Looking at the Minimalist Niacinamide serum and thinking whether it a dupe for the Ordinary Niacinamide serum? Then check this special post out which is written by a Guest writer Ayesha Kharbe. She is sharing her experience with the serum and comparing it with the Ordinary Niacinamide too.
Hey, there I’m Ayesha,
So first let’s start with my skin type: I come from the Dry-Combo Skin Category and my T-zone gets slightly oily especially during the more humid seasons. Skin is prone to breakouts on the cheek area once in a while that does lead to some scarring and inflammation. I don’t have visible pores but I do get blackheads and whiteheads on the nose, chin, and around the nose.
Some Introduction:
Being a Skincare junkie always keeps you on the hunt for exciting and new products on the block. That’s why I am always scrolling through Social Media in hopes of finding something new and refreshing in the Skincare realm. Whether it’s the product’s ingredients list, the claims, or just the fact that a product has some eye-catching similarities to another popular or loved product.
Yes, we are talking about dupes! Skincare dupes have been a thing for a while now, and it’s always interesting to do a Face-off between similar products.
Recently, a brand called THE MINIMALIST caught my eye. People are finally feeling like they are getting a replacement for the infamous The Ordinary Skincare in India. Some also think that the brand is flat out copying the Ordinary and well even if it does seem so at least we can check out whether the formula works the same, better or worst.
Today, we are comparing Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1% Serum from these two brands.
Why is Niacinamide so loved all over the world?
If you’re new to the Skincare World, you might not know what Niacinamide is and why it’s worshipped by Skincare fiends across the globe?! So, let’s do some homework before we get into the spicy part of this post.
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 found in whole grains and certain greens. Synthetic forms of this ingredient are most often used in serums and moisturizers.
Niacinamide is a boon if you’re looking to treat blemishes, skin texture, and improve the skin barrier. It’s great for regulating the oil production on the skin which helps to reduce congestion of pores.
This is a well-researched Ingredient and is one of the most stable and safe, yet effective chemical to be used on the skin. It’s an absolute boon for repairing and soothing the skin.
My Experience with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Solution:
Before we head on to the Face-Off, let me give you a brief on what The Ordinary Niacinamide did for my skin. I had purchased it last year when I started noticing some texture on my cheeks. It was because of using harsh exfoliators and not taking care of my skin at all. I started with the Niacinamide Serum and in a nutshell, there was no going back after that. I could visibly see it treating the texture and making my pores look non-existent after using it consistently. The skin had gotten smoother too. I had finished one full bottle and purchased another one.
I was still loving it but by this time, my skin was introduced to acne. It wasn’t because of this product, just a phase where my skin went crazy and did its own thing. The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum did help me curb the breakouts but it wasn’t the complete cure. Just something I felt I should let you all know from my experience and research. Niacinamide is not the cure to your acne but it definitely helps in the healing process and overall blemish reduction.
You’ll know more about my experience with The Ordinary further in this post. For now, let’s put The Minimalist Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1 % Serum in the Spotlight!
For a detailed review on the Ordinary Niacinamide Serum:
About The Minimalist Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1 % Serum:
The Ingredients List:
Aloe Vera Juice, Niacinamide, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin
The Minimalist has kept it really simple yet effective with their power-packed formulation. A big plus is the serum has no added fragrances in the formula, yay!
Price:
This is one factor that made everyone talk about The Minimalist, how incredibly affordable it is. This Niacinamide Serum is priced only at 599/- which makes the deal so much sweeter!
Packaging:
Their old Packaging was a replica of The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum but afterward, they changed it and came up with their own version. Either way, The Minimalist’s packaging has always been super simple, just like the name.
The Niacinamide Serum is filled in a glass bottle that comes with a dropper and is super simple and convenient to use. The outer packaging is a plain black box with details of the product like MRP, Expiry and Manufacturing details, etc. It contains 30 ml of the serum which is a really nice quantity for the price.
Formula:
The Minimalist Niacinamide Serum is a smooth, slightly thick liquid. A little sticky to touch but gets absorbed instantly and doesn’t feel like anything on the skin. A little goes a long way with this one, one-two drops are enough for the whole face.
My Experience:
Started using the Minimalist Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum a month back. I was desperately trying to find The Ordinary one and I couldn’t find it in stock anywhere. Considered buying from other brands that have Niacinamide Serums too but nothing seemed like it was the right one. I just knew one thing, either I needed The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum or needed something exactly like it. Nothing met that criteria except when one day, I saw that there’s a new brand that has launched and everyone is talking about how it’s a replica of The Ordinary.
People had their own opinions about The Minimalist, all I could see was there was finally something that had made me feel like this is it! Without giving it a second thought, I purchased Minimalist’s Niacinamide Serum. After one month, I have clear thoughts on it.
What makes the Minimalist Niacinamide serum special?
To start off, I’ll just say this has worked for me better than The Ordinary. I am shocked and can’t believe what I am saying, but it’s true. This is an absolute delight. It has worked beautifully for my texture and the overall look of the skin is much smoother. My blackheads used to be much more visible earlier, now I can barely see them. I wasn’t expecting this to work on my blackheads but wow, I am delighted.
I think the Aloe Vera Juice in the formula in place of Water has really done it for me and taken this product one level up. Overall, this has really helped repair my skin. I used to get lots of whiteheads and bumps on my forehead but they are almost completely gone. I do get breakouts occasionally but they heal faster with this serum. The overall sebum production is remarkably reduced and my skin doesn’t feel as congested as it used to when I had stopped using Niacinamide after running out of my Ordinary one.
In a nutshell, I would say India has a solid win with this stunning Niacinamide Serum by The Minimalist. But then again it does depend on your skin type & preferences. You may not like it as much as I personally do.
The Face-Off:
The Ordinary Vs. The Minimalist Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
Price:
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum originally retails for just $7 (518/-) which is a superb price for such an amazing formula. But if you purchase it in India through Instagram stores or websites, it retails for anywhere around 1200-1800/- which is a very steep price if you look at the original cost of this Serum.
The Minimalist Niacinamide Serum retails for 599/-. Really happy that The Minimalist kept it so affordable even though the demand for this ingredient is so high and has a Cult Following all over the country.
Formula:
The Ordinary Niacinamide mainly has water which is why the formula is slightly less thick as compared to The Minimalist Niacinamide Serum which is has used Aloe Vera Juice as the first ingredient. Both the formulas are very comfortable on the skin and get absorbed quickly after a few seconds of application.
Some other similarities between the formulas are:
◾pH of 5.5-6.5
◾Fragrance-Free
◾Silicone Free
◾Paraben-Free
◾Oil-Free
One major difference that I could observe in these two brands, right after using The Minimalist Niacinamide Serum for the first time, was the application process. The Ordinary Niacinamide used to get slightly foamy on my face if I put too much or sometimes even when I used the right amount. Although it disappears in a few seconds once the product gets absorbed, it’s just something to be noted.
The Minimalist Niacinamide Serum, however, doesn’t do that. There is no soapy feel or foam after application. It’s just a smooth liquid that you pat into your skin and voila, it’s done.
Ingredients:
As mentioned earlier, The Ordinary has Aqua as its first Ingredient whereas The Minimalist is mainly Aloe Vera Juice. The rest of the ingredients list is pretty similar in both the brands with Niacinamide and Zinc as one of the top Ingredients.
Other common Ingredients are Dimethyl Isosorbide, Xanthan Gum, and Phenoxyethanol.
The Ingredients list is not completely identical and The Minimalist has definitely tried to create their own version of the Niacinamide serum.
Packaging:
In terms of Packaging, there is not much difference between the two brands. Both of these products come in a glass bottle which contains 30 ml of the serum. Both the serums have a dropper to help dispense the product which is super handy and useful.
The Ordinary has a White outer cardboard box with all the product details while The Minimalist has one in Black. Personally, I haven’t noticed any leakages in both the brands and the bottles are compact and easy to handle.
The packaging is however not very travel-friendly as both the brands have used glass bottles which can break easily. But, they’re more eco-friendly.
Skin Types:
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum and The Minimalist Niacinamide Serum are both suitable for all skin types, especially for Combination-Oily Skin. They are suitable to be used during the AM or PM.
Skin Benefits:
Both the serums claim to target blemishes, acne marks, and sebum regulation.
The Ordinary and The Minimalist, mention that the Niacinamide Serum is not a treatment for acne. During the time I was using these, I also noticed that these do not prevent or treat acne. They help in reducing the acne blemishes faster though and especially open pores.
Claims:
The Ordinary: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.
The Minimalist: The soothing aloe-based formula contains pure 10% Niacinamide (USP) that is clinically proven to promote protein synthesis, reduce melanin concentration & improve skin complexion in 2 weeks.
Directions of Use:
The Niacinamide serums can be used all over the face during the AM and PM. A patch test is recommended. They can be used under heavier creams and moisturizers too.
Caution: No matter what brand Niacinamide you use, it can cause purging if you are new to it. So please keep that in mind before using it. The purging should go away in 3 weeks or so. If you take a break from niacinamide and start it again after a few months the purging may or may not happen again totally depends on your skin type. But if breakouts or any kind of rash, redness continues after 3 weeks please stop using it. Some people especially dehydrated skin can have issues with Niacinamide so see what works for you.
So, which brand is the Winner in my opinion?
The Niacinamide Serum from both the brands, The Ordinary well as The Minimalist are great for blemished or textured skin and will work beautifully to combat the overall dullness and pigmentation on the face. I only trust Niacinamide when my skin is going through a bad phase and needs to repair and calm down.
For skin of color, Niacinamide is one of the best ingredients to be used on the skin.
After having used and loved the Niacinamide Serums from both the brands, I can say that they are both extremely similar in the way they perform and yes, The Minimalist is absolutely a spot-on dupe for The Ordinary.
The major point here is accessibility. If you’re from India, you no longer have to worry about going through the hassle and high cost of getting The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum. You can go ahead with The Minimalist Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum without any second thoughts. Now The Ordinary Products are available on Nykaa also at a really affordable price. CLICK HERE TO SHOP
The price point, accessibility, and overall performance experience have made me slightly more inclined towards The Minimalist! I am so glad that I will never have to worry about running out of my Niacinamide Serum now as The Minimalist is available easily at Amazon and also on their official website. They also have 5% Niacinamide serum with HA which makes it much better for people with sensitive skin.
All in all, I would say you can go with either of the two depending on the ease of purchasing. Give them a shot, you won’t regret it!
The Final Ratings:
The Ordinary Niacinamide– 4.2/5
(I personally buy Ordinary products from an Insta store name @crimson.luxe)
The Minimalist Niacinamide– 4.5/5
SHOP NOW on AMAZON
Particulars | The Ordinary Niacinamide | Minimalist Niacinamide |
Price: | 7$ (approx Rs 525/-) plus customs & shipping | Rs 599/- |
Formula: | Less thick but can foam up during application | Little thicker in consistency but doesn't foam while applying |
Ingredients: | Aqua is the 1st ingredient Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin | Aloe Vera is the 1st Ingredient Aloe Vera Juice, Niacinamide, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin |
Packaging: | 30 ml glass bottle with a dropper | Same 30 ml glass bottle with a dropper. The outer packaging was a direct copy of the ordinary at first now its changed a little bit. |
Skin Types: | All skin types | All skin types but combination to oily skin type will like it more |
Availability | At cult beauty & Insta Stores | offical website & Amazon |
My Ratings: | ||
Shop: |
Written by ➡ Ayesha Kharbe
Edited by ➡ Fatima (TheMerchantPost)
Looking for discounts & good deals while shopping or just want quick links to shop? Click here
follow me on Instagram: @themerchantpost
** The links I attached are affiliated.
*P.S: The products were bought & used by Ayesha herself. All opinions are her own. What worked for her may or may not work for you. A patch test is recommended.
“If you have come so far *XOXO*. 😘