Minimalist Tranexamic 03% Versus The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Minimalist Tranexamic 03% 20 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Minimalist Tranexamic 03% 20 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningHydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Mandelic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Pentylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
As a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide helps dissolve other ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of an ingredient. It may also be used to decrease the thickness of a product.
Studies show dimethyl isosorbide is able to penetrate skin to deliver other ingredients into the skin, making them more effective.
Learn more about Dimethyl IsosorbideEthoxydiglycol is a synthetic solvent.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Ethoxydiglycol also helps deliver other key ingredients into the skin.
Learn more about EthoxydiglycolPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolXanthan 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 GumPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Minimalist Tranexamic 03% 20 ingredients
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Minimalist Tranexamic 03% 20 ingredients
I've heard such great things about tranxemic acid. I wanted to use something to help get rid of PIH. This caused a huge FA flare up. Tranxemic Acid is derived from an amino acid - Lysine.
When amino acids are in the presence of lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters etc.) they can enhance the growth of malassezia. Since we naturally have fats and oils on our skin, amino acids can be Show more
I've been using this for years- on and off. Using it as an overnight serum gives me glowy, soft skin the next day. Dark spots fade much quicker while I'm on this! I try to use it atleast 3-4x a week. Works better than most brightening serums I use, and doesn't irritate my sebderm!
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
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 Show more
(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 Show more
