Versus

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Hydrating Serum

Serum
Serum
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on August 23, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and reducing pores

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Key Ingredients

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.

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.

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

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

When to use

745 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
10 Routines
30% use in am
70% use in pm
100% use every day

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 🩷

7 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

e.l.f. cosmetics Hydrating Serum 21 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
Great Value (1) Light (1) No Scent (1)
Halla.Durno's avatar

Halla Durno

5 months ago
Review

Not hydrating enough for my skin. Was a really good price and didnt iritate my skin, but I have very dry skin and it just wasnt enough. My sister thinks it's alright tho :)

#great value
#light
#no scent