Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide Versus Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 5.0% Niacinamide Serum

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide Versus Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 5.0% Niacinamide Serum Detailed comparison of Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide versus Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 5.0% Niacinamide Serum. This acne serum is formulated around Propolis Extract and Niacinamide to clear breakouts and brighten dull-looking skin. This oil-control serum is formulated around Niacinamide to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores. No concerns Propolis Extract Dipropylene Glycol Glycerin Butylene Glycol Water Niacinamide 1,2-Hexanediol Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Sodium Hyaluronate Curcuma Longa Root Extract Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract Centella Asiatica Extract Corallina Officinalis Extract Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil Betaine Salicylate Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Tromethamine Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylglycerin Dextrin Pentylene Glycol Octanediol Tocopherol Xanthan Gum Carbomer Propolis Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Water, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Betaine Salicylate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Octanediol, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer Propanediol Methyl Gluceth-20 Hydroxyacetophenone Sodium Hydroxide Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created. Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin. Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on). Carbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture. Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%. It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier. Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%. A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions. Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum. Topically, glycerin does several things at once: Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3. Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin. This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products. Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity. Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine. 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 sp