This $6 brightening serum is my secret weapon for keeping redness, dull skin, and wrinkles at bay

• The Ordinary is known for making affordable, science-backed skincare formulas that actually work.
• This $6 serum features niacinamide, a skin-brightening ingredient proven to reduce redness, inflammation, and wrinkles. It can even help reduce hyperpigmentation from blemishes, and it's safe on sensitive skin.
• I personally love this product so much that I've given it as gifts to multiple friends and relatives.

When I turned 30 a few years back, it was as if my skin (and body) knew it was time to give up and give in to the aging process.

I went from a relatively bright, line-free face to being large-pored, dull, and on the edge of permanent crow's feet. During that time, I was also testing hundreds of grooming products as a men's lifestyle editor, which led to a series of adult acne outbreaks worse than any I had encountered in my life before. This was followed by a very honest conversation with a wonderful dermatologist and a six-month course of treatment on accutane. Thankfully, the powerful drug eliminated my adult acne entirely, but also left me with several spots of post-pimple hyperpigmentation, most noticeably at the top of my cheekbones.

Wanting to find a way to brighten my skin in general, shrink my pores, and lighten my newly developed brown spots, I started researching skincare ingredients that were scientifically proven to effectively manage all my sensitive skin's issues. That's when I discovered one ingredient that could do it all: niacinamide.

My go-to product that contains this miracle ingredient is The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, which happens to cost just $6.

What is niacinamide and how does it work?

Niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) is a topical form of niacin or vitamin B3 that's often used in the treatment of rosacea or redness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

According to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, it "...has the potential to act as an antioxidant, can improve epidermal barrier function, decrease skin hyperpigmentation, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, decrease redness/blotchiness, decrease skin yellowness (sallowness), and improve skin elasticity." And, while the exact mechanism for how niacinamide performs all of these functions isn't 100% clear, the scientific evidence and double-blind trials back up multiple cosmetic brand statements about the effectiveness of the ingredient.

To get to the bottom of how and why this serum works so well, I spoke with Board Certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. "Niacinamide is a great skincare ingredient because it is safe for all skin types, even aging, dry, and sensitive skin," she said. Check, check, and check. "Niacinamide nourishes and calms redness and inflammation with no side effects. It has similar effects of retinol by strengthening the skin barrier, [and] fortifies [skin] from the get-go without sensitivity or irritation. It also acts as an antioxidant by limiting free radical damage."

That's a lot to unpack, but Dr. Engelman's point is that for all-over anti-aging, skin-brightening, and inflammation-reducing power, turn to niacinamide. It's basically a sensitive-skin alternative to retinol and retinoids, which are known to have harsh initial side effects like extreme dryness, irritation, and redness.

Dr. Engelman also notes that you want to get your niacinamide in a serum form, rather than a lotion to ensure better and more thorough absorption.

My experience using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum

I've been using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum twice a day for nearly a year and have seen vast improvements in the dullness and sallowness of my skin, a significant reduction of redness (I have extremely sensitive skin that irritates easily), less oily pores, fewer noticeable lines around my eyes, and a very slight reduction in hyperpigmentation.

The texture of the serum itself is super lightweight, and it dries almost instantly. You'll want to use it after cleansing and toning but before you layer on any other serums or moisturizers. To use it, be sure to apply the product with the dropper directly on your face. Because it absorbs so quickly, placing it in your hands and then onto your face is going to result in most of the serum absorbing into the skin on your hands and going to waste.

Those who use vitamin C products should avoid using this serum as niacinamide negatively impacts the integrity of vitamin C. However, niacinamide can be combined with retinol, and in fact, it may even help to prep your skin so you don't experience the discomfort usually associated with retinol.

Cons worth mentioning

Personally, it's hard to find fault with this inexpensive product. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum has successfully brightened my skin, reduced inflammation, and increased hydration. However, one area where the product fell short for me was in reducing hyperpigmentation. If that's what you're most hoping for, I'd suggest seeking out a more focused hyperpigmentation-reducing product like these.

Another point to note: I am a white male with extremely fair skin and so I can't speak to the effectiveness of the product on other skin types and colors. However, the science shows that niacinamide use involves little to no side effects in all skin types.

The bottom line

At under $10 for a bottle that lasts a long time, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum is a great addition to your cosmetics cabinet. I love it so much that I buy two bottles at once just to prevent any chance of running out. I've also given it as gifts to my mother, sister, friends, and other relatives who all also have seen positive experiences and results.

Alternatively, if you find this product doesn't satisfy your needs, you can try Glossier's very similar formulation (though it's often out of stock) or this almost-dupe from Paula's Choice.