Skin science article
Numbuzin No.9 Secret Firming Serum Versus Skin Functional Peptides + Cu Complex Anti-Ageing Complex
Numbuzin No.9 Secret Firming Serum Versus Skin Functional Peptides + Cu Complex Anti-Ageing Complex This anti-aging serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 to soften the look of wrinkles. This anti-aging serum is formulated around Pen
Numbuzin No.9 Secret Firming Serum Versus Skin Functional Peptides + Cu Complex Anti-Ageing Complex
This anti-aging serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 to soften the look of wrinkles.
This anti-aging serum is formulated around Pentapeptide-18 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 to soften the look of wrinkles.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Glycerin
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Propanediol
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Niacinamide
Dimethicone
Butylene Glycol
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
Adenosine
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Glyceryl Stearate
Cetearyl Alcohol
Palmitic Acid
Stearic Acid
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Glyceryl Caprylate
Sodium Polyacrylate
Xanthan Gum
Caprylyl Glycol
1,2-Hexanediol
Ethylhexylglycerin
Disodium EDTA
Carbomer
Tromethamine
Linalool
Limonene
Water, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Propanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Adenosine, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Linalool, Limonene
Betaine
Pentapeptide-18
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Copper Tripeptide-1
Glycosaminoglycans
Bis-PEG-8 Dimethicone
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Polyglutamic Acid
Aminobutyric Acid
Urea
Polyporus Umbellatus Extract
Phenoxyethanol
Water, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Pentapeptide-18, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Copper Tripeptide-1, Glycosaminoglycans, Propanediol, Bis-PEG-8 Dimethicone, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Polyglutamic Acid, Aminobutyric Acid, Urea, Polyporus Umbellatus Extract, Phenoxyethanol
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!