Versus

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum Versus COSRX AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream

Serum
Facial Treatment
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on August 23, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens 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.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

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

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

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
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.

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

When to use

776 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
92% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
50 Routines
30% use in am
70% use in pm
76% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum 15 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 12 ratings
Irritating (5) No Scent (5) Doesn't Work (3)
glittertimes's avatar

Ryan 🩷

8 months ago
Review

warning!!! this can be SO irritating *if you use it wrong*

do not use with
-ahas
-bhas
-vit c
-other niacinamide products
-start on dry skin first as wet skin absorbs more

tip: sandwich it. i put a little centella ampoule before and after this serum to prevent irritation. if used properly, this serum is a life changer! i struggle with closed comedones and acne scars and this helped Show more

#irritating
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well
ChienYun_CY's avatar

Chien Yun Ang

1 year ago
Review

HG acne scar serum
Initially, this serum had helped fade away most of my old acne scars. After while, I thought it didn't do anything more for my new acne growth. So I ditched this serum for about 3 months and tried other new niacinamide products. I REGRET it. Soon after, I got more and more whiteheads and acne. My skin texture becomes uneven and dry. The new acne scars couldn't fade away at all. Show more

COSRX AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream 24 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Broke Me Out (1) Doesn't Work (1) Great Value (1)
Justmia's avatar

Mia 🤍

8 months ago
Review

Doesn't do much and it broke me out also I don't get the texture of this for a spot treatment

#broke me out
#doesn't work
jz3's avatar

J Z

1 month ago
Review

Initially I didn't like this but it was because the directions were not very clear to me. Even here on Skinsort it would line it up in the middle of the routine. Probably my fault in not using it right but now, I lather on a thick layer on any blemish or even on dark spots left from older acne before going to bed as the very last step. In the morning the blemishes are either gone or very much Show more

#great value
#no scent
#works well