Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum Versus Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum Versus Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment Detailed comparison of COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum versus Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment. This oil-control serum is formulated around Niacinamide and

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COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum Versus Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment Detailed comparison of COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum versus Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment. This oil-control serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Acetyl Glucosamine to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores. This pore-care treatment is formulated around Niacinamide and Acetyl Glucosamine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture. Water Pentylene Glycol Niacinamide 15% Butylene Glycol Acetyl Glucosamine 1,2-Hexanediol Zinc PCA Trehalose Xanthan Gum Pullulan Allantoin Ethylhexylglycerin Sodium Phytate Citric Acid Tocopherol Water, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide 15%, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Zinc PCA, Trehalose, Xanthan Gum, Pullulan, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol Niacinamide 20% Glycerin Ascorbyl Glucoside Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Spiraea Ulmaria Extract Portulaca Oleracea Extract Camellia Japonica Flower Extract Epigallocatechin Gallate Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Lecithin Panthenol Silica Sclerotium Gum Propanediol Phenoxyethanol Water, Niacinamide 20%, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Lecithin, Pullulan, Panthenol, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is an amino acid sugar and is naturally found in our skin. The cool thing about this ingredient? It helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration. It also has antioxidant benefits to protect skin cells. When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration. Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics. Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity. Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation. It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh. Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated. This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%. Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating. Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism. 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. Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that: The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure. Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations. 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 rea