Side-by-side comparison

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Both serums contain Niacinamide, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.

1Shared hero active
CeraVe
Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)
SerumBudgetEvening only
Post-Acne MarksRough TextureCongestion

Encapsulated retinol with licorice and niacinamide, targeted at post-acne marks and uneven texture. The CeraVe ceramide base buffers irritation — a gentle entry retinol rather than a high-strength one.

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The Ordinary
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
SerumBudgetEvening only
OilinessAcneDark SpotsRough Texture

High-dose niacinamide serum targeting sebum regulation, visible pore appearance and post-acne marks. Water-based, fragrance-free, and compatible with almost every other active on the shelf — the default oil-control serum for combination and oily skin.

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The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both contain Niacinamide. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) adds Retinol and Licorice Root. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) is the better fit for post-acne marks and congestion; The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for oiliness, acne and dark spots. Both sit in the Budget price tier.

The overlap

What they share

This hero active appears in both formulas:

Niacinamide
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Glycerin~5–25%
  • Dimethicone~3–10%
  • Niacinamide~2–6%
  • Caprylic/Capric…~1.5–4%

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — top of the list

  • Aqua (Water)~50–80%
  • Niacinamide10%
  • Pentylene Glycol~3–10%
  • Zinc PCA1%
  • Dimethyl Isoso…~1.5–4%

● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.

At a glance

The specs

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
CategorySerumSerum
Price tierBudgetBudget
Best forPost-Acne Marks, Rough Texture, CongestionOiliness, Acne, Dark Spots
Usage notesEvening onlyEvening only
Shared hero activesNiacinamide
Questions

Common questions

Is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) or The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Niacinamide; CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) adds Retinol and Licorice Root.
What's the difference between the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)'s hero actives are Retinol, Niacinamide and Licorice Root. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%'s are Niacinamide.
Are the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Niacinamide, but CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)'s Retinol and Licorice Root aren't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% together?
Usually, yes. Apply the thinner texture first, then the thicker one, and patch-test when introducing anything new.
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1 shared hero active

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