COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil Versus Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum
Updated on August 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 1 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, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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.
Ingredient Info
COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 10 ingredients
Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum 28 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
COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 10 ingredients
Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Bifida Ferment Lysate 42%
Skin Conditioning
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate 21%
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
PEG-90
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin Conditioning
Silk Extract
Skin ConditioningGoat Milk Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTropolone
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Bifida Ferment Lysate 42%, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate 21%, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Water, Niacinamide, PEG-90, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Squalane, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Silk Extract, Goat Milk Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Adenosine, Glycereth-26, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Tropolone, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 10 ingredients
Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 10 ingredients
Bought this for my face but saw zero results. Now I'm using this for my uner eyes.
Broke me out
I have oily and acne prone skin and my face was on the road to recovery. I thought adding a retinol was a good idea and they marketed that this retinol oil is good for any skin type even though it is oily. It broke me out and gave me a scar within a week. It gave me an acne that was deep inside of my skin. I wouldnt recommend it to oily and acne prone skin people.
Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum 28 ingredients
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 Show more
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.
