Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs The Glow Maker

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

Mid-range15%
$25 / 20ml — $1.25/ml
Maelove

The Glow Maker

Mid-range
$32.95 / 30ml — $1.10/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
Maelove
  • Those seeking potent antioxidant protection at an accessible price
  • Users looking for a SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic alternative
  • People targeting photodamage, dark spots, and uneven skin tone
  • Those who want the proven L-ascorbic acid + E + ferulic acid combination
  • Users comfortable with active L-ascorbic acid formulas

Key Ingredients

COSRX

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

Maelove

15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid

Product Composition

13% similarity (4 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterethylhexylglycerinsodium phytatetocopherol
Only in COSRX (12)
pentylene glycolniacinamidebutylene glycolacetyl glucosamine12-hexanediolzinc pcatrehalosexanthan gumpullulanallantoincitric acid
Only in Maelove (15)
ethoxydiglycoll-ascorbic acidpropylene glycolferulic acidpanthenolphenoxyethanoltriethanolaminehydroxypropyl cyclodextrincamellia sinensis leaf extractzingiber officinale (ginger) root extractchamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extractrosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extractglycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extractvitis vinifera (grape) seed extractcarbomer

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.

Maelove
Effective SkinCeuticals alternative

The most common theme in reviews is the comparison to SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Users report similar brightening and glow results at roughly one-sixth the price.

Visible brightening within weeks

Many users report noticeable improvement in skin brightness, dark spots, and overall glow within 2-4 weeks of daily morning use.

Slight tackiness on application

Some users note a slightly tacky feel as the serum dries. This resolves once subsequent products (moisturizer, sunscreen) are applied.

Oxidation over time

Users report the serum darkens over time, especially in warmer climates or if not stored properly. The 30ml size helps ensure the bottle is used before significant oxidation occurs.

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