Hello all!
We’re diving into some new skincare releases from the cult-favourite, K-beauty brand Numbuzin. In this Blog post and in the accompanying Youtube video (see below), we’re going to swatch and review their latest line-up:
- No.5 Vitamin Boosting Essential Toner LINK
- No.1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Serum LINK
- No.1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Cream LINK
And quick note before we get started: Numbuzin isn’t a Vegan or Halal-certified brand [unfortunately, it’s not certified cruelty-free either], but a couple of these products are made without animal-derived ingredients [making them somewhat at least vegan-friendly],
Note: these items do not contain Ethanol (Alcohol).
The items that are Vegan-friendly [i.e., doesn’t contain animal-derived ingredients or ethanol]:
- No.1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Serum
- No.5 Vitamin Boosting Essential Toner
Contains animal-derived ingredients (But does not contain ethanol):
- No.1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Cream
Now that we’re clear on that, let’s jump right into the video!
Watch the Review Video Here!
Subscribe to the channel for future updates!
[Number 5 Line]: No.5 Vitamin Boosting Essential toner
EU-Allergen-Free?: Yes / Fungal-acne suitable?: No / Vegan-friendly?: Yes
Price: £ 18.36~ for 200ml
Benefits: Provides deep hydration, ideal for oily skin, calms redness, reduces irritation, refines texture, minimizes large pores, supports skin elasticity, and brightens dark spots.
Note: This is fragrance-free and doesn’t have a potent smell.
What’s special about the Vitamin Boosting Line is its focus on brightening, revitalizing, and evening out skin tone. The toner, in particular, uses a powerful blend: 50,000 ppm of Niacinamide for brightness, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (a stable Vitamin C derivative), Arbutin, and pure Ascorbic Acid. Together, these ingredients target dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (for a more radiant look).
The formula also includes antioxidants like Bisabolol, Madecassoside, and Coptis Japonica Extract to protect and calm the skin. With Adenosine for wound healing and anti-inflammatory support, [it also strengthens the barrier]. Glycerin and Ceramide NP provide deep hydration, while Panthenol soothes.
Peptides like Argireline, Hexapeptide-9, and Matrixyl 3000 support collagen production, helping reduce fine lines and boost elasticity. Lastly, Glutathione Liposome delivers additional brightening effects, giving skin an extra boost toward an even, glowing complexion.
How to use: After washing, apply a moderate amount to the skin evenly and pat it gently for better absorption.
Full Review of the Vitamin Boosting Serum (+ Other Numbuzin Items):
How does the Vitamin Boosting Toner compare to the Vitamin Concentrated Serum?:
[I am comparing these two items as they are from the same Vitamin line]
Vitamin C Content: The Vitamin toner contains 2 types of Vitamin C, while the Vitamin serum has 3, adding a bit more brightening power.
Peptides: The toner includes 6 peptides to enhance skin elasticity, whereas the serum doesn’t include any peptides.
Antioxidants: The serum offers more antioxidant protection with 8 antioxidants, compared to the toner’s 4, [which means the serum is better for defending against environmental damage.]
- So, used together, these products provide complementary benefits—maximizing skin conditioning and brightening results!
Key Differences Between the Vitamin Toner and No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Pads:
The Pads feature gentle exfoliants (AHA, PHA, and Salicylic Acid) to buff away dead skin, promoting a brighter complexion, while the Toner is exfoliant-free. The Pads also contain a broader range of brightening ingredients (Niacinamide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tranexamic Acid, and multiple Vitamin C derivatives).
However, they include alcohol, which may be drying for some skin types, unlike the Toner, which is alcohol-free.
Both are fungal acne-safe and free from EU-listed allergens.
In terms of the toner’s texture: This is a more viscous or gloopy toner, it’s slightly on the thicker side, which makes it feel extra hydrating and nourishing on the skin. Thankfully, this doesn’t feel sticky or tacky on the skin and absorbs rather quickly into the skin [Doesn’t ball up]. I have oily-combination skin and don’t find this too thick in the winter months.
- This has a very similar gloopy texture to the also very hydrating, Isntree Hyaluronic acid triple Toner (which you can see the review in the video below)
Isntree Toners Review:
Overall, this is a brightening and hydrating toner which works to improve the look of an uneven skin tone and helps add elasticity back into the skin.
- It works for all skin types, including sensitive skins.
- Oilier skins may prefer a thinner texture in the summer however.
In terms of a Dupe: The Rovectin Vita Dark Spot Serum, which also contains the same brightening Ingredients: Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid [1,000Ppm], Arbutin, Turmeric, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and is equally hydrating.
- And the BePlain Multi Vitamin Ampoule also contains similar brightening and pigmentation-reducing ingredients: Niacinamide (5%), 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tranexamic Acid, Arbutin.
Beplain Ampoule Reviews:
Next (New Line): The No.1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Serum.
Price: £21.84 for 50ml
Fungal-acne suitable?: No / EU-Allergen-Free: Yes
This serum aims to: Calm irritation and hydrate the skin.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide [Anti-blemish and brightening], Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate [Hydrating] and the Soothing Booster 12 Complex [Soothing ingredients like Cica, Green Tea, Pine Leaf, Panthenol, Allantoin and Chamomile] to calm the skin.
Micro Pantothenic Acid (the ingredient this serum is named after and Beta-Glucan both work to calm irritation and redness. And Alpha Arbutin is included to help brighten the skin.
Furthermore, also using Niacinamide, Zinc PCA and Willow Bark; these three ingredients are anti-blemish, helping to balance oil production. [helps prevent breakouts].
So overall, this serum works to reduce redness, breakouts and helps hydrate the skin.
Directions: Apply a moderate amount to the skin and pat it gently for better absorption.
In terms of the texture: This absorbs pretty quickly. It doesn’t ball up and feels hydrating and comfortable on my oily-combination skin.
Overall, this works well for Oily, Combination and Sensitive Skins who need some hydration and oil-control.
In terms of a dupe: Not many unscented serums contain the trinity of Niacinamide (Brightening + Anti-blemish), Zinc (Anti-Blemish) or Alpha arbutin (Brightening). However…
- The SKIN&LAB – Vitamin C Brightening Serum: LINK is also gently brightening while containing effective actives. It is unscented and is also cruelty-free.
- Swatches + Review HERE
- The Round Lab: Vita Niacin Blemish Serum: LINK is another, very gently-brightening serum [Contains Niacinamide (50,000Ppm), Tranexamic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (107Ppm)], that is Vegan + Cruelty-Free and unscented.
- An affordable, brightening alternative is The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA [LINK]. It is Vegan + Cruelty-Free, Fragrance + EO Free.
- For a similar soothing serum with a texture comparable to the Numbuzin serum: The Purito Centella Unscented Serum (has new packaging) offers redness relief and improves skin texture while enhancing elasticity.
- Unlike the Numbuzin serum, it is vegan and cruelty-free and designed especially for sensitive skin.
- Texture: Lightweight, watery gel with a cooling sensation.
Purito Centella Serum Review [Previous packaging]:
Purito Serum Key Ingredients:
- Centella Asiatica Callus Extract Vesicles: A nano-formulated Cica derivative that delivers active ingredients deep into the skin.
- Niacinamide: Brightens and refines pores.
- Asiaticoside, Green Tea, and Pancratium Maritimum Extract: Offer brightening and calming effects.
- Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin, and Liquorice Extract: Provide hydration and skin-soothing benefits.
- Matrixyl 3000 + Biopeptide EL: Boost firmness and elasticity.
This formula focuses on calming redness and strengthening the skin barrier, making it a great choice for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
- Another dupe which is Vegan and Cruelty-Free is the Abib Heartleaf TECA Capsule Serum Calming Drop. It focuses on hydration and soothing the skin [for sensitive skin]. It combines key ingredients like Niacinamide, Turmeric, Cica, and Chamomile to calm and brighten the skin.
- Other Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Madecassoside, Allantoin, and Arginine: Provide deep hydration and support skin healing.
- Ectoin: Acts as an antioxidant and moisturiser, enhancing skin resilience.
- Biosaccharide Gum-1: Soothes and adds extra hydration to lock in moisture.
- If you have dry skin and want brightening, hydration, and redness reduction, consider the Anua Rice 7 Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum. This vegan, cruelty-free serum—similar to Numbuzin—includes Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Antioxidants for skin brightening and hydration.
- The haruharu wonder – Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence is also excellent and even more moisturising and emollient for dry-er skins. It is Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan and Cruelty-Free.
The No.1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Cream
Note: This contains animal-derived ingredients
Fragrance + EO Free / Fungal-acne suitable?: No / EU-Allergen-Free?: Yes
Price: £21.84 for 80ml
This moisturiser aims to: soothe the skin, hydrate it and regulate sebum (reduce breakouts), using Niacinamide + Zinc PCA, Centella Asiatica, Green Leaf Extract and Pantothenic acid.
”Designed to provide all-day hydration and comfort, this cream keeps skin calm and balanced.”
How to use: Apply a moderate amount to the skin evenly and pat it gently for better absorption.
This cream (like the serum) contains: Pantothenic Acid to help soothe the skin.
-It also contains Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Witch Hazel Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, and the Aczero® complex to target blemishes and regulate sebum production.
-This cream also includes Centella Asiatica, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Panthenol, and Chamomile to reduce redness, and Alpha-Arbutin to brighten the skin.
-Additional ingredients like Turmeric, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, and Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil provide further soothing, antioxidant, and hydrating benefits.
Texture: This gel-cream has an intensely hydrating, lightweight texture that absorbs smoothly without pilling or feeling heavy, making it comfortable on oily-combination skin.
How does this compare with the above serum (i.e. the Pantothenic serum, from the same line):
- Both are unscented [Both are EU-Allergen-free / Fungal-acne unsuitable].
2. Both contain similar antioxidants [Green Tea / Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract / Alpha-Arbutin].
4. The serum contains Hyaluronic acid (whereas the cream does not) and Liquorice Extract [Brightening].
– So the serum is a little more concentrated, but the cream is more moisturising as well as hydrating and are meant to be used as pair.
- If I had to pick just one, I would go for the cream as I find the texture very unique and pleasant.
Overall, this cream is good for those with oily and oily-combination skins who prefer hydration with some moisturisation. It’s great for sensitive skins as well and should help gently with blemishes.
- In terms of a dupe; the Dr G Gel Cream is very similar in both texture and goals. It aims to reduce excess sebum, alleviate redness and breakouts and also has a very smooth gel texture. Full Swatches + Review HERE.
[They do have a vegan version which, I’m unsure about the texture, but could be just as good].
- The First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Coconut Water Cream is very similar in texture which you can see in my review here [Link]. This is also very lightweight and hydrating [and is vegan and cruelty-free and also unscented].
First Aid Beauty Review:
In Conclusion:
-I have liked using all of these products from Numbuzin. My favourite has been the Cream– it has a great texture that is both hydrating and moisturising and sits very well on top of the skin and has not felt uncomfortable for my oily-combination skin.
-The serum and the toner have been equally tied as they are both hydrating and contain skin-beneficial ingredients and are unscented. I really like the toner’s unique texture and how although it’s thick, it absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t feel sticky or tacky (I would recommend it even to Combination skins).
Numbuzin Brand Review:
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 