Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs Cicaplast Baume B5+

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

Mid-range15%
$25 / 20ml — $1.25/ml
La Roche-Posay

Cicaplast Baume B5+

Mid-range
$16.99 / 40ml — $0.42/ml

Who It's Designed For

COSRX
  • Oily and acne-prone skin seeking serious oil control
  • Post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
  • Enlarged pores and textured skin
  • Users ready to step up from 10% to higher-strength niacinamide
  • Those who prefer minimal-ingredient formulas
La Roche-Posay
  • Those recovering from skin procedures, sunburn, or irritation
  • Users with eczema or dermatitis seeking a soothing balm
  • People using tretinoin or strong actives who need a repair product
  • Those seeking a multi-purpose balm for face, body, and lips
  • Users who want a thick occlusive layer for overnight repair

Key Ingredients

COSRX

Niacinamide (15%), Acetyl Glucosamine (2%), Zinc PCA (1%), Allantoin (0.1%)

La Roche-Posay

5% Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Madecassoside (Centella Asiatica), Shea Butter, Tribioma Prebiotic Complex

Product Composition

33% similarity (9 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterniacinamidebutylene glycolacetyl glucosamine1zinc pcaethylhexylglycerinsodium phytatecitric acid
Only in COSRX (7)
pentylene glycol2-hexanedioltrehalosexanthan gumpullulanallantointocopherol
Only in La Roche-Posay (11)
hydrogenated polyisobutenedimethiconebutyrospermum parkii butter/shea butterpanthenolzea mays starch/corn starchpropanedioltrihydroxystearinaluminum starch octenylsuccinatemadecassosidemanganesecopper

User Feedback Patterns

COSRX
Oil control standout

Users consistently report significant reduction in daytime oil and shine. Many describe it as the best niacinamide serum they have tried for sebum control.

Lightweight texture praised

Unlike some high-concentration serums, this absorbs quickly without tackiness or residue. Layers well under other products.

Small bottle concern

The 20ml size (vs. 30ml standard) is a common gripe, especially given the price point.

Pore improvement takes time

Users report visible pore improvement around the 3-4 week mark with consistent twice-daily use.

La Roche-Posay
Post-procedure essential

Widely used after laser treatments, chemical peels, and microneedling. Users report faster healing and less redness when applied immediately after procedures.

Tretinoin buffer and recovery

Extremely popular in the r/tretinoin community as a final step to soothe retinoid irritation. Users apply it as a thick layer over tretinoin at night.

White cast concern

The white cast on application is the most common complaint. It fades after absorption but can look noticeable on darker skin tones immediately after application.

Multi-purpose hero

Users apply it to lips, cuticles, dry patches, tattoos, minor burns, and diaper rash in addition to facial use. The versatility is frequently praised.

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