1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Hydration
COSRX
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
face serum
COSRX
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
Dry
54%
Combination (dry)
54%
Balanced
75%
Combination (oily)
95%
Oily
95%
See how this fits your skin
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15
Ingredients
5
Benefits
2
Actives
The COSRX Niacinamide 15 Serum stands out as a highly concentrated solution expertly designed to combat acne and dark spots with its powerful blend of ingredients. Boasting a substantial 15% niacinamide, this serum works wonders in calming breakouts, controlling excess sebum, and refining congested pores. The inclusion of N-acetylglucosamine delicately exfoliates the skin, effectively fading hyperpigmentation, while zinc PCA ensures a balanced oil-water equilibrium, inhibiting inflammation and supporting skin recovery.
Key Insights
Benefits
5
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Pore Minimizer
Soothing
Active Ingredients
2
AHA
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
Full Ingredients
15 total
About The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Overview
The Niacinamide 15 Serum is a watery-light serum from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 15 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
Texture and finish
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Trehalose and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
What the formula does
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Ethylhexylglycerin and Water.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Allantoin, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine and Tocopherol.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine and Tocopherol.
Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Niacinamide and Zinc PCA.
Who it suits
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
What it does not target
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
What is not in it
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
Where it fits in a routine
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Pros and cons
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Pros
- No fragrance or declared allergens
- No essential oils
- No drying alcohol
- Silicone-free
- No microplastics
- Strong humectant content for hydration
- No common irritants flagged in the list
- No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers
Which skin types it suits
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
Suitable for
- Combination (oily) skin
- Oily skin
May suit
- Balanced skin
Less suitable for
- Dry skin
- Combination (dry) skin
Sensitive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Skin concerns
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Helps with
-
Hydration 7 ingredients
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
-
Soothing 4 ingredients
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
-
Anti-Aging 2 ingredients
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
-
Evens Skin Tone 2 ingredients
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
-
Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
Does not target
Anti-Acne
Blackhead Reducing
Dark Spot Fading
Oil Control
Smooths Bumpy Skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Key ingredients
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Hydration
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
Soothing
Anti-Aging
Pore Minimizer
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Hydration
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
N-acetyl-.alpha.-D-glucosamine
Hydration
Soothing
Evens Skin Tone
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Proline, 5-oxo-, zinc salt
Hydration
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
alpha-D-Glucopyranoside, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl
Hydration
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
Soothing
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
Hydration
Citric Acid
AHA
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Soothing
Formula analysis
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Hydration
High
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Barrier support
Moderate
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Antioxidant support
None
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Oil control
Moderate
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Brightening
Moderate
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Soothing
Moderate
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Cell renewal
None
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Firmness signalling
None
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Active and supporting ingredients
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Active ingredients (2)
- Niacinamide · 5–20%
- Citric Acid · under 1%
Supporting ingredients (13)
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Water
Pentylene Glycol
Butylene Glycol
Acetyl Glucosamine
1,2-hexanediol
Zinc PCA
Trehalose
Xanthan Gum
Pullulan
Allantoin
Ethylhexylglycerin
Sodium Phytate
Tocopherol
What is and is not in it
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Free from
- Fragrance-free
- Essential-oil-free
- No drying alcohol
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Microplastic-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Oil-free
- No animal-derived ingredients
What to layer it with
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Compatible with
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
- AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
- BHA (salicylic acid)
- PHAs (gluconolactone)
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Azelaic acid
- Copper peptides
- Bakuchiol
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Signal peptides
- Panthenol
- Sunscreen
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
Where it fits in a routine
Morning
Evening
- Cleanse
- Toning
- Treat
- Moisturise
- Protect
This product is the "Treat" step.
- Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
- Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
Safety and suitability
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
- Fungal acne (malassezia)
- No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
- Sensitive and reactive skin
- No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Ingredients by function
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 15 ingredients on the label.
4
Solvent
Dissolves and carries everything else
3
Humectant
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
3
Texture agent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
2
Active
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
2
Chelator
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
2
Occlusive
Forms a film that slows water loss
1
Antioxidant
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
1
Soothing
Calms visible redness and irritation
1
pH adjuster
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
1
Surfactant
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Ingredient breakdown
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
- Estimated level
- 30–80%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Hydration
3 scientific references
- Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
- Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
- Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Hydration
4 scientific references
- https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
- Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
- Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
- International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
Soothing
Anti-Aging
Pore Minimizer
15 scientific references
- International Journal of Dermatology, February 2021, pages 166-173
- Biomolecules & Therapeutics, July 2019, pages 562-569
- Experimental Dermatology, February 2019, pages 15-22
- Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, ePublication
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 2017, page S116
- International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2017, pages 158-162
- Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, May 2016, pages 145-152
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, July 2015, pages 405-412
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311-315
- International Journal of Pharmacy, January 2013, pages 192-201
- Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319
- International Journal of Toxicology, September 2005, pages 1-31
- Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 860-865
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2004, pages 231-238
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 88-93
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Hydration
5 scientific references
- CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
- US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
- International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
- Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
- Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
N-acetyl-.alpha.-D-glucosamine
Hydration
Soothing
Evens Skin Tone
6 scientific references
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review, July 2022, pages 1-25
- International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2020, pages 1-10
- Life Sciences, May 2016, pages 21-29
- Drug Design, Development and Therapy, August 2014, pages 1, 923-1, 928
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2013, pages 96-102; and December 2006, pages 309-315
- Dermato-endocrinology, July 2012, pages 253-258
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Proline, 5-oxo-, zinc salt
Hydration
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
alpha-D-Glucopyranoside, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl
Hydration
7 scientific references
- Cosmetics, October 2019, pages 1-10
- Cell Death & Disease, July 2019, pages 1-16
- International Journal of Toxicology, 2019, pages 5S-38S
- Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, February 2018, pages 2, 965-2, 976
- Journal of Applied Polymer Science, May 2017, pages 1-6
- Biomedical Reports, September 2014, pages 755-759
- Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, June 2011, pages 2, 020-2, 053
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Surfactant, Texture agent
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Occlusive, Texture agent
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Pullulan is a polysaccharide produced from starch by cultivating the yeast, Aureobasidium pullulans
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Occlusive, Soothing
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
Soothing
8 scientific references
- Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
- Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
- European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
- Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
- International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
- Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
- https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
Hydration
5 scientific references
- PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
- Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
- International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
- Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
- Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Chelator
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Myo-Inositol, hexakis(dihydrogen phosphate), sodium salt
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Active, Chelator, pH adjuster
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Antioxidant
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Soothing
4 scientific references
- Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
- Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
- Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315
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Frequently asked questions
What ingredients are in The Niacinamide 15 Serum?
WATER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, ZINC PCA, TREHALOSE, XANTHAN GUM, PULLULAN, ALLANTOIN, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM PHYTATE, CITRIC ACID, TOCOPHEROL.
What are the active ingredients in The Niacinamide 15 Serum?
NIACINAMIDE, CITRIC ACID.
How do I use The Niacinamide 15 Serum?
After cleansing, during the serum phase, apply a few drops to the skin. Use fingertips to gently massage and absorb the serum, starting from the center of the face working towards the edges.
What skin types is The Niacinamide 15 Serum good for?
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
Is The Niacinamide 15 Serum good for sensitive skin?
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Is The Niacinamide 15 Serum fungal acne safe?
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
Can I use The Niacinamide 15 Serum while pregnant?
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Is The Niacinamide 15 Serum fragrance free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
Does The Niacinamide 15 Serum contain alcohol?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Is The Niacinamide 15 Serum silicone free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Does The Niacinamide 15 Serum contain essential oils?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Is The Niacinamide 15 Serum paraben free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
What can I layer with The Niacinamide 15 Serum?
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
When should I apply The Niacinamide 15 Serum?
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
How many ingredients does The Niacinamide 15 Serum have?
It lists 15 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.
Who makes The Niacinamide 15 Serum?
COSRX, a brand based in Korea.