Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

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

Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment

Mid-range20%
$55 / 20ml — $2.75/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
  • Stubborn enlarged or sagging pores that haven't responded to 10% niacinamide
  • Orange-peel texture and rough, bumpy skin
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia
  • Advanced pore concerns related to aging or sun damage
  • Post-acne marks and uneven texture

Key Ingredients

COSRX

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

Paula's Choice

Niacinamide (20%), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), Meadowsweet Extract

Product Composition

33% similarity (10 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterpentylene glycolniacinamidebutylene glycolacetyl glucosaminexanthan gumpullulanallantoinethylhexylglycerinsodium phytate
Only in COSRX (6)
12-hexanediolzinc pcatrehalosecitric acidtocopherol
Only in Paula's Choice (14)
ascorbyl glucosideglycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extractspiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extractportulaca oleracea (purslane) extractcamellia japonica flower extractepigallocatechin gallateboerhavia diffusa root extractcamellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extractlecithinpanthenolsilicasclerotium gumpropanediolphenoxyethanol

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
More effective than 10% for stubborn concerns

Users who found the 10% booster insufficient often report better results with this formula, particularly for aging-related pore concerns and textural issues.

Texture and feel

The gel texture feels slightly oily to some users before it dries down. Some report a tacky feel or that it takes time to absorb. Most find it works well under moisturizer.

Potential irritation at high concentration

Some users report sensitivity, flushing, or irritation — especially if used daily from the start. Several reviewers recommend using every other day initially or finding 10% sufficient.

Gradual, cumulative results

Like the 10% booster, results are typically seen over weeks of consistent use rather than immediately. Some users report noticeable improvement within 1-2 weeks; others need longer.

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