Skincare trends come and go as fast as fashion trends. Every year there is a new “must-have” skincare product that everyone tries to get their hands on. This year, in the midst of a pandemic, rose the popularity of The Ordinary serums.

The Ordinary is a cruelty-free, clinical skincare brand that offers a wide variety of treatments made to combat certain skin problems. Think of it as the Build-A-Bear of skincare. You can use one serum or mix it with other products to create your ideal concoction.

I will be honest – I was skeptical about trying The Ordinary products. I had seen many disclaimers about a few of the serums being too harsh for people with sensitive skin. After reading and watching reviews by skin experts I found out that the most gentle and light-weight serum for people with sensitive and/or dry skin is the 10 % Niacinamide and 1% Zinc serum.

Guess what? I love this product.

This is my new favourite skincare product and I now understand the hype. I was, however, surprised to see that it worked for all skin types! That is why I decided to ask the sweet Mbali Sebokedi to write a review on the 10 % Niacinamide and 1% Zinc serum.

Mbali is a South African bookworm and makeup enthusiast. She is the writer of book reviews and master of turning book covers into makeup looks (seriously, they’re amazing). Mbali has a completely different skin type from mine, so it was interesting to read about her experience with The Ordinary 10 % Niacinamide and 1% Zinc serum.

Mbali’s Review:

I consider myself a baby skincare enthusiast – with serums being one of the first “serious” things I added to my routine. I never thought I’d be this person, but I am so glad that I am now. Serums are great targetters of specific skincare problems as they deliver high concentrations of active ingredients. If you’ve got a certain problem, I am almost certain that there’s a serum out there that can help you.

Why I Bought The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc serum:

I started noticing that I was getting some hormonal acne but I was an absolute beginner when it came to skincare. I saw someone tweet about niacinamide and hormonal breakouts, and decided to read up on it and watch A LOT of YouTube videos.

The product claims to target breakouts, minimises pores and regulates sebum production. Oh and how could I forget, it also claims to help with hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and fine lines. But the tipping point was the price, The Ordinary is known for their affordability.

The formulation is simple:
– 10% Niacinamide
– 1% Zinc

What I Like About The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc serum:

Disclaimer: Now, I have bought the product before but I don’t think I actually knew if it was working until I spent 3 months without it, thanks to the lockdown. Every time my period came around, I’d break out, from little zits to cyst-like giant babies. I’ve been using it for a month now. My period came around and there was not a breakout in sight, just vibes (the good kind). And if I do get a pimple every now and then it is basically gone in like 2-3 days. Regarding the hyperpigmentation, I don’t know if it’s doing its job because I do use other products that target my dark marks – there’s just no knowing but I absolutely love this product!

My Delivery Experience:

I know buying from outside of the country can be daunting, especially with customs.
I have ordered from both PrettyLittleThing and Cult Beauty before.

PrettyLittleThing: I had to get it from the post office, and I did pay for customs. It was around R120 for a R483 (incl. delivery) purchase. This was in November 2019.
Cult Beauty: I was fortunate enough to not pay any customs for a R438 (I bought 3) purchase including delivery and it arrived at my door.

Do I Still Use It?

Yes I do. I use it every morning after toning and before moisturiser and sunscreen. It can be used twice a day.

Who Can Use The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc serum?

Everyone? I know it is said to be an oily skin person’s dream come true, but I think it would work for everyone. I have combination skin with an oily t-zone, and I am fairly dry everywhere else.

Quick reminder: Skincare is very personal and might not work the same for you as it did for me. If you do decide to purchase this serum, do be sure to patch test it before applying it to your entire face.

Rating: 9/10

Where You Can Find The Ordinary Products In South Africa:

This serum can be found on the Deciem website.
For slightly more affordable options (especially when it comes to delivery to South Africa) try:

* Cult Beauty (door delivery)
* PrettyLittleThing (delivery at the post office) or,
* Beauty Bay (door delivery).

Where You Can Find The Ordinary Products In Australia:

The Ordinary is available at online and in store at Priceline , Myer and Adore Beauty The Ordinary can also be found on Cult Beauty, PrettyLittleThing, Beauty Bay and Deciem website .

Is it Worth Buying The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc serum?

The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc serum is worth buying! It clearly works for all skin types and works well with other skincare products.

I hope you liked the first ever featured blog post on Green Contours. You can find Mbali on Instagram and Twitter doing makeup looks and book reviews with a hint of skincare every now and then.

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–Kayla Shivana