Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

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

Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

Budget12%
$17 / 30ml — $0.57/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
Naturium
  • Oily and combination skin seeking sebum control
  • Uneven skin tone and dark spots
  • Fine lines and early signs of aging
  • Enlarged pores and textured skin
  • Those who want higher niacinamide concentration than standard 10%

Key Ingredients

COSRX

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

Naturium

Niacinamide (12%), Zinc PCA (2%)

Product Composition

33% similarity (8 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterniacinamide1zinc pcaxanthan gumethylhexylglycerinsodium phytatecitric acid
Only in COSRX (8)
pentylene glycolbutylene glycolacetyl glucosamine2-hexanedioltrehalosepullulanallantointocopherol
Only in Naturium (8)
propanedioldimethiconecaprylyl glycolphenoxyethanolpotassium sorbateglyceryl polyacrylatetocopheryl acetatehexylene glycol

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.

Naturium
Higher quality than The Ordinary

Users who have tried both brands frequently note Naturium feels 'better quality' with faster absorption and less pilling, though acknowledging The Ordinary costs less.

Effective but requires patience

Most users report visible improvement in skin texture and oil control within 2-4 weeks, with more significant changes at the 6-8 week mark.

Minimal scent issue

Some users note a subtle odd scent, though it dissipates quickly after application. Generally not a dealbreaker.

Layers well

Consistent praise for how this serum absorbs and layers under other products without pilling or feeling heavy.

Which Should You Buy?

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% offers great value at a lower price point. COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum may be worth the premium if you want Niacinamide (15%).

Budget Pick
Buy Naturium
Premium Pick
Buy COSRX

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