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Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum
Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum
Serum
South Korean Brand South Korea
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
ph level
7.87

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
No.3 Skin Softening Serum
Bifida Ferment Lysate Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin

Bifida Ferment Lysate is derived from the fermentation of Bifida bacteria (often with dairy). It is a probiotic and helps to strengthen our skin's microbiome.

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (GFF) is a yeast traditionally used to make the Japanese alcoholic beverage, sake.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Methyl Gluceth-20 Humectant, Moisturising

Methyl Gluceth-20 is a humectant. Humectants help draw moisture from the air to your skin.

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide  •  6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Peg-90 Humectant, Solvent
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Peg-90 isn't fungal acne safe.

Disliked Full details ->
1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Squalane Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0
Helps hydrate Dry Skin

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Alteromonas Ferment Extract Skin Conditioning

Alteromonas Ferment Extract is derived from a bacteria from in deep sea water.

Silk Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Silk Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Goat Milk Extract

We don't have a description for Goat Milk Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Helps reduce irritation

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Adenosine Skin Conditioning
2 Benefits

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Glycereth-26 Humectant
0 / 0

Glycereth-26 is a synthetic ingredient and polyethylene glycol ether of Glycerin. Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin and helps keep your skin moisturized.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Glyceryl Stearate Se Emulsifying
3 / 2
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Glyceryl Stearate Se is a self-emulsifying (SE) form of glyceryl stearate. Self-emusifying means this ingredient automatically blends with water. It is an emulsifier, emollient, and cleansing agent.

3 Com. / 2 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is a citric acid ester of glyceryl stearate.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is created from the diester of stearic acid and the condensation product of methylglucose and Polyglycerin-3.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Tromethamine Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Tropolone Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Tropolone.

Unknown Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin
Oryza Sativa Bran Water Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance

Oryza Sativa Bran Water comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Dipropylene Glycol Masking, Solvent

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Disliked Full details ->
Alpha-Arbutin Antioxidant, Bleaching, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant  •  2 Benefits

Alpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.

Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide  •  6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Methyl Gluceth-20 Humectant, Moisturising

Methyl Gluceth-20 is a humectant. Humectants help draw moisture from the air to your skin.

Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Helps reduce irritation

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Polyglycerin-3 Humectant

Polyglycerin-3 is a 3-unit glycerin polymer.

Trehalose Humectant, Moisturising

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

Glyceryl Glucoside Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Glyceryl Glucoside is made from glycerol and glucose.

Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters isn't fungal acne safe.

Disliked Full details ->
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate

We don't have a description for 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate.

Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Hydroxyethylcellulose Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising

Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.

Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Emulsion Stabilising

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Arginine Masking, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Coptis Japonica Root Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Coptis Japonica Root Extract.

Sorbitan Isostearate Emulsifying
1-2 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.

1-2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Glucose Humectant

Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms. In skincare, glucose is used to hydrate the skin. It also acts as a prebiotic for our natural biome.

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

You might know this plant as Job's Tears or Chinese pearl barley. It is a grain native to Southeast Asia.

Glycine Soja Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

Glycine Soja Seed Extract comes from the seed of the wild soybean plant. Wild soybean extract contains fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, linolenic), vitamin E, and antioxidants.

Hordeum Distichon Extract Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Hordeum Distichon Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Oryza Sativa Extract Absorbent, Skin Conditioning
2 Benefits

Oryza Sativa Extract comes from the rice grain, Oryza sativa. Rice extract has wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.

Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing

We don't have a description for Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Triticum Vulgare Seed Extract Buffering, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Triticum Vulgare Seed Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Vigna Radiata Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

Vigna Radiata Seed Extract comes from the mung bean. Mung beans are an edible legume from Asia. It is commonly used in Asian desserts.

Unknown Full details ->
Zea Mays Kernel Extract

We don't have a description for Zea Mays Kernel Extract.

Unknown Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Humectant, Moisturising
Liked

Methyl Gluceth-20 is a humectant. Humectants help draw moisture from the air to your skin.

It is created by combining polyethylene glycol with glucose.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Smoothing
Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Skin Conditioning
Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum
Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

No.3 Skin Softening Serum
12
5
8
3
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin
13
7
7
5
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

1,131 Routines
42% use in am
58% use in pm
93% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
881 Routines
49% use in am
51% use in pm
93% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum 28 ingredients

4.1 /5
from 18 ratings
Works Well (3) Light (3) No Scent (2) Absorbs Well (2) Broke Me Out (2) Sticky (1)
cgi's avatar

cgi

4 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

numbuzin has become one of my favorite brands along with cosrx. this is one of the two serums i own from them, this and the no.5 goodbye blemish...

numbuzin has become one of my favorite brands along with cosrx. this is one of the two serums i own from them, this and the no.5 goodbye blemish serum.
i've only been using this since march of last year and it has been a game-changer ever since. i feel a bit dramatic when i say this, but i genuinely have seen a big difference in my skin using this compared to any other serum i've ever used. it blended in with my routine sooo unbelievably well. i don't know what type of witchcraft or sorcery is in this, but this product is a blessing and it's money VERY well-spent. beautiful bottle, it's like glass or something. it's a bit expensive, but you get so much product that'll last you way longer than a year. like i've had this since MARCH, and i still have over half the bottle left even though i use 3 drops every single night religiously.
it's hydrating, makes my skin very smooth (as it should), and has gone above and beyond in improving my skin texture. it miraculously decreased so many of the little bumps i get. it also absorbs very well under my base, literally just cleared my skin and boosted the glass skin look. i love this serum please buy it.

anniec's avatar

anniec

4 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

I had small bumps everywhere and my skin is quite sensitive but this worked very well. It made my skin almost completely smooth. The only thing it...

I had small bumps everywhere and my skin is quite sensitive but this worked very well. It made my skin almost completely smooth. The only thing it didn't fix was the stubborn closed comedones on my jaw and chin which wont go away no matter what.

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin 32 ingredients

2.8 /5
from 5 ratings
Doesn't Work (1)
SamanthaTan_417's avatar

SamanthaTan_417

12 months ago · Normal Skin
Review

Fine, but not amazing
It was okay. No biggie, and definitely won't be buying this again.

Nothing wrong with it per se, I just didn't notice any...

Fine, but not amazing
It was okay. No biggie, and definitely won't be buying this again.

Nothing wrong with it per se, I just didn't notice any difference/improvement in my skin.

It has a really nice, light texture though, so application was always pleasant.

AnaG's avatar

AnaG

2 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

Nice texture, hydrating, good for sensitive skin. But I didn't see any improvements so I won't repurchase. This is very personal, this may work for...

Nice texture, hydrating, good for sensitive skin. But I didn't see any improvements so I won't repurchase. This is very personal, this may work for you.