Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
1% Retinol Booster

The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Paula's Choice

1% Retinol Booster

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

A serum built around Retinoid and Ceramide, for barrier repair and hydration.

Serum
Serum
11 ingredients
27 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

USD 55.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

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Brand from Canada
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At a Glance

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

Key Ingredients

  • 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

  • Ceramide1

    Skin-identical lipids that hold the barrier together.

    Ceramide NP

  • Colloidal oatmeal1

    Finely milled oat — an FDA-recognised skin protectant.

    Avena Sativa Kernel Extract

  • Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1

    Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.

    Polysorbate 20

  • Retinoid1

    Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.

    Retinol

Benefits

  • 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

Concerns

  • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1

    May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

    Isoceteth-20

Ingredients Side-by-side

Show highlights for:

  • Water

    Skin Conditioning

  • Glycerin

    Humectant

    0 / 0

    • Possibly animal-derived
    • Hydrating

  • Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil

    Skin Conditioning

    0 / 0

    • Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
    • Plant or mineral oil
    • Barrier Repair
    • May Worsen Oily Skin
    • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

  • Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate

    Cleansing

  • Butylene Glycol

    Humectant

    1 / 0

    • Hydrating

  • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

    Skin Conditioning

  • Polysorbate 20

    Cleansing

    0 / 0

    • Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
    • Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
    • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

  • Retinol

    Skin Conditioning

    • Retinoid
    • Acne Fighting
    • Anti-Aging
    • Dark Spots
    • Firming
    • Oil Control
    • Pore Refining
    • Smoothing

  • Glycyrrhiza Glabra

  • Ceramide NP

    Skin Conditioning

    • Ceramide
    • Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
    • Barrier Repair
    • Hydrating
    • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

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