Beauty dupe · India
The Best Dupe for The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc in India
By Bikram Nath · Updated 2026-08-10 · How we pick · Affiliate links earn a small commission
Same key actives
Want The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for less? Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Serum with Zinc (Minimalist) is the affordable Indian pick with the same key actives.
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The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the serum that made niacinamide famous, but it is imported and often sits at a premium on Amazon India. If you want the same core formula — 10% niacinamide paired with zinc for oil control and blemish-prone skin — the Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Serum with Zinc is the most-reviewed Indian-made alternative built on the same two key actives.
The sought-after pick
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
Check price on Amazon →
Why Minimalist is a real dupe
Both serums are built on the same primary active at the same strength — 10% niacinamide — paired with zinc to help regulate sebum and calm blemish-prone skin. Minimalist uses Zinc PCA, a well-tolerated zinc salt, while The Ordinary lists 1% zinc. For the job most buyers want niacinamide for (oil control, visible pores, post-acne marks, barrier support), the Minimalist serum delivers the same active at the same concentration, formulated for Indian skin and climate.
Side by side
| Spec | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum | Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Serum with Zinc |
|---|---|---|
| Key actives | 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc | 10% Niacinamide + Zinc PCA |
| Volume | 30 ml | 30 ml |
| Skin type | Oily, blemish-prone | Oily, acne-prone |
| Fragrance | Free | Free |
| Made in | Imported (global brand) | India |
Where they differ
- Zinc: both use zinc PCA to help regulate sebum; The Ordinary lists it at 1%, while Minimalist doesn't state an exact percentage.
- The Ordinary is a globally recognised cult brand; Minimalist is India's most-reviewed niacinamide, formulated and sold domestically.
- Texture and finish can feel slightly different between the two; niacinamide itself is the same active in both.
The verdict
If you specifically want the cachet of the original, buy The Ordinary. If you want the same 10% niacinamide + zinc formula at an India-friendly price with the strongest local review base, the Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Serum with Zinc is the dupe to reach for. Patch test either, use it at night, and always pair with sunscreen in the morning.
Common questions
Is Minimalist niacinamide the same as The Ordinary?
They are not identical formulas, but both are built on the same key actives — 10% niacinamide plus zinc for oil control and blemish-prone skin — so Minimalist works as a close, India-made alternative to The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc.
Which niacinamide serum is best for oily skin in India?
A 10% niacinamide serum paired with zinc suits oily, acne-prone Indian skin because zinc helps regulate sebum. Both Minimalist 10% Niacinamide + Zinc and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc fit this brief.
Can I use a niacinamide dupe every day?
Yes. A 10% niacinamide serum can be used once daily, typically at night, on clean skin before moisturiser. Introduce it gradually if your skin is sensitive, and patch test first.
Why is The Ordinary more expensive in India?
The Ordinary is imported, so its India price includes import and distribution costs. Indian-made serums like Minimalist offer the same key active at a lower local price.