Updated: March 2026
Niacinamide is often recommended for supporting the skin barrier, balancing oil, and calming visible redness. Two of the most talked-about niacinamide products are The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster.
At first glance, they look very similar. Both formulas contain 10% niacinamide. In practice, however, they are designed for different skin types and different routines.
This comparison looks beyond the percentage on the label and focuses on how each product feels on the skin, how it fits into a routine, and who it tends to suit best.
Jump to:
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
- So which one is better?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
What it’s designed for
This is often one of the first niacinamide products people try, thanks to its affordability and straightforward formulation. It is primarily designed to help manage oil and visible congestion, such as clogged-looking pores and uneven texture.
The formula combines a high concentration of niacinamide with zinc PCA, an ingredient commonly used to help regulate excess oil.
How it feels on the skin
The texture is a lightweight gel serum that spreads easily but can sometimes sit on the surface if layered too quickly. Because it’s not designed to provide much hydration, some skin types may experience tightness, especially if the skin barrier is already compromised.
It can also be more prone to pilling when combined with heavier creams or layered too quickly.
Who it tends to suit
This formula generally works best for:
- Oily or combination skin
- Skin that is relatively resilient
- Those looking to manage oil and congestion
Drier or more sensitive skin types may find it less comfortable, particularly without added hydration in the routine.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
What makes it different
Paula’s Choice takes a more flexible approach to the same concentration. This product can be used as a standalone serum or mixed into a moisturiser, allowing you to adjust how it feels and performs in your routine.
Supporting ingredients and formulation
Alongside 10% niacinamide, the formula includes ingredients that support hydration and skin comfort.
Humectants such as glycerin and butylene glycol help retain moisture, while ingredients like panthenol, beta-glucan, allantoin, and licorice root are commonly used to soothe the skin. Acetyl glucosamine is also included, often paired with niacinamide to support barrier function.
This combination makes the formula feel more buffered and less likely to cause irritation, despite the high concentration.
How it feels on the skin
The texture is a lightweight fluid rather than a gel, which tends to absorb more easily and layer more smoothly. Because it can be mixed into a moisturiser, it’s also easier to adjust for sensitive or reactive skin.
Who it tends to suit
This formula is often a better fit for:
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- Sensitive or reactive skin
- Those who prefer flexibility in how they use niacinamide
It is more expensive than The Ordinary, but the added formulation support can make it more comfortable for certain skin types.
So Which One Is Better?
There isn’t a universal winner. The better choice depends less on the percentage and more on how your skin responds to niacinamide, as well as what kind of support you want from the formula.
If your skin is oily, generally tolerant, and you’re looking to manage oil or congestion, The Ordinary is often a good fit.
If your skin is dry, sensitive, or prone to dehydration, Paula’s Choice is usually the more comfortable option.
Since both formulas use a higher concentration, tolerance plays an important role. Our guide on whether 10% niacinamide is too strong explains when this strength may be too much for certain skin types.
More From the Niacinamide Series
How to Use Niacinamide
Can Niacinamide Cause Breakouts?
Why Does Niacinamide Pill?
Is Niacinamide Drying?
