The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% vs Dr.Althea 0.1 Gentle Retinol Serum

The Ordinary

Dr.Althea

A serum built around Niacinamide and Zinc salt, for hydration and fighting acne.

A serum built around Panthenol and Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Serum

11 ingredients

32 ingredients

Brand price

USD 5.40 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 23.90 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Canada

Brand from South Korea

At a Glance

They come out differently on Pore-clogger-free, Oil-free and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Zinc salt (sebum/soothing)1
Zinc salts, used for sebum control and soothing.
Zinc PCA
Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Bakuchiol1
A plant-derived ingredient studied as a retinol alternative.
Bakuchiol
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Zinc PCA
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Niacinamide
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Zinc PCA
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Isoceteth-20

May Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Glycine Soja Oil

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Niacinamide
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —
Zinc PCA
Humectant
- Zinc salt (sebum/soothing)
- Acne Fighting
- Oil Control
- Reduces Irritation
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Viscosity Controlling
0 / —
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Emulsion Stabilising
Xanthan Gum
Cleansing
0-1 / —
Isoceteth-20
Cleansing
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Ethoxydiglycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
0 / —

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
3 / 0
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

Each product against its closest dupes.