Numbuzin No.3 Blue Bio-Retinol Pore Refining Serum Versus Cos De BAHA AC Azelaic Acid Hinokitiol Clear Skin
Updated on July 14, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA, niacinamide and retinoid
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, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Numbuzin No.3 Blue Bio-Retinol Pore Refining Serum 63 ingredients
Cos De BAHA AC Azelaic Acid Hinokitiol Clear Skin 12 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Numbuzin No.3 Blue Bio-Retinol Pore Refining Serum 63 ingredients
Cos De BAHA AC Azelaic Acid Hinokitiol Clear Skin 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide 10%
Smoothing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Althaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycereth-26
Humectant
C12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Calcium Chloride
AstringentSalicylic Acid
Masking
Gellan Gum
Honokiol
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingGlucose
Humectant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Panax Ginseng Adventitious Root Extracellular Vesicles
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentLecithin
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Centella Asiatica Callus Extracellular Vesicles
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Brassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Glycine
Buffering
Cholesterol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Emulsion StabilisingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Niacinamide 10%, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycereth-26, C12-14 Alketh-12, Polysorbate 20, Calcium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Gellan Gum, Honokiol, Panthenol, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Citrate, Glucose, Adenosine, Citric Acid, Panax Ginseng Adventitious Root Extracellular Vesicles, Dextrin, Lecithin, Silica, Centella Asiatica Callus Extracellular Vesicles, Ethylhexylglycerin, Retinol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Glycine, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Tocopherol, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Β
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 preservativesΒ
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
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.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, itβs still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Numbuzin No.3 Blue Bio-Retinol Pore Refining Serum 63 ingredients
Cos De BAHA AC Azelaic Acid Hinokitiol Clear Skin 12 ingredients
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Numbuzin No.3 Blue Bio-Retinol Pore Refining Serum 63 ingredients
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