Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

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

PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

Mid-range
$37 / 30ml — $1.23/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
Medicube
  • Those seeking peptide-based anti-aging with PDRN
  • Users who want a lightweight serum for morning and evening use
  • People interested in K-beauty award-winning products
  • Those looking for brightening alongside anti-aging benefits
  • Users who enjoy a subtle scented serum experience

Key Ingredients

COSRX

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

Medicube

Rose PDRN (Sodium DNA), 5-Type Peptide Complex, Niacinamide (4.4-5.4%), Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Collagen

Product Composition

20% similarity (8 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterniacinamidebutylene glycolacetyl glucosamine12-hexanediolethylhexylglycerinsodium phytate
Only in COSRX (8)
pentylene glycolzinc pcatrehalosexanthan gumpullulanallantoincitric acidtocopherol
Only in Medicube (25)
dipropylene glycolpolyglycerin-3glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerpvm/ma copolymerglycereth-26adenosineisopropyl myristateubiquinonefragrancecaprylyl glycoltromethaminepolyisobutenecaprylyl/capryl glucosidesorbitan oleatehydrolyzed collagenatelocollagensalmon egg extractcyanocobalaminmelia azadirachta leaf extractmelia azadirachta flower extractcurcuma longa (turmeric) root extractocimum sanctum leaf extractcorallina officinalis extractpalmitoyl pentapeptide-4palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7

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.

Medicube
Pleasant texture with firmness boost

Users describe a bouncy, lightweight gel that leaves skin feeling firmer and more hydrated. Makeup artists and beauty editors have highlighted the glow it provides.

Quick absorption for layering

The serum absorbs rapidly, making it easy to layer under moisturizer and sunscreen without pilling.

Fragrance is divisive

Some users appreciate the subtle rose scent. Others wish for a fragrance-free version, especially for sensitive skin use.

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