Versus

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum Versus Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad

Serum
Toner
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on March 27, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

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

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

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.

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, 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
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 
Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine

When to use

1,833 Routines
43% use in am
57% use in pm
92% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,918 Routines
36% use in am
64% use in pm
77% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum 28 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 39 ratings
Works Well (12) Light (9) Absorbs Well (8)
cgi's avatar

cgi

1 year ago
Review

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

#expensive
#light
#no scent
#works well
anniec's avatar

anniec

1 year ago
Review

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.

#light
#absorbs well
#works well

Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad 22 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 48 ratings
Works Well (25) Hydrating (14) Light (13)
princessmelody2010's avatar

princessmelody2010

1 year ago
Review

If you have Acne struggles, this product is for you.. this product is too perfect! Works well with my combo skin!

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
anniec's avatar

anniec

1 year ago
Review

I've heard nothing but good things so I'm very confused about my reaction. It broke me out so bad (especially my chin) and it wasn't just an allergic reaction or over-exfoliation, I got big juicy pimples everywhere and I have no idea why.

#broke me out