Hello all!
Numbuzin is a popular K-beauty brand which; I swatched some other products from the brand in this previous video (LINK) And in this video (LINK); I’m going to be swatching and reviewing some more of Numbuzin’s latest releases, find out which skin type they’re best suited for and if there are any good dupes and alternatives.
Note: Although Numbuzin is not officially registered as Vegan, Cruelty-Free or Halal. None of these products contain Pig-derived ingredients and the Cleansing Oil and Sunblock do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Note: 1. The No 5. Vitamin Concentrate Serum contains Bifida, 2.The No. 3 Skin Softening Serum contains Goats Milk, Silk Extract and Fermented Ingredients. 3.The No.3 cleansing balm contains Bees Wax].
See the full transcript (+ Info) below!
Youtube Video:
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My Previous Numbuzin Review:
No. 3 Pore & Makeup Cleansing Balm
Let’s start with the cleansers! So first up is the No.3 Pore & Makeup Cleansing Balm with Green Tea And Charcoal ~£20 for 85g / Contains Beeswax / This is not Fragrance + EO Free.
This balm works as a hybrid pore pack and cleansing balm [to remove excess sebum]. It is aimed at and works for Oily and Combination Skins [make sure that’s big] as it works to minimise the look of pores [‘’unclogs pores’’] and reduce excess sebum production and reduce the likelihood of breakouts, using numerous ingredients like Green Tea Powder [reduces excess sebum], Green Tea Seed oil, Tea Tree [helps with breakouts] and most especially; charcoal and Kaolin [absorbs excess oil] which is usually found in clay masks [Kaolin especially] as they absorb excess oil from the skin. This also contains Rosemary leaf oil [Antioxidative]. So overall, this should be suitable for Sensitive skins as well unless you are sensitive to tea tree oil.
I really like the packaging; it’s travel-friendly with an open and close lid, and comes with a hygiene tab and spatula that can be secured inside the lid so you don’t lose it.
Directions: Apply a moderate amount on dry skin, gently massage in a rolling motion. Add in a small amount of water to emulsify and rinse off thoroughly. For Special Care: take a generous amount and apply to desired area. Gently massage in a rolling motion and rinse off thoroughly. You don’t need to leave this on the skin as this gives the effect of a mask pack while cleansing (Taken from HERE).
In terms of the scent: this smells very much like a mixture of Tea Tree and Charcoal [smells like a clay mask].
In terms of the texture; this feels very similar to a smooth clay mask when applying and less like a waxy balm [spreads softly along the face]. It melts into the skin and dissolves dirt adequately. This emulsifies when water is added, so is easy to rub and wash off. This hasn’t irritated my skin. After cleansing, my dehydration-prone skin does feel a little tight on the U zone, but is fine on my T-zone.
In terms of makeup removal: [Please see the Video to observe] this is very effective (even after rubbing for only 30 seconds. It removes SPF and light makeup well, and even removes mascara. I still would suggest a double cleanse for heavy makeup however [just to ensure you’ve removed the top layer of makeup and dirt/debris underneath].
So overall: this balm suits Oilier skin types, particularly during the summer months to help reduce excess sebum. However, this balm can potentially dry out the skin, especially dry and dehydration-prone skins in the winter months, so to avoid over-drying out the skin perhaps don’t use this every day [specifically for dry skins or dehydration-prone skins, 2-3x a week].
Dupes: It’s hard to find a dupe that has the exact same texture as this product [it’s quite unique]. However, the Geek & Gorgeous – Mighty Melt Cleansing Balm (LINK) is a waxier balm aimed at all skin types [it doesn’t dry out the skin].
If you like a scented balm, then the April Skin – Cleansing Balm (Swatches + Review HERE) works decently [not the best makeup dissolver however].
And the Beauty of Joseon – Cleansing balm (Swatches + Review HERE) has a waxy base but also has good packaging [comes with a spatula.]
And another personal favourite is the Wishful Skin – Clean Genie cleansing balm (Swatches + Review HERE) for a very soft, sorbet-like texture [great makeup remover. Doesn’t reduce sebum].
No. 1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil
Next up is the Number 1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil – £26.01 for 200ml / Contains no animal-derived ingredients) / Contains Fragrance.
This is a makeup-removing cleansing oil that aims to cleanse the skin of SPF, Fine Dust and remove waterproof makeup and cleanse the skin without making it feel tight. The inclusion of the two Key Oils here: Macademia Oil [Oleic Acid] and Sunflower Oil (Linoleic and Oleic Acid) which are emollients (i.e. high in fatty acids such as Linoleic and Oleic acid), help soften the skin and avert skin tightness after cleansing. The company states that by massaging this oil into the T-zone; it can help reduce excess sebum and dissolve excess blackheads.
In terms of the texture: this is a lightweight oil which spreads easily along the skin. When water is added, this emulsifies [turns milky] and is easy to wash off. This does not leave a greasy or tacky residue and so far has not irritated or damaged my Oily-combination skin. This works for all skin types, unless you are sensitive to Fragrance. This smells like a flowery oil but isn’t as potent as the Skin1004 cleansing oil.
In terms of makeup removal: This does an excellent job. [Please see the Youtube Video to see the makeup removal test].
How to use 1. Apply a moderate amount of product on the dry face and gently massage the entire face to melt away the base makeup. 2. Massage focusing on eye or lip makeup gently, and add water to massage for 30 seconds more. 3. Rinse off with lukewarm water. (Taken from HERE).
In terms of a dupe: the IUNIK – Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is similar in texture and also contains Macademia and Sunflower oil, but is also scented [However, the Iunik oil has leakier packaging].
The HaruHaru Wonder – Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil (Swatches + Review HERE) is excellent. Unlike the Numbuzin oil, this is unscented and feels more like a dry-oil although it also contains Sunflower and Macademia Seed Oil [as well as Olive Oil and Rice Bran Oil].
The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil (Swatches + Review HERE) also contains Sunflower Oil among other moisturising oils [Olive Oil, + Soybean Oil + Ginseng Oil + Moringa Seed Oil].
The Skin1004 – Light Cleansing Cica Oil is also similar and contains Sunflower oil among others [Rose Oil, Olive Oil + Jojoba Oil]. However, it is a lot more fragrant than the Numbuzin oil, so it is not recommended to more sensitive skins. [Fragrant ingredients: Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Ber-Gamot) Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Limonene, Linalool].
No. 3 Skin Softening Serum
Now we’re onto serums; first up is the No. 3 Skin Softening Serum ~£19 for 50ml. (Contains Goat Milk, Silk Extract + Fermented Ingredients).
This serum aims to brighten dull skin, even out the skin tone and achieve skin radiance [Moisturise and Hydrate]. The key point of this serum is, (like SKII) to use Fermented ingredients to soothe, protect, repair, brighten and hydrate the skin.
The Key ingredients that do this are: [42%] Bifida Ferment Lysate, which soothes the skin from irritation and decreases sensitivity, and [21%] Galactomyces Ferment Extract which is intensely hydrating, protects the skin from damage and helps brighten the skin [also provides antioxidative benefits]. And Alteromonas ferment extract which is also soothing.
Squalane [Moisturising], Hyaluronic Acid [Hydrating], Panthenol [Soothing and Hydrating] as well as Niacinamide [Brightening and Sebum-Regulating] and Adenosine [Conditioning] are also all included to improve the skin’s condition, reduce dullness and improve hydration. So this serum not only repairs the skin, but hydrates it.
How to use: After cleansing, apply a moderate amount of product on the entire face and pat gently for better absorption. (Taken from HERE).
In terms of the scent: This is unscented but has a very faint chemical scent that dissipates quite quickly [the scent doesn’t linger].
In terms of the texture: This is a very smooth and lightweight serum. It glides along the skin smoothly and is not sticky or tacky. Once dried; this does not ball up and doesn’t take long to absorb. Overall, I would recommend this to sensitive, dehydrated, and dull skins especially. And all skin types could use this, including oily and combination skins as this isn’t thick or greasy.
In terms of Dupes: The Manyo – Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule also contains Bifida Ferment Lysate as well as numerous other Ferment Filtrates and extracts as well as Peptides, plant extracts and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, to deliver a power-house of hydrating, skin conditioning, well-ageing, brightening and reparative effects.
The Missha – Time Revolution Essence (Swatches + Review HERE) also contains Bifida Ferment Lysate, and other Yeast Extracts [Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate and Yeast Ferment Extract] and other ingredients to help brighten, hydrate, soothe and protect the skin (also unscented).
The Isntree – Tw-Real Bifida Ampoule (Swatches + Review here) also contains Bifida Ferment Lysate as well as other Ferment Extracts and Filtrates to lightly exfoliate, greatly soothe, brighten and hydrate the skin (also unscented).
Youtube Review:
No. 5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum
Next up is the No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum [~£19 for 30ml]. Note: This does not contain animal-derived ingredients but Contains Fermented Ingredients (Bifida).
This serum contains a cocktail of skin brightening, soothing and antioxidative ingredients (as well as hydrating ingredients). to restore the skin’s glow, boost its radiance and reduce hyperpigmentation.
How to use: After cleansing and toning, take 3-5 drops of the serum and gently spread it over your entire face. (Taken from HERE).
The cocktail of Important and effective Skin brightening ingredients included (that help tackle dark spots and hyperpigmentation), from the highest to the lowest concentrations: Niacinamide (also soothing and hydrating) (50,000Ppm), Tranexamic Acid (40,000Ppm) [also hydrating], Alpha-Arbutin, Turmeric Root Extract (also soothing + hydrating), 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid [a vitamin c derivative] (2,000Ppm), L-Ascorbic Acid i.e. Vitamin C itself [also an antioxidant], and Ascorbyl Glucoside [Vitamin C derivative].
In terms of other Key Ingredients, some of the brightening ingredients also double up as antioxidants that soothe and condition the skin. The additional antioxidants included are Ubiquinone, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Cowberry Fruit Extract.
This also contains numerous hydrating and moisturising ingredients [plumps and softens the skin] i.e. Panthenol (50,000Ppm), [also soothing], Alpha Bisabolol, Allantoin, Beta-Glucan and Liquorice, Seaweed Extract and Snow Mushroom.
In terms of the scent: This is unscented [Fragrance + EO Free] but like the Number 3 serum; has a slight chemical scent that dissipates once rubbed in [not off-putting].
In terms of the texture: This is an opaque gel-serum that does not feel heavy, sticky, or tacky. It feels smooth on the skin and absorbs fast and feels hydrating. In terms of the effect: this definitely helps brighten the skin and lighten pigmentation. What I like is that this is very gentle and does not sting the skin, so it is good for sensitive and acne–prone skins. Both Dry Skins and Oily Skins could use this [my oily-combo skin finds this comfortable to wear].
In terms of other gently brightening dupes; The Rovectin – Vita Dark Spot Serum (Swatches + Review HERE) also contains a cocktail of similar brightening ingredients; such as Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid [Vitamin C derivative], Arbutin, Turmeric Extract and Ascorbic Acid [Vitamin C]. However, the Numbuzin Serum contains even more skin brighteners]
The TIAM – Vita B3 Serum (Review below) also contains Alpha-Arbutin and Niacinamide to brighten the skin, and is also unscented.
The Isntree – C-Niacin Ampoule (Swatches + Review HERE) is also lightweight and a gentle skin brightener aimed at sensitive skins. [Contain Arbutin + Niacinamide to brighten the skin].
No. 1 Clear Filter Sun Essence (SPF50+ PA++++)
Last but not least is the hugely popular No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence (£18.07 for 50ml), which is a highly rated, chemical [organic] sunblock protecting against UVA [Ageing] and UVB [Burning] rays [SPF50+ Pa++++]. It aims to also soothe irritated skin and not clog pores, while keeping it moisturised. [Contains no animal derived ingredients].
This contains many skin-beneficial ingredients such as Niacinamide [Brightening + Sebum Regulating], Adenosine [Conditioning] as well as 3 forms of hydrating Hyaluronic acid [Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer]. This also contains multiple soothing ingredients like Aloe, Cica [Centella Asiatica Extract 15%], Madecassoside and numerous other antioxidative, soothing and repairing ingredients to protect the skin from environmental aggressors. [Cordata Extract (14.25%), Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water (20.55%), Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract].
The SPF Filters are: Uvinul T 150 – (UVB), Ecamsule (UVA), Uvinul A Plus (UVA), Parsol SLX (UVB), Tinosorb S (UVA + UVB). This shows this is a chemical [Organic] Sunblock, meaning it should not create a white cast on the skin.
In terms of the scent: This is unscented and doesn’t really have a scent to it either [Fragrance + EO Free].
In terms of the texture: This is a really lightweight cream that feels airy when applying and does not ball up. [This feels hydrating]. This doesn’t feel sticky, tacky or greasy and almost feels invisible on the skin once dried down [absorbs quickly]. Because this is so thin, I would recommend applying a second layer just to ensure proper sun protection. There is no white cast!
Overall: This formula doesn’t dry out the skin but isn’t dewy; it doesn’t make my oily-combo skin look shiny and is comfortable to wear [doesn’t feel pore-clogging]. I would recommend this to all skin types, but in particular: oily and oily-combination skins and darker skin tones [as this has no white cast].
In terms of Dupes; This is quite a uniquely texture sunblock; but the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Sunblock (Swatches + Review HERE) SPF50+ PA++++, has a very nice velvety, airy finish and feels lightweight with no white cast on my oily-combination skin.
Furthermore, the Beauty of Joseon – Ginseng Moist Sun Serum (Swatches + Review HERE) SPF50+ PA++++, feels very lightweight and airy [similar texture] but has a much dewier or shinier finish which dry skins may prefer.
Both the Isntree – Watery Sun Gel (Swatches + Review HERE) and the Be Plain – Sunmuse moisture suncream are both moisturising and hydrating creams with finishes that are not too dewy [dewier than the Numbuzin however, but are still wearable for Combination Skins] and I would recommend them (both are SPF50+ PA++++).
Conclusion
Overall, the Pore and Makeup cleansing balm has a unique clay-mask texture, is smooth and is a good makeup dissolver. However, I wouldn’t use this daily to avoid drying out the skin [use 2-3 x a week or only when removing makeup].
The Easy Peasy cleansing oil is very thin, which I like, and does just as good as other makeup-dissolving cleansing oils. It didn’t worsen my skin and should suit all skin types. However I do prefer unscented cleansers [this contains fragrance].
The Skin Softening Serum is gentle yet effective at reducing skin dullness and improving the skin’s condition and overall hydration. It’s a good supplement especially to a sensitive skin routine.
The Vitamin Concentrate Serum has been an excellent find because it contains a lot of brightening ingredients and does help brighten the skin, to reduce the look of post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation.
Note: If I had to choose, I would recommend the Vitamin Concentrate serum over the softening serum for its brightening effects. However, using both the softening and vitamin c serum would really improve the skin’s overall health, tone, brightness and hydration.
The Clear Filter Sun essence has also been an excellent find as it feels lightweight with no white cast. I recommend it especially to oily and combination skins.
- I pretty much liked using all of these products (especially the Vitamin Concentrate serum and Sunblock) and look forward to trying more Numbuzin Skincare out when new products get released.
- I personally purchased all of my Numbuzin Skincare from Yesstyle. But Stylevana also offers the brand.
My other Numbuzin Review Video:
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
My Skincare Regime 