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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum versus Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream .

Published on February 22, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 13 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, parabens or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum South Korean Brand South Korea
General Moisturizer South Korean Brand South Korea

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Price

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Buy No.3 Skin Softening Serum

Starts at $19.60
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Buy No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream

Starts at $18.90

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Retinoid
Vitamin C (6)
Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Peptides (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (6)
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (9)
Reduces Irritation (4)
Skin Texture (7)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (10)
Dark Spots (8)
Scar Healing (8)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (9)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit ExtractMethylpropanediolGlycerinCetyl EthylhexanoateCetearyl AlcoholPanthenolNiacinamideBetaineVinyl DimethiconeSqualaneCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride1,2-HexanediolMethyl TrimethiconeButyrospermum Parkii ButterPolymethylsilsesquioxanePropanediolMelia Azadirachta Flower ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractCurcuma Longa Root ExtractOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract Theobroma Cacao Seed ExtractCorallina Officinalis ExtractOlea Europaea Leaf ExtractPhaseolus Lunatus Seed ExtractCitrus Aurantium Dulcis OilHydrogenated LecithinCitrus Nobilis Peel OilLitsea Cubeba Fruit OilRosa Canina Fruit OilCamellia Sinensis Leaf WaterWaterGlyceryl LinolenateGlyceryl LinoleateTocopheryl AcetatePolyglyceryl-2 StearateIsononyl IsononanoateGlyceryl Stearate SeGlyceryl StearateBisabololHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerStearyl AlcoholAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerTromethamineXanthan Gum3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidBehenyl AlcoholAscorbyl TetraisopalmitateAdenosineDisodium EDTAButylene GlycolSorbitan IsostearateCholesterolHydroxydecyl UbiquinoneCyamopsis Tetragonoloba GumAgarDextrinCeramide NP7-DehydrocholesterolMagnesium MyristateMagnesium StearateSea SaltAcetyl GlucosamineZinc GluconateCalcium StearateLactic AcidCetyl HydroxyethylcelluloseRutinAscorbyl GlucosideZinc PCAGlycineGlutamic AcidGlutamineDipotassium PhosphateLysineLeucineMethionineValineSerineCysteineCitrullineAscorbic AcidAsparagineAspartic AcidIsoleucineAlanineArginineOrnithineCopper Tripeptide-1TaurineTyrosineThreonineTryptophanCalcium PantothenatePhenylalanineProlineHistidineRetinyl PalmitateRepagermaniumLinolenic AcidRiboflavinMagnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateMenadioneBiotinBioflavonoidsCyanocobalaminSodium Ascorbyl PhosphateTocopherolThiamine HclLysine HclPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Folic AcidPyridoxineHesperidinEthylhexylglycerinLimoneneCitral

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 50.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 31.

3
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

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

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 7.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.

5
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.

6
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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".

Learn more about Squalane

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

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

Learn more about Panthenol

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 15.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.

8
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 48.

9
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 44.

10
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate Se is a self-emulsifying (SE) form of glyceryl stearate. Self-emusifying means this ingredient automatically blends with water. It is an emulsifier, emollient, and cleansing agent.

As an emulsifier, Glyceryl Stearate Se prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant, meaning it helps cleanse the skin. Surfactants help gather oil, dirt, and other pollutants so they may be rinsed away easily.

Emollients help your skin stay smooth and soft. It does so by creating a film on top of the skin that helps trap moisture in.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate Se

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 20.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 37.

11
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

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

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 24.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 43.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 25.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 115.

13
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum contains this as ingredient number 28.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream contains this as ingredient number 49.

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

43% are loved or liked
18% have mixed ratings
29% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet
55% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
17% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum 28 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 17 ratings
Light (3) Works Well (3) No Scent (2) Absorbs Well (2) Irritating (1) Broke Me Out (1)
cgi's avatar

cgi

3 months ago · Oily Skin
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...

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 blended in with my routine sooo unbelievably well. i don't know what type of witchcraft or sorcery is in this, but this product is a blessing and it's money VERY well-spent. beautiful bottle, it's like glass or something. it's a bit expensive, but you get so much product that'll last you way longer than a year. like i've had this since MARCH, and i still have over half the bottle left even though i use 3 drops every single night religiously.
it's hydrating, makes my skin very smooth (as it should), and has gone above and beyond in improving my skin texture. it miraculously decreased so many of the little bumps i get. it also absorbs very well under my base, literally just cleared my skin and boosted the glass skin look. i love this serum please buy it.

anniec's avatar

anniec

3 months ago · Dry Skin
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...

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.

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream 117 ingredients

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