any subject you’re curious about.
Have a question about ingredients? They have every ingredient known in the beauty industry—-a go-to resource for everyone! Everyone needs to use this!
With Paula’s Choice you can choose individual skincare products or you can have an entire skincare routine developed from start to finish!
I’ve had on my wishlist, along with the exfoliator I just received, their
PAULA'S CHOICE - Resist C15 Super Booster
PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Niacinamide Booster
PAULA'S CHOICE - Peptide Booster
PAULA'S CHOICE - Anti-Aging Eye Gel
Honestly, I want to try it all!
I’d probably start swapping out some of the products I currently use for similar items. For instance, I am looking for a replacement vitamin c so I’d trade mine out for theirs. Then the Niacinamide and Hyaluronic and so on. I’m definitely going to do the skincare quiz and see what’s recommended for me!
Do you use any Paula’s Choice products? What’s your favorite? Please share! 😘
I’ll be back in a few weeks to tell you what I think of this exfoliator!
❤️🍒
beautiewithjen
Update!
This is my one month update on my skin. I have been using tretinoin cream every 3 nights & and the clindamycin phosphate lotion morning and night. I then decided to change my skincare routine to a Korean & Japanese skincare, and I’m very happy I made the choice. On December 3rd I went to get a customized facial and my esthetician told me I have acne that is clogged pores underneath my skin, so she did a deep extraction and in another few weeks I’m going to get one more done just to make sure they are all out.
FARMACY - Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm I was using the dhc deep cleaning oil but it was too thick for me so I switch to this and it is light and not stripping, good for a oil cleanse or a first cleanse
TATCHA - The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser this cleanser is a nice hydrating cleanser and it does not strip my skin at all
Krave - Kale-Lalu-yAHA I just started using this exfoliant but I really like it and I seen results right after I used it
Krave - Great Barrier Relief this serum is another I just started using but I love it, and it have a nice smell to it
Krave - The Beet Shield this sunscreen does not leave a white cast on my face, and I don’t feel greasy after
PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Azelaic Acid Booster this products is helping me get rid of my acne marks that I have from my facial
PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Niacinamide Booster I just love this! This is helping with my acne and dark marks
dear, klairs - Fundamental Water Gel Cream I have to use a light weight moisturizer so it won’t clog my pores
JaylaHoward
Why does my skin react different night vs day?
Over the years I have gone through hundreds of products figuring out what works for me. I have finally found a good set of products that I love, but sometimes when I use certain products in the daytime (such as Bio-Oil - Multiuse Skincare Oil and certain facemasks, I breakout so much worse than I do when I use the same exact product at night! I am confused by this so I have been wondering if it’s related to my oil levels throughout the day or what? Should I be using more drying products in the day time and hydrating at night?
The only ones that really work for me day and night are The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and THE BODY SHOP - Jumbo Tea Tree Oil although I know Hyram has said oils are not for the face
sbroadbent
getting off makeup and clear skin with rosacea!
okay... so I know I've posted this before, and Cherie is (devastatingly) closing down, but I thought I'd share one last post.
This really works. one is a prescription and there are a couple items missing, so I'll add them to the pictures. Here is the order they say to put on skincare (as depicted)
1) makeup remover/wash (I use Queen Helene cold cream that I SWEAR by, sometimes BURT’S BEES - BURT‘S BEES Sensitive Facial Cleanser )
2) Facewash/second face wash (I use DERMA•E - Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Joeseph anti Acne soap 10% sulfur)
3) Toner (I use THAYERS - Rose Petal Facial Toner )
4) Serums (I use a few... my prescription Amzeeq, mostly The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% , and DERMA•E - Blue Light Shield Concentrated Serum )
5) Spot Treatments (Murad - Invisiscar Resurfacing Treatment , tea tree oil when needed)
6) Eye Cream (not pictured - DERMA•E - Firming DMAE Eye Lift Cream )
7) Moisturizer (2 different kinds depending on how dry I am- pictured: Alba Botanica Aloe Green tea moisturizer, not pictured: skinfix - Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream )
8) Retinol: Now, because I have rosacea, I use a retinol alternative. The best one for sensitive skin I found is The Ordinary - Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion use at night only)
9) Face Oil: HEAR ME OUT: If you have oily skin, it's not the WORST thing to use an oil. As a matter of fact, it may work well. BEST ONE BY FAR IS ROSEHIP OIL. I can't tell you how amazing it is The Ordinary - 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil , and JOSIE MARAN - Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment during the day)
wear sunscreen during the day, and put it in place of retinol. I use Glossier. - Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen it's a great light moisturizer, too. And at night in the winter if it's super dry, I'll put petroleum jelly around the corners of my eyes and lips.
The results don't lie, Cherie babes (: comment below I'd you know of a better eye cream.
lizluvzmuzic
More Reviews
Zinc PCA: Anti-Aging Acne Fix (For Most)
The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is often touted as an acne routine must-have, reducing oil production and blemish frequency alike with startling efficacy in many. But in some, this serum causes redness, itchiness, irritation, and breakouts. Let’s talk about it!
Zinc PCA is lovechild of zinc and the amino acid derivative L-PCA, creating a zinc salt that has a couple cool benefits, such as its ability to help skin retain water and prevent photo-aging. It is an astringent, helping to decrease sebum secretion without damaging skin like tannin-loaded witch hazel toners, and is antimicrobial to minimize the growth of the bacteria that causes acne. It’s also anti-inflammatory, making it quite effective at reducing redness and calming inflamed skin.
Despite having anti-inflammatory properties, though, some folks’ skin just doesn’t like zinc PCA. My acne temporarily lessened when using the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, but I experienced itchiness each time I applied it after the first 2-3 applications. I persisted, but the itchiness escalated into redness and tiny bumps all over my chin and some on my forehead, my acne returning soon after. Looking online, I found my experience isn’t super rare. The serum is usually a hit, but a miss isn’t super unusual- nor a huge loss since its $5.90 for 30mL. After that, I was nervous to use THE inkey LIST - Beta Hydroxy Acid that I won in a giveaway- and, sure enough, it made my skin itch within the hour and small bumps began to spawn two uses later. I ceased testing quickly!
But if you’ve never had much issue with zinc products before, Zinc PCA is an awesome ingredient with a lot of promise for someone struggling with acne or oily skin- enough so that I still recommend the Ordinary’s serum! But if you’re one of those that react negatively, you’re not crazy, your skin isn’t weird, and it’s not just you!
THE inkey LIST-Beta Hydroxy Acid
THREE WEEKS USING THE ORDINARY PRODUCTS
After learning about the ingredients of each product & reading so many reviews, I decided to try a few out for myself that I thought would be beneficial for my specific skin concerns [redness, scarring, brightness]. I’ll do an in-depth review of each individual product in another post, but here are my overall thoughts of these products after 3 weeks of use.
The Ordinary - Squalane Cleanser
This has become my new favorite cleanser [alongside Fresh’s soy cleanser!] It is incredibly gentle, makes my skin feel smooth and calm after use, and has a unique way of going on the face that I have not found in other cleansers that makes it easy to wash off without having to rub on the face too hard.
Will definitely repurchase.
The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
I have noticed visible reduction in acne scarring after only 3 weeks & can’t wait to see what my skin looks like with continued use. It does have a strange slime-like texture and does produce piling, but I’ve learned to let it sit on the skin for 5 min before applying moisturizer.
Will definitely repurchase.
The Ordinary - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
The mornings after I use this, my skin looks incredible. It has helped to reduce red patches that sometimes show up beneath the surface of my skin [rosaccea], and has helped with scarring.
It does sting, but only for ten seconds after application.
This is the holy grail product I’ve been searching for to address scarring.
Just in the past three weeks I’ve seen the most improvement in my skin that in the past few years combined. I can’t believe the progress I’ve made in such a short amount of time, and it’s thanks to learning about ingredients & learning how to combine them to have the most potent effect. I will be repurchasing all products and trying out other TO products as well. If you have any recommendations I’d love to hear them!!
The Ordinary-AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Skinceuticals 1+1>2
1. skinceuticals phyto corrective
SKINCEUTICALS - Phyto Corrective Gel Hydrating Botanical Gel
My face has been unusually flushed over the past 6 months—to the point where coworkers would ask if I'd just worked out vigorously or was feeling warm. It's most noticeable on my cheeks, but also affects my forehead and nostril area.
After using this serum 2x daily over the past month, I've noticed my discoloration HAS faded, especially on my cheeks and forhead. I still have some redn splotches on my cheeks, but I imagine that will continue to improve the longer I use this.
2. skinceuticals blemish+ age defense
SKINCEUTICALS - Blemish + Age Defense
This one contains 2% Dioic acid: reduces sebum production, fights acne-causing bacteria, and reduces post-inflammatory discolouration. 0.3% Capryloyl salicylic acid: provides precise and even cell-by-cell exfoliation to decongest clogged pores.
By using these two together, they have helped to refine my complexion and reduce breakouts. Initially it made my oily skin a bit dry around the mouth but that subsided after about a week. I use it twice per day before my other serums. I suffer from frequent breakouts, mostly on my cheeks and jawline, and have been using them as a treatment on those trouble areas. If I use these two during the day, I find that by night time the breakouts have been significantly reduced and my skin is left glowing and smooth and if I use it at night before bed, I wake up with next to nothing in terms of angry breakouts. I'm so happy with these two products and will definitely repurchase!
SKINCEUTICALS-Blemish + Age Defense
A MUST have!
The Ordinary’a 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc has CHANGED my life. It’s meant to be used as an oil control and blemish reducer product, and my skin has truly changed because of it. It’s a thicker, almost gel-like serum that comes with a little dropper for application.
I loved it! While it took me a few weeks to see results, it changed my skin and the way I feel about it. It did not break me out and, instead, helped protect against and minimize my pores and acne, and has helped diminish my blemishes.
I would recommend this product to others, largely because it’s worked for me. It’s absolutely worth it! The extra step in your skin care routine is worth the results and low price tag as well!
The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary-Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Am I too young for The Ordinary Products?
Hello Cherie community! I’ve recently been investing in buying serums from the ordinary to help with my combination skin and since my (teen) brother deals with acne I thought I would get him some too. I usually ask for help on The Ordinary website before I buy to get their input on the products efficiency on what i’m targeting. Today I asked for help and I was told that since my brother is younger that it is better to not buy any serums but to stick to only cleansing and hydration. He has been cleansing and such but it has done hardly anything at all. I’m a little confused as to what to do to help him and if I myself should continue use since I’m younger. I would appreciate any information you may have to offer! Thank you ❤️
💚😪 Paulas Choice Empties!
PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator I love this product so much. It is definitely holy grail status for me. I go through this like water. I have dry/acne prone skin and this helps even my texture as well as get rid of those pesky pimples. All without drying my skin out! I never want to be without this product! 💚😍
PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Niacinamide Booster I really enjoyed this niacinamide booster. The consistency is nice and light, it almost feels like water. Which makes it absorb into the skin quickly. I loved the way it felt and how it was helping lighten my pigmentation, BUT I feel like it is so overpriced. Especially considering, you don’t even get a full ounce of product. If it were more in the twenty dollar price range, I would have repurchased! 🤷🏼♀️
PAULA'S CHOICE-10% Niacinamide Booster
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