SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: what the experts say

Across independent expert reviews, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic earns a Guru Score of 77% from 34 experts, and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% earns 69% from 27. On the gurus' verdict SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic comes out ahead. Here is how the two compare, in the experts' own words.

77% Yay
Guru Score from 34 independent experts
Best for matureLuxuryDrops
Read the full verdict →
69% Mixed
Guru Score from 27 independent experts
Best for oilyBest for acne-proneBudgetDrops
Read the full verdict →

Which scores higher with the experts?

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic holds a Guru Score of 77%, ahead of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% at 69%. The first draws on 34 independent expert reviews, the second on 27. On the experts' own numbers that puts C E Ferulic in Yay territory and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in Mixed.

What do the experts say about C E Ferulic?

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic carries a Guru Score of 77% from 34 independent experts. Backed by clinical studies, this serum pairs 15% L-ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E, and gurus credit that science for its results. Several say they have seen real results, and a few say it is one they often recommend to patients. The one thing to keep in mind: the strong acid can irritate many skins, and while some find the price worth it, others find it too high.

What do the experts say about Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% carries a Guru Score of 69% from 27 independent experts. The 10% strength is what divides these gurus. Many praise it for taming shine and oil in oily, acne-prone skin, and one says the zinc helps in hot weather, while several call it an affordable pick at about $10. However, several say that same strength has triggered redness and irritation, so those with really sensitive skin may want to look for niacinamide at a lower concentration.

Which should you choose?

On the experts' scores SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic comes out ahead, 77% to 69%, a gap of 8 points. It has 34 experts behind it against 27 for The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. C E Ferulic is most often recommended for mature skin, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for oily and acne-prone. Both are independently verified on the Guru Index, so either is a sound pick; let the use case and your budget settle it.

Common questions

Which has the higher Guru Score, C E Ferulic or Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic does, with a Guru Score of 77% from 34 experts. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% sits at 69% from 27 experts.

How many experts reviewed each product?

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic has 34 independent expert reviews on the Guru Index; The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% has 27.

Are these scores based on sponsored reviews?

No. Both products are independently verified, so the Guru Score reflects the experts' own verdicts rather than paid placements.

What is each product best for?

C E Ferulic is most often recommended for mature skin. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is most often recommended for oily and acne-prone skin.

Keep comparing: build your own side by side or browse all reviewed products.