Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) versus The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on July 24, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Prescription
Prescription skincare treatments. The ingredients in these product are prescription strength and considered medication. In many countries, these must be prescribed by a certified professional.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Price
Ingredient Info
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) 27 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/alcohol-570e74c59474da248f6d42a24d6ee0930b01af9a.png)
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/silicon-8991c4780a9d5297394a0647dbfa6440450088c8.png)
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/fragrance-71a1331fb3626f191c84a187e20119a26d035b27.png)
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/sulfate-b3d754d88794990a8a0a7a1160d4d387950f3fa4.png)
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/paraben-ec692662af454494635203f92aecc77d9068f3eb.png)
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/oil-1f40a632c86d0e92fb015d48a7a336f766d68120.png)
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/fungal-c59dd3d9174b5b4e51dc9555a5a78131523603b8.png)
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/reef-c53c4638fc0ebe0e1885445148f90c590fe4ddfb.png)
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/allergen-829096705c31ca3fd4e51eb28898a5059278cf9a.png)
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/vegan-a11526c600c53d2cc1aab377e2c33c257f4d7912.png)
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/cruelty_free-75cb09274743a9337e335a89b9cf97e0b11d759c.png)
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/alcohol-570e74c59474da248f6d42a24d6ee0930b01af9a.png)
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/silicon-8991c4780a9d5297394a0647dbfa6440450088c8.png)
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/fragrance-71a1331fb3626f191c84a187e20119a26d035b27.png)
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/sulfate-b3d754d88794990a8a0a7a1160d4d387950f3fa4.png)
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/paraben-ec692662af454494635203f92aecc77d9068f3eb.png)
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/oil-1f40a632c86d0e92fb015d48a7a336f766d68120.png)
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/fungal-c59dd3d9174b5b4e51dc9555a5a78131523603b8.png)
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/reef-c53c4638fc0ebe0e1885445148f90c590fe4ddfb.png)
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/allergen-829096705c31ca3fd4e51eb28898a5059278cf9a.png)
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/vegan-a11526c600c53d2cc1aab377e2c33c257f4d7912.png)
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/cruelty_free-75cb09274743a9337e335a89b9cf97e0b11d759c.png)
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) 27 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
![Retinoid Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/retinoid-2e405c0e78f442344845fd261c7763f8a0d3124b.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Vitamin E Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/vitamin_e-40abad6739e08c1f541f788d5f3fee63504df85c.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Niacinamide Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/niacinamide-113f609fd0cc6ada1d572dd876c6f22cfe14b6e4.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Ceramides Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/ceramide-ebd4e3cf765c1d7ae3d9e5b6d472e88892b90645.webp)
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
![Hyaluronic Acid Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/ha-bfa903367cbb71124b1b0e10504d7d80fe1bfaa8.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
![Hydrating Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_dry-3350eaa9bee4efa62816d588f3e9ca466e4b5dfc.webp)
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
![Good For Oily Skin Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_oil-928a01703c56d31340db716b94452ce9a7c5e2f9.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Redness Reducing Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_redness-e640b2fcf0e31f75f6ea7438bbe5b1b449cf8b40.webp)
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
![Reduces Irritation Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_irritation-45f6d8ebe70241e8316f431011d7649f8450d430.webp)
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
![Reduces Large Pores Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_pores-582a0ebbad24efba0421438bafc01734109a183c.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Anti-Aging Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_aging-a67fb6f5efc36c794875e3fffd21f633b949a70e.webp)
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
![Dark Spots Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_spots-e2b9e75f1d64fe967fda381bd7ee542269f75b6d.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Acne Fighting Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_acne-eb2090a9f9985b8bf0b1da5d3f3ec063c2b0dfa9.webp)
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
![Brightening Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_brightening-93a4edcae1f04d230adb4ea5b849cc8ae83cf19c.webp)
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
![Irritating Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/worst_irritation-ced340f793512892023ca3355ec2c1fa01ed15c7.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Rosacea Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/worst_rosacea-9c356e7e29451622b0712fca7b559482cf4911d2.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Eczema Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/worst_eczema-c418f57958471f3d88074f6d4e7387f6ebe866c6.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
![Niacinamide Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/niacinamide-113f609fd0cc6ada1d572dd876c6f22cfe14b6e4.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
![Good For Oily Skin Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_oil-928a01703c56d31340db716b94452ce9a7c5e2f9.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Redness Reducing Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_redness-e640b2fcf0e31f75f6ea7438bbe5b1b449cf8b40.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Reduces Large Pores Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_pores-582a0ebbad24efba0421438bafc01734109a183c.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Dark Spots Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_spots-e2b9e75f1d64fe967fda381bd7ee542269f75b6d.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Scar Healing Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_scars-b08bc47065bd2c9ddd0fb585df69524b8b019d77.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
![Acne Fighting Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_acne-eb2090a9f9985b8bf0b1da5d3f3ec063c2b0dfa9.webp)
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
![Brightening Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/best_brightening-93a4edcae1f04d230adb4ea5b849cc8ae83cf19c.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
![Irritating Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/worst_irritation-ced340f793512892023ca3355ec2c1fa01ed15c7.webp)
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) 27 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Tretinoin 0.02% • Niacinamide 4% • Water • Propylene Glycol • Glycerin • Panthenol • Cetyl Alcohol • Glyceryl Stearate • Isohexadecane • Isododecane • C13-15 Alkane • Dimethicone • Propanediol • Polyacrylate-13 • Polyisobutene • Polysorbate 20 • Polyurethane-39 • Phenoxyethanol 0.6% • Tocopheryl Acetate • Ceramide AP • Ceramide NP • Phytosphingosine • Cholesterol • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Xanthan Gum • Carbomer • Sodium Hyaluronate
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
![Niacinamide Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/thumbnail/niacinamide-8bf48f77774b6f2003447bf7ff95c686c0a0d2a0.webp)
![Good for Oily Skin Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/thumbnail/best_oil-a54a2071f7ac2630f39b0a77f3bd22805d9c0248.webp)
![Helps reduce Skin Redness Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/thumbnail/best_redness-632402f9b7e33ef5225245b6aa221f8bbd5e584c.webp)
![Good for Minimizing Pores Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/thumbnail/best_pores-079617e069cc69573239ce75f81015405a1e9bfe.webp)
![Good for Dark Spots Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/thumbnail/best_spots-ffbbc88d5b43fe2fc73e9bbce196593070fe0930.webp)
![Helps fight Acne Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/thumbnail/best_acne-babce26425e64607b98a9adf06414912f6e9f9d3.webp)
![Helps brighten skin Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/thumbnail/best_brightening-b64b284c11031bb8dbc59136a6d94d30f6733949.webp)
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 2.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% contains this as ingredient number 2.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 3.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% contains this as ingredient number 1.
![Preservative Icon](https://skinsort.com/assets/icons/thumbnail/preservative-26f6aa8c8ec197717e8a769f80fa3f601d3c839d.webp)
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 18.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% contains this as ingredient number 10.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumDermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) contains this as ingredient number 26.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% contains this as ingredient number 7.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) 27 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) 27 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%) 27 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Clover
Gotta give credit where credit is due
WOW… lot of people ganging up on this incredibly affordable/popular serum. I understand the criticisms, but...
Gotta give credit where credit is due
WOW… lot of people ganging up on this incredibly affordable/popular serum. I understand the criticisms, but personally I don’t believe the intensity is warranted. For so many people this was the start of their skincare journey; it certainly was mine! And because I had never used ingredients like niacinamide or zinc on my face before, of course I noticed an incredible improvement in regards to my acne and skin tone evenness. This is a good serum to start with. No, you don’t need 10% strength (2%-5% works well) and for some that 10% can be irritating. However most people can handle 10% just fine so it’s not something many need worry about. The formulation isn’t elegant and sometimes it gets frothy or pills when you try to rub this in— BUT this is $6! You can’t really beat The Ordinary’s prices, and for some people $6 is all they can afford to spend on skincare so this is a good affordable option.
If you already have effective products with niacinamide in your routine, you do not need to add this in because it won’t really do anything for you. But if you’re just washing your face with something like dish soap then of course this will make an incredible difference. You’ll probably move on from it eventually, but it’s an effective place to start. Wishing everyone the best on their skincare journey. <3
AshN.
(Tried Jan 2021) This was actually the product that made me realize that my skin does not mix with Niacinamide (especially at high concentrations...
(Tried Jan 2021) This was actually the product that made me realize that my skin does not mix with Niacinamide (especially at high concentrations because I can usually tolerate it at %4/less or when it isn't a primary ingredient). I tested it on my wrist and a small patch on my cheek to check, and I had hives in both areas. I wouldn't want to give this a poor rating solely on the account of my allergic reaction as I'm sure it works for many others.
Alternatives
We haven't detected any alternatives for Dermatica Custom Formula (Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%).
Our Dupe Finder has found 9 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
See 9 alternatives