The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder: Short Review
Key actives:
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): regulates oil production, helps prevent breakouts, refines texture, fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and strengthens barrier function. It's one of the most versatile actives in skincare, which is why it shows up in so many products.
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder
This is pure niacinamide powder that you mix into your existing serums or moisturizers. It gives you control over concentration, and helps enhance your home routine with an extra sprinkle of Vitamin B3. To get the results you want, you need a reliable scale, understanding of pH levels and ingredient interactions. So if in doubt, it’s best to use pre-formulated niacinamide serums.
Who should use
Experienced skincare users who genuinely want to customize niacinamide concentrations or need to avoid specific ingredients found in pre-formulated serums. Works well if you're already comfortable with The Ordinary's mix-and-match system and understand percentages and formulation basics.
Who shouldn't use
Anyone new to niacinamide or actives in general. Start with a pre-formulated serum instead where the concentration is controlled and the ingredient is already properly dissolved. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, the risk of user error with the powder form is too high.
Red Flags
The pure powder format is the main concern here. If you don't measure correctly, mix thoroughly, or understand proper concentrations (typically 2-10%), you risk irritation, flushing, or stinging. Undissolved particles can also irritate skin. This is NOT a beginner-friendly product.
Supporting ingredients: It’s just niacinamide powder with silica to prevent clumping, nothing else. Your results will depend on your base product, whether that's a hyaluronic acid serum, peptide formula, or plain moisturizer.