This $6 serum delivers results and has thousands of fans

The beauty industry has a way of convincing us that better skin always costs more money, more steps and more patience than we actually have.

But The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum proves the opposite, sitting on shelves at a $6 price tag and with a reputation you can count on.

It’s the kind of product that makes you question why you ever paid triple digits for serums that promised the same results (even though some are worth it). However, The Ordinary proves that a simple, effective and refreshingly no-nonsense formula can earn cult status by keeping it simple.

The real magic of this serum lies in its ingredient lineup and how hard it works behind the scenes. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a multitasking favorite that skincare experts swear by. At a 10% concentration, it helps smooth uneven texture, brighten dull skin and strengthen the skin barrier so your face becomes more resilient over time.

Zinc PCA at 1% supports oil control and helps keep congestion in check, making this serum especially appealing if your skin swings between shiny, clogged or unpredictably breakout-prone.

Despite being powerful, the serum itself feels refreshingly light. It’s water-based, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind that sticky or greasy feeling that can ruin an otherwise good routine. This makes it incredibly easy to layer with other products, whether you’re a minimalist who just wants cleanser, serum and moisturizer or someone who loves a more involved lineup.

It works well both morning and night, slipping seamlessly under sunscreen during the day and richer creams in the evening.

One of the biggest reasons this serum has become such a staple is its versatility. I use it to help control oil throughout the day, soften the appearance of pores and support clearer skin over time. It’s equally as great for evening out the skin tone and giving the face a more balanced, healthy look.

Instead of targeting just one concern, it tackles several at once, which makes it feel like a smart, efficient choice rather than an extra step you don’t really need.

Then there’s the value, which is honestly hard to overstate. Products with similar concentrations of niacinamide often cost many times more, yet this serum delivers comparable results without asking you to rethink your budget.

For beginners, this serum is a low-risk way to introduce an active ingredient into a routine. For seasoned skincare lovers, it’s proof that not every effective product has to be expensive.

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.