Hello everyone! Today, we’re exploring some more Numbuzin skincare—swatching, reviewing and providing dupes / alternatives for the products I’ve been testing, which are:
- The Numbuzin No.3 Rice Enzyme Skin Softening Cleansing Foam LINK
- The No.4 Hydrating Glow Mineral Toner
- The No.2 Protein 43% Creamy Serum
Note: If you want more Numbuzin reviews, click HERE. I’ve shared some of my favourites and their latest products, like the Pantothenic line.
Youtube Video Review:
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Table of Contents:
- Important Note:
- The No.3 Rice Enzyme Skin Softening Cleansing Foam
- Dupes / Alternatives:
- The No.4 Hydrating Glow Mineral Toner
- Dupes / Alternatives:
- The No.2 Protein 43% Creamy Serum
- Dupes / Alternatives:
Important Note:
- Numbuzin is not Vegan, Halal, or certified Cruelty-free.
- Two of their products—No.4 Hydrating Glow Mineral Toner and No.3 Rice Enzyme Skin Softening Cleansing Foam—are free of animal-derived ingredients.
- The No.2 Protein 43% Creamy Serum contains animal-derived ingredients, so it is not vegan or halal-friendly.
So, let’s dive into the skincare!
The No.3 Rice Enzyme Skin Softening Cleansing Foam
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Price: £13.36 for 170ml / Fragrance + EO Free: Yes / Alcohol-Free: Yes
Contains no animal-derived ingredients / Fungal-acne suitable? No / EU-Allergen-Free?: Yes
[How to use: 1. Dispense a proper amount on wet hands, rub to create foam and gently massage the face. 2. Wash off with lukewarm water].
What is it + What does it do?: This cleanser combines five fermented rice extracts and nine enzymes, including protease, lipase, and cellulose, to effectively remove dirt, oil, and dead skin while keeping the skin hydrated.
Key ingredients like Centella Asiatica (soothing), Beta-Glucan (moisturising), and Fig Extract (moisturising) work together to nourish sensitive skin [Designed for sensitive skin].
The surfactants are: Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Lauryl Betaine, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Hexylene Glycol
- Surfactants help clean the skin, remove sunblock + dirt.
Texture: This cleanser has a unique “soft gommage” texture, reminiscent to the feeling of eraser shavings (thanks to the cellulose), which provides a gentle exfoliation. When water is added, it transforms into a creamy lather that glides smoothly over the skin, leaving it feeling quite soft.
[Pro tip: Avoid using it on dry skin, as this may cause tugging].
Does this strip the skin?: I’d give it a 5/10, so it’s quite comfortable [0 = completely not stripping at all, 10 = painfully stripping].
Note: Check the video review for makeup removal: LINK.
How does it compare to Numbuzin’s No.2 Deep Clean Fresh Cream Cleanser?
As I mentioned in my full blog review, the Deep Clean Fresh Cream Cleanser is scented, while this Rice Enzyme Cleanser is fragrance-free. The Fresh Cream Cleanser has a more traditional cleansing foam texture, whereas this cleanser stands out with its unique “gommage” texture.
Personally, I much prefer this Rice Enzyme Cleanser as it’s far less stripping and much more comfortable to use on the skin.
Dupes / Alternatives:
- Although this Rice Enzyme Cleanser is quite unique with its initially rubbery texture [And doesn’t dry out the skin], the Goodal Vegan Rice Milk Mask Cleanser is said to be quite similar [Vegan + Cruelty-Free].
- The B.Lab Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser is another similarly-textured alternative that foams up. It is Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free.
- The Isntree Hyaluronic acid Low-pH Cleansing Foam is another foaming cleanser that is similar in terms of formulation and is aimed at Sensitive skins. It is Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free.
- For Oily skin types, I recommend the Purito Defence Barrier pH Cleanser (Review). It contains Tea Tree (aimed at acne-prone skins) and is Cruelty-Free.
- The HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel (Review) is another great cleansing gel for oilier skin types. It is Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free.
- The Geek & Gorgeous Jelly Joker is great for all skin types (even sensitive skins) Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free (Check out the Youtube Review video below).
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The No.4 Hydrating Glow Mineral Toner
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Price: £19.28 for 200ml / Fragrance Free / Eu-Allergen-Free / Alcohol-Free
Fungal-acne suitable?: No
EU-Allergen-Free?: Yes
How to use: 1. Apply toner 1-2 times / 2. Use your hands or cotton pads before makeup / 3. Alternatively, soak cotton pads in toner and place them on dry areas for 1 minute.
Formulated with 89% thermal water and five types of hyaluronic acid, this toner is meant to replenish and hydrate even sensitive skin [intensely hydrate]. It also aims to be a good skin prepper, even under makeup.
-Using PHA (gluconolactone), a gentle exfoliant, to smooth the skin’s texture and Betaine Salicylate (A Hydrating BHA) helps exfoliate and unclog pores, while Niacinamide brightens the skin and reduces the look of dark spots [Also provides antioxidative and sebum-regulating benefits].
-This also includes soothing ingredients like Cica, Chamomile, Green Tea Extract, and Madecassoside, alongside Rosemary Leaf, [+ Polygonum Cuspidatum Root], Liquorice Root and Skullcap Root Extracts, to calm the skin.
-This also contains hydrators like multiple forms of Hyaluronic acid to deeply penetrate the skin, along with Xylitol and Sorbitol to amplify moisture retention [Humectants].
So overall: This toner aims to gently exfoliate, deeply hydrate, lightly brighten and soften the skin, [prepping it for the next skincare step].
Texture: This is a lightweight and hydrating, non-sticky toner that absorbs quite quickly without leaving a film on top of the skin.
Compared to the other Numbuzin toners I’ve tried so far, you can see my full reviews and swatches of them in the videos below.
- Compared to the other Numbuzin toners: this is the second thinnest [The No.1 Pure-Full Calming Toner is the thinnest].
The No. 1 Pure-full Calming Herb Toner: Aimed at Sensitive and Sensitised skins The Mineral Toner – Dull and Dehydrated skins. The Super Glowing Essence Toner: Dry Skins [scented]. The Vitamin-Boosting Toner: Dull and Dry / Combination Skins.
In terms of my favourite: I’d put the Mineral toner either second or tied for first place with the Vitamin-Boosting Toner (Review). But, both have different textures, and the Mineral toner gently exfoliates the skin [The Vitamin Boosting Toner is thicker and does not exfoliate with acids].
Overall: I like this Mineral Toner! It’s lightweight, not sticky or tacky, it’s hydrating, and gently exfoliates, making it a great pick for congested or dull skin.
Dupes / Alternatives:
Another K-beauty alternative is the TIA’M AC Fighting AHA BHA PHA Toner (Link). It is aimed at blemish-prone skin, to gently exfoliate it while regulating sebum production [to create glowy skin]. It is unscented.
- It contains Glycolic Acid (AHA), Lactobionic Acid (LHA), Gluconolactone (PHA), Betaine Salicylate (BHA), Lactic Acid (AHA).
- The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner (LINK) does a similar thing but controls sebum with Himalayan salt (which is interesting) and also contains AHA, BHA, PHA and LHA. It is also Vegan + Cruelty-Free + unscented.
- If you’re looking for a Vegan and Cruelty-free option, the Geek & Gorgeous Calm Down Solution (Review) is a great alternative.
- It features Gluconolactone (PHA) [+ Lactiobionic Acid – LHA] and Salicylic Acid (BHA) [Not Betaine Salicylate, but close], is Fragrance + EO Free, and perfect for sensitive skin.
- Something slightly stronger is the Cheer Up Liquid (Review) – which contains Mandelic acid (an AHA) and BHA to tackle congestion.
- The Cosrx AHA and BHA Clarifying Toner is a gentle yet effective, cult-classic [Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free].
- If you want something with just BHA, then the Istnree BHA toner (LINK) very gently exfoliates the skin and soothes it [0.9% Betaine Salicylate – BHA-like]. It is unscented and cruelty-free.
- If you just want PHA, then the HaruHaru Wonder 3% PHA Exfoliating Serum (LINK) contains Gluconolactone (PHA) and Hyaluronic Acid. It is Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free.
The No.2 Protein 43% Creamy Serum
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Price: £23.24 for 50ml
Alcohol-free (Contains animal-derived ingredients / Not halal-friendly) / Not Fragrance + EO free.
Fungal-acne suitable?: No / EU-Allergen-Free?: Yes
- The Numbuzin No. 2 Protein 43% Creamy Serum is designed to strengthen the skin’s barrier and enhance elasticity. With 43% protein ingredients, ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in a 3:1:1 ratio, it provides moisture.
Niacinamide brightens and reduces blemishes [and improves overall skin health], while adenosine and liquorice root extract soothe and brighten. Probiotics are included to help promote the skin’s barrier. Hyaluronic acid, arginine, and beta-glucan boost and lock in moisture, while panthenol and allantoin calm irritation. Nelumbo nucifera flower water is used mainly instead of purified water and Rice seed protein [extract] acts as an antioxidant. [protects against environmental stressors]. Ceramide NP and cholesterol are added to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Note: This is scented, containing bergamot fruit oil, limonene, and linalool which, to be honest, I don’t really smell. Instead, this smells a bit chemical-y for me.
Aims: Hydration / Soothing / Radiance.
How to use: After cleansing, apply a moderate amount of product onto the entire face. Apply again on the desired area(s) for more hydration and pat gently for better absorption.
Texture: this has a liquid-cream texture to it. It feels more emollient than I expected and is slightly too heavy for my oily-combination skin. I think dry-er skins would really enjoy this creamy serum. It’s not sticky or tacky and is definitely very moisturising.
Overall: This hasn’t been my favourite to use as it’s a bit too emollient [very creamy/oily-based] for me. However, Normal and Dry skins may prefer this.
Dupes / Alternatives:
- This is very similar in texture and performance to Niod’s Modulating Glucosides Serum (Review) that is Vegan and Cruelty-Free [And fragrance + EO Free].
- The Ordinary’s Soothing & Barrier Support Serum (Review) also works to reinforce the skin’s barrier and is also moisturising and emollient.
- If you have oilier or oily-combination skin, the make p:rem – Comfort Me. Panthenol Moisture Essence (Review) is much lighter and waterier but still provides vital emollients to help moisturise the skin.
- The Vegreen Skin Barrier Reishi Serum also works to reinforce the skin’s barrier. It is Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free.
- Isntree’s Tw-Real Bifida Ampoule (Review) works to restore, improve and condition the skin. [Hydrating and Skin-soothing properties]. It is Vegan + Cruelty-Free, Fragrance + EO Free.
- As this Protein Cream Serum contains Oat, and if you want a milkier, unscented item, then The First Aid Beauty Oat Toner (Review) is very nice. It is more emollient but more comfortable to wear. It is Fragrance + EO Free and Cruelty-Free.
- Something milky but lighter, that contains Niacinamide and Rice extract is the I’m From Rice Serum (Review). It contains Rice ferment Filtrate extract. It is Fragrance + EO Free / Vegan + Cruelty-Free.
Youtube Review: Numbuzin Skincare Hits & Misses!
Overall:
I’ve enjoyed testing out these products! The protein serum lands at the bottom of my list due to it’s scent and creamier, more emollient (and slightly heavier than I would) like finish. However, dry skins may find it more suitable.
The Enzyme cleanser is another standout—it’s unscented and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry [Much better than the Fresh Cleanser from Numbuzin]. Though, its unique texture might take some getting used to. [Even sensitive skins could use this].
Finally, the Mineral Toner has been a favourite—it’s lightweight, deeply hydrating, and provides gentle exfoliation without irritation. [Great for congested, dull skin].
Review: K-pop Idol TXT’s Soobin’s K-beauty Skincare Routine
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.
























