10% Niacinamide + Zinc
10% Niacinamide + Zinc
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, power-packed serum with 10% Niacinamide and a multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid complex that combats dark spots, enlarged pores, inflammatory acne and free radicals. Enhanced with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Centella Asiatica for comprehensive brightening, hydration and barrier support.
Pore Minimizing
10% Niacinamide normalizes sebum production and visibly tightens enlarged pores for a smoother complexion.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPore Minimizing
10% Niacinamide normalizes sebum production and visibly tightens enlarged pores for a smoother complexion.
Brightening & Dark Spot Fading
Niacinamide + Acetyl Glucosamine work synergistically to regulate pigment-making cells and fade hyperpigmentation.
Multi-Weight HA Hydration
4 types of Hyaluronic Acid target different skin layers for deep, long-lasting hydration and plumping.
Antioxidant Defense
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) + botanical extracts protect against free radical damage and environmental stress.
Barrier Repair & Soothing
Panthenol and Centella Asiatica strengthen the skin barrier while calming irritation and redness.
Tropical Climate Optimized
Formulated in Malaysia for hot, humid climates. Non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula that won't add shine.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone and chemical sunscreen filters. All actives are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
No ferments, problematic fatty acids, esters or polysorbates. This formula does not feed Malassezia yeast.
Oil-free, non-comedogenic formula. No heavy oils, waxes or known pore-clogging ingredients.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, no essential oils. Soothing botanical extracts (Centella, Chamomile, Licorice) minimize irritation potential.
If you have a soy allergy, perform a patch test first. Topical soy is generally well-tolerated even by those with soy sensitivities.
Some sensitive skin types may experience mild flushing or tingling. If new to niacinamide, start with every-other-day use and build up tolerance.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide (Vitamin B3) 10%Proven
A multi-functional powerhouse that regulates sebum, minimizes pores, fades dark spots, strengthens the skin barrier and boosts overall radiance. One of the most well-researched actives in skincare.
- Study: 5% niacinamide significantly reduced hyperpigmentation and improved skin lightness after 8 weeks of use (Hakozaki et al., 2002).
- Study: 2% niacinamide reduced sebum excretion rate by 23% after 4 weeks (Draelos et al., 2006).
- Mechanism: Boosts NAD+ levels in skin cells, supporting barrier function, collagen production and cell repair.
Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Complex 4 TypesProven
A combination of Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate and Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate targeting different skin layers for comprehensive hydration.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Standard molecular weight HA for surface hydration and moisture retention.
- Crosspolymer: Creates a breathable hydrating film on the skin surface for long-lasting moisture.
- Acetylated HA: Enhanced skin penetration and superior water retention compared to regular HA.
- Hydrolyzed HA: Low molecular weight for deeper penetration and plumping from within.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP)Proven
A stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative that brightens skin, fights free radicals and helps heal acne blemishes. Gentler and more stable than pure L-Ascorbic Acid.
- Study: 5% SAP reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 48.82% after 8 weeks (Klock et al., 2005).
- Study: 1% SAP showed strong antimicrobial activity against P. acnes bacteria in vitro.
- Stability: Does not oxidize as quickly as L-Ascorbic Acid, maintaining potency longer in the formula.
Acetyl GlucosaminePromising
An amino sugar naturally found in the skin that boosts the body's own production of hyaluronic acid and enhances the brightening effects of niacinamide.
- Synergy: When combined with niacinamide, studies show enhanced reduction in hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Mechanism: Inhibits melanin synthesis by interfering with the glycosylation of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in pigment production.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)Proven
A humectant and skin-soothing pro-vitamin that attracts moisture, strengthens the skin barrier and promotes healthy lipid production for calm, hydrated skin.
- Comedogenicity: 0 — zero pore-clogging risk.
- Function: Converts to Pantothenic Acid (B5) in the skin, supporting wound healing and barrier repair.
Centella Asiatica ExtractProven
A legendary soothing botanical known for calming inflammation, promoting collagen synthesis and accelerating wound healing. A staple in Asian skincare.
- Key compounds: Contains madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid.
- Study: Promotes collagen type I synthesis and helps repair compromised skin barrier function.
30 ingredients
Water, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Xylitylglucoside, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether, Xylitol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM & PM. Apply after cleansing and toning, before heavier treatments and moisturizer. Always finish with SPF 30+ during the day.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with a clean face. Apply your toner to prep the skin and enhance absorption.
Dispense 2-3 Drops
Place 2-3 drops onto the palm of your hands. Add 1-2 more drops if applying to neck and chest.
Pat & Press into Skin
Gently pat and press the serum into your face using your palms. Avoid rubbing or dragging the skin.
Follow with Moisturizer & SPF
Lock in the serum with your moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or acne-prone skin looking to control sebum and clear breakouts
- You want to fade dark spots, PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or uneven skin tone
- You need a lightweight, non-greasy serum for a hot, humid climate
- You want multi-tasking hydration with anti-aging benefits
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive and need a safe brightening serum
- You suffer from fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe formula
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin and need a rich, occlusive treatment (this is lightweight)
- You are sensitive to niacinamide at higher concentrations (10%) — try a 5% formula first
- You prefer a mattifying formula with zinc (try the Ruruberry 10% Niacinamide + Zinc instead)
- You need a potent anti-aging serum with retinol or peptides as the primary focus
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, fast-absorbing formula regulates sebum production without adding shine. Ideal for tropical and humid climates.
Balances oily and dry zones effectively. Controls T-zone oil while HA complex hydrates drier cheek areas.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free and fungal acne safe. SAP provides antimicrobial action against acne-causing bacteria.
Multi-weight HA provides excellent hydration. May need a richer moisturizer on top for very dry skin types.
Fragrance-free with soothing botanicals. The 10% niacinamide may cause initial tingling — patch test first and build tolerance gradually.
HA complex plumps fine lines while niacinamide supports collagen production and improves elasticity over time.
Results timeline
WEEK 10-12Instant Hydration & Smoother Texture
Skin feels noticeably more hydrated and plumped from the multi-weight HA complex. Texture begins to smooth out and absorbs quickly without greasiness.
80% noticed improved hydrationReduced Oiliness & Smaller Pores
Sebum production begins to normalize. Pores appear visibly tighter and the overall complexion looks more balanced and refined.
65% noticed reduced oilinessVisible Brightening & Dark Spot Fading
Hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks begin to fade noticeably. Skin tone looks more even and radiant with improved clarity.
70% noticed brighter, more even skin toneStrengthened Barrier & Anti-Aging Benefits
Skin barrier is visibly stronger and more resilient. Fine lines appear softer and overall skin elasticity and firmness improve with continued use.
60% noticed improved skin firmnessRatings by platform
52+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Incredible value — potent multi-active formula at an affordable price point
- Fast-absorbing, non-sticky, lightweight texture perfect for humid climates
- Visible brightening and pore-minimizing results within weeks
- Safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding and fungal acne sufferers
- Comprehensive formula: Niacinamide + HA + Vitamin C + B5 + Centella in one serum
- Cruelty-free, vegan and fragrance-free — clean ingredient list
- Works well layered with other products without pilling
Criticized
- Only 30ml bottle size — runs out quickly with twice-daily use
- Limited availability outside of Malaysia and Southeast Asia
- 10% niacinamide may cause initial irritation for very sensitive skin
- No zinc in this variant — oilier skin may prefer the Niacinamide + Zinc version
- Dropper packaging could be less hygienic than an airless pump
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame 10% niacinamide concentration with added zinc for oil control. Simpler 11-ingredient formula lacks multi-weight HA, Vitamin C (SAP), Panthenol and botanical extracts found in Ruruberry.
10% niacinamide with glycerin and betaine for moisture. Less drying than The Ordinary but lacks the multi-weight HA complex, Vitamin C and Centella found in Ruruberry.
10% niacinamide plus 1% hyaluronic acid. Gentler formula but much simpler — lacks the 4-type HA complex, SAP, Panthenol and rich botanical blend of Ruruberry.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is not required but can extend freshness in tropical climates.
Glass dropper bottle (some newer batches include pump applicator)
Yes — 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this serum is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters. All active ingredients — niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and panthenol — are widely considered safe for use during pregnancy and nursing. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes, this serum is fungal acne safe. The formula contains no ferments, problematic fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. It has been verified as malassezia-safe by ingredient analysis databases including SkinSort. Niacinamide itself may also help manage fungal acne through its antimicrobial properties and ability to regulate sebum production.
Yes, niacinamide is highly compatible with most actives. It can be used alongside retinol (apply niacinamide first, then retinol), vitamin C (the serum already contains SAP, a stable vitamin C derivative), and AHAs/BHAs (use acids in PM, niacinamide in AM, or wait 15-20 minutes between applications). The old myth about niacinamide and vitamin C being incompatible has been debunked — the brand themselves confirm this.
This serum works well for all skin types but is especially excellent for oily, combination and acne-prone skin. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula controls sebum without adding greasiness. Dry and sensitive skin types will also benefit from the multi-weight HA complex, though they may want to layer a richer moisturizer on top. It was specifically formulated for hot, humid Southeast Asian climates.
Most users notice improved hydration and smoother texture within 1-2 weeks. Reduced oiliness and smaller-looking pores typically appear at 3-4 weeks. Visible brightening and dark spot fading usually takes 6-8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For full anti-aging and barrier-strengthening benefits, allow 10-12 weeks of continued use.
Apply after cleansing and toning, but before heavier serums, moisturizers and sunscreen. As a lightweight water-based serum, it should go early in your routine. Use it both morning and evening. In the morning, always finish with SPF 30 or higher. At night, follow with your moisturizer or sleeping mask.
No, this serum has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The formula is oil-free and contains no heavy waxes, coconut derivatives or other known pore-clogging ingredients. Niacinamide actually helps regulate sebum and minimize pore appearance. It is suitable for acne-prone skin and those concerned about congestion.
The serum has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. With twice-daily use of 2-3 drops, a 30ml bottle typically lasts approximately 2-3 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the serum changes color, develops an unusual odor or separates, discontinue use.
Verdict: Ruruberry 10% Niacinamide + HA punches well above its weight class. For a Malaysian-made serum at this price point, the formulation is remarkably comprehensive — 10% niacinamide paired with a 4-type hyaluronic acid complex, stable vitamin C (SAP), panthenol, acetyl glucosamine and a rich botanical blend including Centella Asiatica and Licorice Root. It delivers multi-tasking brightening, hydration, pore-refining and barrier support in a single lightweight step. The clean, pregnancy-safe and fungal-acne-safe formula makes it accessible to nearly everyone. The only drawbacks are the small 30ml size and limited availability outside Southeast Asia. If you can get your hands on it, this is one of the best-value niacinamide serums on the market.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Zinc PCA
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
|
|
| 0 |
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|





