Versus

MEDI-PEEL Dr. Green Vitamin Ampoule Versus Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum

Ampoule
Serum
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on April 08, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 15 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

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, dark spots and better texture

Free From

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

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

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

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Dr. Green Vitamin Ampoule

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Isopentyldiol

Humectant

Glycereth-26

Humectant
0 / 0

Methyl Gluceth-20

Humectant

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Cetearyl Olivate

Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sorbitan Olivate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Ferulic Acid

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Prunus Mume Fruit Extract

Humectant

Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract

Emollient

Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract

Masking

Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cucumis Sativus Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Emollient
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Laminaria Japonica Extract

Skin Protecting

Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract

Humectant

Morus Alba Fruit Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Punica Granatum Fruit Extract

Antioxidant

Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract

Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces/Viscum Album Ferment Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract

Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract

Emollient

Illicium Verum Fruit Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Corallina Officinalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Masking

Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides

Absorbent

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer

Humectant

Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Simethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Ascorbic Acid

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Biotin

Antiseborrhoeic

Folic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Pyridoxine

Skin Conditioning

Cyanocobalamin

Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Linoleic Acid

Cleansing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Riboflavin

Cosmetic Colorant

Beta-Carotene

Skin Conditioning

Thiamine Hcl

Masking

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Isopentyldiol, Glycereth-26, Methyl Gluceth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Betaine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sorbitan Olivate, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Ferulic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Saccharomyces/Viscum Album Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Adenosine, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Simethicone, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, Tocopherol, Linoleic Acid, Riboflavin, Beta-Carotene, Thiamine Hcl, Caprylyl Glycol

No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Tranexamic Acid

Astringent
Good for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

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, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
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
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 
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
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.

Skin Conditioning

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.

D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.

Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):

Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.

This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.

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

This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.

Learn more about Panthenol
Skin Conditioning

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.

Holy Basil is rich in antioxidants due to its high romarinic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin content. This gives it skin brightening and soothing properties.

While Holy Basil has many claims to help fight acne, more research is needed.

One thing to note is the presence of tannins; tannins are naturally found in nature. However, this compound may be skin-sensitizing.

Learn more about Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Masking, Perfuming

Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.

Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.

Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.

The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. This property has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.

Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning

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

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.

This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Antioxidant, Buffering, Masking

Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.

Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.

Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.

Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!

Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.

Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.

The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.

Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.

Learn more about Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

When to use

2 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
914 Routines
66% use in am
34% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

MEDI-PEEL Dr. Green Vitamin Ampoule 70 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating

Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum 47 ingredients

3.4 /5
from 31 ratings
No Scent (14) Hydrating (12) Absorbs Well (11)
ThomasvV's avatar

Thomas VV

4 months ago
Review

This serum is one of the best all-round anti-oxidant and dark spot serums containing:
- vitamin c
- Glutathion!!
- 5% niacinamide
- Q10
- Alpha Arbutin
(Unfortunately they removed TXA)

Skin type: combi acne prone

This is not just a dark spot serum, its a perfect anti-oxidant serum in the morning. Glutathion is a killer ingredient and the concentration of Vit C is low.

My acne Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#no scent
Cheeks's avatar

Cheeks

7 months ago
Review

This is an okay serum for brightening. I have dry, eczema and rosacea skin and didn’t have any issues with breakouts or irritation BUT I didn’t see any big improvement either and used for about 3 months. I found that it left a slightly tacky feeling no matter how long I left between steps in my routine. No smells or fragrances so that was also a plus.

#great value
#sticky
#no scent
#doesn't work