Budget Niacinamide Serums: The Ordinary, The INKEY List and Geek & Gorgeous
An evidence-aware comparison of three niacinamide serums, with a repeatable value checklist instead of guessed discounts.
What we checked on the manufacturers' sites
The Ordinary publishes a 10% niacinamide plus zinc PCA formula and warns that ingredient lists can change by purchase location. The INKEY List describes a 10% niacinamide serum with hyaluronic acid and lists glycerin, squalane, allantoin and panthenol among its formula ingredients. Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb lists 10% niacinamide, zinc PCA and sarcosine and describes a thin gel texture. These are manufacturer statements, not independent head-to-head clinical tests.
Which difference matters most?
For shoppers who prefer zinc PCA as a supporting ingredient, The Ordinary and B-Bomb both list it. B-Bomb also lists sarcosine; The INKEY List instead emphasizes hydrating supporting ingredients. None is automatically superior: consider the complete INCI list, tolerance, your existing moisturizer and whether an extra serum is necessary.
Explore the evidence, sources & limitations ↓
An original value comparison you can repeat
Write down each product's actual Amazon checkout price, bottle size and shipping costs today. Calculate price per 10 ml as (total delivered price / volume in ml) × 10. For example, a fictional 30 ml serum costing €9 delivered is €3 per 10 ml. Do not mistake an illustrative calculation for a verified current deal.
Sources checked and limits
Official product pages reviewed: https://theordinary.com/fr-fr/niacinamide-10-zinc-1-serum-100436.html ; https://www.theinkeylist.com/products/niacinamide-serum ; https://geekandgorgeous.com/products/b-bomb . Brand descriptions establish what the brands say they sell, not proof that one option performs better than another. Verify the package for your country before buying.
Products covered
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%; The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum; Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb. These are examples for careful comparison, not a performance ranking.
What the official product information says
The Ordinary pairs 10% niacinamide with zinc PCA. The INKEY List lists 10% niacinamide with hyaluronic acid among its ingredients. Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb contains 10% niacinamide, zinc PCA and sarcosine and lists a 30 ml size.
What actually matters when choosing
These formulas overlap in their headline ingredient, but they are not interchangeable. Compare each complete INCI list, sensory preferences, stated size and regional checkout total.
Compare the real checkout cost
Check current price, bottle volume and shipping in your country. To compare prices fairly, calculate (price ÷ millilitres) × 10 for cost per 10 ml. Prices change, and a lower unit price does not guarantee a better product.
Who might prefer each option?
Compare whether you need a separate serum at all, then check complete ingredients, packaging, skin sensitivity and your existing routine. Patch-test according to manufacturer advice and stop if irritation occurs.
Official product sources and verification
Official product information: https://theordinary.com/fr-fr/niacinamide-10-zinc-1-serum-100436.html | https://www.theinkeylist.com/products/niacinamide-serum | https://geekandgorgeous.com/products/b-bomb. Sources describe marketed formulations; review packaging for the batch and market you buy. These links are editorial references, not affiliate endorsements.
Compare at a glance
| Product | Useful comparison point |
|---|---|
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | The Ordinary pairs 10% niacinamide with zinc PCA. |
| The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum | The INKEY List lists 10% niacinamide with hyaluronic acid among its ingredients. |
| Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb | Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb contains 10% niacinamide, zinc PCA and sarcosine and lists a 30 ml size. |
Frequently asked questions
Which product is better?
There is no universal winner. The best fit depends on your goals, the complete formula, tolerance and real delivered cost.
Are these current retail prices?
No live price comparison is provided. Verify current prices with each seller and compare cost per 10 ml.
Can a percentage or ingredient list prove results?
No. Formula, use, individual response and quality of evidence all matter.
Read how we compare products and about GHINÉVA. General educational content only; not medical or dermatological advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal skin or hair concerns.