The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Versus Ruruberry 10% Niacinamide + Zinc
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
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide
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, fragrances, 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
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Ruruberry 10% Niacinamide + Zinc 17 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Ruruberry 10% Niacinamide + Zinc 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingXylitylglucoside
HumectantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Glycerin
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Glucose
HumectantChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
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 WaterNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideZinc PCA (or "zinc salt") differs slightly from zinc itself. PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. However, Zinc PCA comes from zinc.
It can help reduce redness, regulate sebum, and promote the general healing process of the skin.
Zinc PCA tends to be especially useful for those with oily, acne-prone skin. It's certainly an ingredient worth trying out!
Learn more about Zinc PCAXanthan 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.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Ruruberry 10% Niacinamide + Zinc 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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
Ruruberry 10% Niacinamide + Zinc 17 ingredients
Swapped to this from the ordinary bcoz its 🍉-safe and i’ve been loving it! Helps with reducing my fungal acne and clearing up my skin
I actually used the 5% Niacinamide + Zinc but it's unavailable here.Itcontrols my oiliness and also help with brightening my acne scars which is a PAIN.Its also very gentle(for me)especially because I'm a beginner with Niacinamide
