Purging is not a diagnosis from timing alone
The Ordinary acknowledges reports of breakouts after its niacinamide-and-zinc serum and uncertainty around the concept of purging. That does not prove zinc is responsible or predict that continued use will improve the skin. Other ingredients, other new products and ordinary acne changes may complicate the picture. [1]
Do not ignore signs of irritation
The product directions advise rinsing off and stopping if irritation occurs, with medical advice as appropriate. Burning, itching or worsening redness should not be reframed as a required benefit. Patch testing may help identify intolerance but cannot guarantee that a full routine will suit every person. [2]
Oral and topical zinc are different exposures
Taking a zinc tablet does not reproduce a serum formulation. NIH describes recognized effects of zinc excess, but does not establish an expected acne-purging phase. If symptoms start after a supplement, review the full product and amount rather than escalating it. [3]
Use a simple timeline to guide review
Imagine someone starts a zinc serum and another acne product in the same week. Record both, pause the irritating nonessential product and seek advice if the problem persists. A dermatologist can distinguish acne needing treatment from another skin reaction; a social-media purge label cannot do that. [2][4]
| Observation | Response |
|---|---|
| Several new products | Record each and its start date |
| Burning or irritation | Stop irritating product and review |
| Persistent acne | Consider established acne care |
| Claim that worsening is necessary | Do not assume this proves benefit |
Sources for this article
- Product Spotlight: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | The Ordinary
Source consulted: 2026-09-21. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product. - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum | The Ordinary
Source consulted: 2026-09-21. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product. - Zinc - Health Professional Fact Sheet
Source consulted: 2026-09-21. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product. - Acne: Diagnosis and treatment
Source consulted: 2026-09-21. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product.