The Element vs The Ordinary: 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc Compared
The Element and The Ordinary both make a 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc serum at the same core dose. The Ordinary is a minimalist, budget-friendly global option; The Element adds bakuchiol, moringa and tulsi and is formulated and dermatologist-tested for Indian skin and climate. The right pick depends on whether you want bare-minimum value or a fuller, climate-specific formula. Here's the honest comparison.
The core formula: same headline dose
Both serums are built around 10% niacinamide + 1% zinc — niacinamide to regulate oil and even tone, zinc to support oil control. On the primary actives, they're matched. The differences are in everything around those actives: supporting ingredients, texture, and who the formula is designed for.
Side-by-side
| The Element | The Ordinary | |
|---|---|---|
| Core dose | 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc | 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc |
| Added actives | Bakuchiol, Moringa, Tulsi | Minimalist (few extras) |
| Formulated for | Indian skin, humidity, hard water | Global, general |
| Texture feedback | Lightweight, microbiome-safe | Some users find it can feel sticky or pill |
| Position | Dermatologist-tested, fuller formula | Lowest-cost, bare-minimum |
Formulation differences that matter
The Ordinary's strength is its philosophy: a single active at a fair price, nothing extra. That's genuinely good value. The Element takes a fuller approach — the same correctly-dosed niacinamide and zinc, plus bakuchiol (a gentle retinol-alternative for texture and ageing), moringa and tulsi, and a formula tuned for the humidity, hard water and sun intensity Indian skin actually deals with. It's microbiome-safe and dermatologist-tested for acne-prone Indian skin.
Texture and experience
A common piece of feedback on The Ordinary's niacinamide is that, at 10%, it can occasionally feel slightly sticky or pill under other products for some users — not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing. The Element's serum is formulated to sit lightweight and absorb cleanly, which matters more in humid Indian weather.
Want 10% niacinamide + zinc, formulated for Indian skin?
The Element's 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc Brightening Serum adds bakuchiol, moringa & tulsi — dermatologist-tested, microbiome-safe.
See the Brightening Serum →Which should you choose?
- Choose The Ordinary if you want the lowest possible price and a strict single-active, minimalist routine.
- Choose The Element if you want the same core dose plus supporting actives, a lighter feel in humidity, and a formula built and tested for Indian skin.
Both are legitimate, correctly-dosed niacinamide serums. For deciding the right strength in the first place, see our pillar on the best niacinamide serum for Indian skin.
FAQ
Is The Element the same as The Ordinary niacinamide?
They share the same 10% niacinamide + 1% zinc core, but The Element adds bakuchiol, moringa and tulsi and is formulated for Indian skin.
Which niacinamide serum is better for Indian skin?
The Element is tuned for humidity, hard water and sun intensity with a lighter feel; The Ordinary is a solid minimalist budget option.
Does The Ordinary niacinamide pill?
Some users report slight stickiness or pilling at 10%; applying less and letting it absorb helps.
Is 10% niacinamide + 1% zinc a good combination?
Yes — it's a well-regarded dose for oily, acne-prone and pigmented skin.
