Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs 10% Niacinamide Booster

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

Mid-range15%
$25 / 20ml — $1.25/ml
Paula's Choice

10% Niacinamide Booster

Mid-range10%
$44 / 20ml — $2.20/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
Paula's Choice
  • Enlarged pores and uneven texture
  • Uneven skin tone and dullness
  • Post-acne marks and discoloration
  • Fine lines and early aging concerns

Key Ingredients

COSRX

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

Paula's Choice

Niacinamide (10%), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), Licorice Root Extract

Product Composition

34% similarity (10 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterpentylene glycolniacinamidebutylene glycolacetyl glucosaminexanthan gumallantoinethylhexylglycerinsodium phytatecitric acid
Only in COSRX (6)
12-hexanediolzinc pcatrehalosepullulantocopherol
Only in Paula's Choice (13)
ascorbyl glucosidephospholipidsboerhavia diffusa root extractdipotassium glycyrrhizateglycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extractepigallocatechin gallatebeta-glucanpanthenolcarnosinegenisteinpolysorbate 20caprylyl glycolphenoxyethanol

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.

Paula's Choice
Texture takes adjustment

The watery, almost runny texture surprises some users. It can feel like it's not "doing" anything. The brand intends for it to be mixed with other products, which helps with application.

Price comparison to The Ordinary

At roughly 7x the price of The Ordinary's niacinamide serum, value is a common discussion point. Users who prefer it cite the more elegant texture, additional beneficial ingredients, and lack of pilling.

Gradual, cumulative results

Most users report noticing effects (smoother skin, smaller-looking pores, more even tone) after several weeks of consistent use rather than immediate results.

Plays well with other products

The booster format gets consistent praise for layering easily. Users report no issues combining it with retinol, acids, or other actives.

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