Versus

Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb Versus Balea Niacinamide Serum

Serum
Serum
Hungarian Brand Hungary
German Brand Germany

Overview

What they are

These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 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, fragrances, 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.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb 11 ingredients

Balea Niacinamide Serum 16 ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb 11 ingredients

Balea Niacinamide Serum 16 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Key Ingredients

Benefits

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
Smoothing

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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Zinc PCA (or "zinc salt") differs slightly from zinc itself. PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. However, Zinc PCA comes from zinc.

It can help reduce redness, regulate sebum, and promote the general healing process of the skin.

Zinc PCA tends to be especially useful for those with oily, acne-prone skin. It's certainly an ingredient worth trying out!

Learn more about Zinc PCA
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.

Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.

Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.

Learn more about Pentylene Glycol
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
Skin Conditioning

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.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Ingredient Ratings

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

When to use

Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb 11 ingredients

Balea Niacinamide Serum 16 ingredients

183 Routines
42% use in am
58% use in pm
87% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
145 Routines
46% use in am
54% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Geek & Gorgeous B-Bomb 11 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 6 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Great Value (2) Works Well (2)
LizaZhytkova_501's avatar

LizaZhytkova_501

11 months ago
Review

Broke me out in a rash within 2 days, I think the 10% concentration is way too high for sensitive skin.

#broke me out
#irritating
FaaW._243's avatar

FaaW._243

1 year ago
Review

Better niacinamide serum than The Ordinary for me.

Balea Niacinamide Serum 16 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 4 ratings
Works Well (3) Great Value (2) Absorbs Well (2)
juliayip's avatar

Julia Yip

7 days ago
Review

Good inexpensive product

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well
viviensarahbehne's avatar

Vivien Sarah Behne

10 months ago
Review

Sorgt für ebenmäßige Haut und feine Poren. Nutze ich gerne

#hydrating
#sticky
#light scent
#works well