Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs Lipid Gold

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

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

Lipid Gold

Mid-range4%
$29 / 50ml — $0.58/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
Stratia
  • Dehydrated or over-exfoliated skin
  • Retinoid users seeking barrier support
  • Oily-dehydrated combination skin
  • Rosacea or perioral dermatitis (noted in brand communications)

Key Ingredients

COSRX

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

Stratia

Niacinamide (4%), Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Rosehip Oil

Product Composition

19% similarity (7 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterniacinamideacetyl glucosaminexanthan gumethylhexylglycerinsodium phytatetocopherol
Only in COSRX (9)
pentylene glycolbutylene glycol12-hexanediolzinc pcatrehalosepullulanallantoincitric acid
Only in Stratia (20)
propylene glycolethoxydiglycolpolyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearaterosa mosqueta (rose) hip oilhippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) seed oilhippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) fruit oilpanthenoldimethiconesqualane (olive-derived)vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oilcamellia sinensis leaf extractceramide npceramide apceramide eopphytosphingosinecholesterolcarbomerdiazolidinyl ureamethylparabenpropylparaben

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.

Stratia
Delayed reaction

Some users report initial success followed by breakouts after 2+ weeks of daily use. A subset found success by reducing frequency.

Cross-reactivity

Users who report reactions to Dr. Jart Ceramidin or products with olive-derived squalane sometimes report similar issues with Lipid Gold.

Individual sensitivity

Some individuals react to ingredients well-tolerated by most. Cetyl Alcohol or other ingredients may be factors.

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