Compare / Niacinamide serums
The Ordinary vs The INKEY List vs Naturium niacinamide: which one should you buy?
The Ordinary ($6.00) and The INKEY List ($13.00) both have 10% niacinamide; The Ordinary adds 1% zinc for oily skin, The INKEY List adds hyaluronic acid for hydration. Naturium ($13.59) is the strongest at 12% with 2% zinc. Good Molecules' 10% is the cheapest at $5.97.
- Dry or combination skin: The INKEY List 10% Niacinamide 10% niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and squalane, 30 mL. Buy on Amazon $13.00
- Strongest: Naturium 12% Plus Zinc 2% 12% niacinamide, 2% zinc PCA, 30 mL. Buy on Amazon $13.59
Prices checked on Amazon 2026-10-24. Some links earn us a commission. It does not change the comparison.
01 / Side by side
Strength, extras and price
Percentages and pH are what each brand publishes. All four are 30 mL and list no fragrance.
| Serum | Niacinamide | Zinc | Also in it | pH | Price | Per mL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The OrdinaryNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | 10% | 1% zinc PCA | none | 5.0-6.5 | $6.00 brand site | $0.20 |
| The INKEY List10% Niacinamide Serum | 10% | none | hyaluronic acid, squalane, panthenol, allantoin | 6.09 | $13.00 on Amazon | $0.43 |
| NaturiumNiacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% | 12% | 2% zinc PCA | sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E, dimethicone | 5.0-5.6 | $13.59 on Amazon | $0.45 |
| Good MoleculesNiacinamide Serum 10% | 10% | none | betaine | 7.1 | $5.97 on Amazon | $0.20 |
02 / Which one for you
Pick by your skin
Oily skin, shine and breakouts
The Ordinary 10% + Zinc 1% ($6.00). The zinc is aimed at oil and blemishes.
Dry or easily irritated skin
The INKEY List ($13.00). Same 10% niacinamide, no zinc, with hyaluronic acid and squalane for hydration.
The lowest price
Good Molecules ($5.97). Plain 10% niacinamide, no zinc. See it on Amazon →
03 / Questions
Frequently asked
- Is The INKEY List niacinamide better than The Ordinary?
- Same 10% niacinamide, different extras. The Ordinary adds 1% zinc PCA, which is aimed at oil and blemishes. The INKEY List adds hyaluronic acid, squalane and panthenol, which make it more hydrating. On Amazon, The Ordinary is $6.00 and The INKEY List is $13.00.
- Is 12% niacinamide better than 10%?
- Not clearly. 10% to 12% is a common shelf strength, and stronger is not always better: higher strengths can cause redness in some people. If 10% irritates you, try a lower strength rather than Naturium's 12%.
- Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?
- Most people can use both. The INKEY List suggests not applying its niacinamide in the same step as high-strength vitamin C or exfoliating acids if your skin is sensitive; using one in the morning and the other at night avoids the question.
- Which niacinamide is the cheapest?
- Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum 10% at $5.97 for 30 mL on Amazon, then The Ordinary at $6.00. Both are 10%; The Ordinary adds zinc, Good Molecules does not.
04 / Sources
Where the facts come from
- Brand product pages read 2026-10-01: theordinary.com (Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%), theinkeylist.com and uk.theinkeylist.com (10% Niacinamide Serum; ingredient list from the UK page), naturium.com (Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%), goodmolecules.com (Niacinamide Serum 10%).
- pH: as stated by each brand (Good Molecules from its earlier product page).
- Amazon prices and stock: read from each amazon.com product page 2026-10-01 (daily check thereafter).