Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

Mid-range15%
$25 / 20ml — $1.25/ml
Sunday Riley

B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Premium10%
$65 / 30ml — $2.17/ml

Ingredient Analysis

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum is a focused niacinamide and zinc serum with a clean, minimal formula designed for oily or blemish-prone skin. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum layers niacinamide with a dense array of antioxidants and botanical extracts, targeting aging and inflammation. The better choice depends on your primary skin concern.

Depends on skin concern: blemish control vs. antioxidant and anti-aging support
How they differ
Antioxidant breadthSunday Riley

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum stacks resveratrol, stabilized curcumin, green tea polyphenols, and gallic acid. COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum has only tocopherol as an antioxidant.

Irritation riskCOSRX

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum is fragrance-free with a short ingredient list and minimal known sensitizers. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum contains fragrance, two preservatives, and many botanical extracts that raise allergy risk.

Sebum and blemish controlCOSRX

Zinc PCA directly regulates sebum and has antimicrobial properties. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum has no comparable sebum-targeting ingredient.

Anti-aging and inflammation supportSunday Riley

Asiaticoside, madecassoside, resveratrol, and tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane collectively target inflammation and collagen support. COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum does not address these pathways.

Formula simplicity and toleranceCOSRX

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum has 15 ingredients with a clear functional purpose for each. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum has 32 ingredients, making it harder to trace reactions and raising the odds of interactions.

What the label does not tell us
  • •Niacinamide appears higher in product Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum's list than COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum's, but exact concentrations are undisclosed for both. Efficacy comparison cannot be made on position alone.
  • •The stabilized forms of curcumin and EGCG in product Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum are more bioavailable than raw extracts, but in-formula concentrations are unknown.
  • •Resveratrol is notoriously unstable in some formulations. Without pH and packaging data, stability cannot be confirmed.
  • •COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum's Acetyl Glucosamine concentration is undisclosed. Meaningful skin-brightening effects typically require higher concentrations.
  • •Botanical extract activity in product Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum varies widely by extraction method, part used, and concentration. Claimed benefits may not translate at trace levels.
  • •Dimethyl Isosorbide in product Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum acts as a penetration enhancer, which could increase delivery of actives and irritants alike.

Analysis generated from both INCI lists using Claude. Ingredient order indicates relative concentration; exact percentages are usually undisclosed.

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
Sunday Riley
  • Those seeking an antioxidant-rich niacinamide treatment
  • Users who want botanical anti-inflammatory ingredients alongside niacinamide
  • People addressing post-acne dark spots and uneven tone
  • Those who prefer prestige skincare with complex formulations
  • Users comfortable with light synthetic fragrance

Key Ingredients

COSRX

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

Sunday Riley

Niacinamide (10%), Brightenyl (Diglucosyl Gallic Acid), Trans-Resveratrol, EGCG (Green Tea), Centella Asiatica

Product Composition

11% similarity (5 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterpentylene glycolniacinamidexanthan gumethylhexylglycerin
Only in COSRX (11)▾
butylene glycolacetyl glucosamine12-hexanediolzinc pcatrehalosepullulanallantoinsodium phytatecitric acidtocopherol
Only in Sunday Riley (29)▾
phenyl trimethiconedimethyl isosorbideoctyldodecanolresveratroldiglucosyl gallic acidasiaticosidemadecassosideepigallocatechin gallatyl glucosideboswellia serrata resin extractcurcuma longa (turmeric) root extractocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf extractocimum sanctum leaf extractaloe barbadensis flower extractsolanum melongena (eggplant) fruit extractcoccinia indica fruit extractbetainecorallina officinalis extractmelia azadirachta flower extractmelia azadirachta leaf extractpeg-8tetrahydrodiferuloylmethanepunica granatum fruit extractargania spinosa kernel oilcalendula officinalis flower extractethoxydiglycoltamarindus indica seed gumphenoxyethanolchlorphenesinparfum/fragrance

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.

Sunday Riley
Texture and absorption

Users frequently praise the lightweight, watery texture that absorbs quickly without stickiness. Layers well under other products and makeup.

Brightening over time

Consistent reports of improved radiance and brighter complexion with regular use, though dark spot fading varies by individual.

Oil control

Oily skin users report reduced shine and less sebum production throughout the day.

Packaging concerns

Some users note the dropper packaging can cause product to dry and crust around the lid. Others have reported the product arriving discolored.

Price sensitivity

Mixed opinions on value. Some feel the botanical complex justifies the premium; others find it overpriced compared to budget niacinamide options.

Which Should You Buy?

COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum offers great value at a lower price point. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum may be worth the premium if you want Niacinamide (10%).

Budget Pick
Buy COSRX →

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