The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Versus Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils or parabens
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
Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid 12 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
Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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 WaterPhenoxyethanol 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
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid 12 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
Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients
This is something that is consistently in my routine. I've been using this for over 10 years. I can't believe this still actually works. This is FA safe and helps with flare ups, especially when used in combination with a sulfur mask.
I like using this in the AM on non retinoid days as a short contact treatment. I find that if I leave it on all day my face becomes super dry. I leave it on for Show more
This was the Ride or Die, the absolute GOAT of affordable 2% BHAs before its reformulation at the end of 2019. The reformulation made the product far more sudsy and less effective. Previously it applied like water and left no trace behind, sinking in deeply and de-clogging congested skin like a champ. Now it bubbles a little while applying, and dries to form a visible film over the surface of the Show more
