Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs Just Breathe Clarifying Serum

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

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

Just Breathe Clarifying Serum

Budget~4-5%
$20 / 30ml — $0.67/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
Versed
  • Oily and acne-prone skin seeking pore decongestion
  • Those wanting clean beauty at drugstore prices
  • Users looking for gentler BHA delivery via willow bark
  • People who want oil control without high niacinamide concentrations
  • Skincare beginners seeking an accessible clarifying serum

Key Ingredients

COSRX

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

Versed

Niacinamide, Willow Bark Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Salicylic Acid

Product Composition

28% similarity (8 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterniacinamidebutylene glycol12-hexanediolzinc pcaethylhexylglycerinsodium phytate
Only in COSRX (8)
pentylene glycolacetyl glucosaminetrehalosexanthan gumpullulanallantoincitric acidtocopherol
Only in Versed (13)
salix nigra (willow) bark extractsalicylic acidaesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extractphenoxyethanolpeg-40 hydrogenated castor oilhydroxyethylcelluloseyeast extractglyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerammonium glycyrrhizatebiotinpanthenolpropylene glycolcaffeine

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.

Versed
Oil control success

Users with oily skin frequently report reduced shine and fewer breakouts with consistent use.

Redness reduction

Many users note calmer, less blotchy skin. Popular among those with rosacea-adjacent concerns.

Lightweight texture

Praised for watery, fast-absorbing texture. Some note it dries slightly tacky.

Mixed acne results

Some users see clearing; others report breakouts or no change. Individual response varies significantly.

Sensitive skin reactions

Some sensitive skin users report irritation or breakouts, possibly from salicylic acid or willow bark.

Which Should You Buy?

Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum 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 Versed
Premium Pick
Buy COSRX

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