Numbuzin No.5+ Glutathione Vitamin Concentrated Serum

Less than the name suggests: the Korean label lists glutathione at 100 ppm, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, a vitamin C derivative, at 0.2%, and two other vitamin C forms at trace levels. The serum's real strength comes from 5% niacinamide, 4% tranexamic acid, 5% panthenol and alpha-arbutin, which is a strong, well-balanced brightening combination.

Tranexamic acid is a brightening ingredient that helps fade the look of stubborn dark spots and the brown or reddish marks left after breakouts. It's known for being gentle compared with many other brighteners. At 4% and paired with 5% niacinamide, it targets uneven tone from two directions, which is why this combination is popular for pigmentation.

It helps with post-acne marks, the flat brown or red spots left after a breakout, which usually look lighter after 8 to 12 weeks of daily use with sunscreen. It can't change true acne scars, meaning raised or indented texture, which need professional treatment. Daily SPF is essential, as UV darkens marks and slows progress.

After cleansing and toner, apply a few drops and spread gently along the skin's texture, then pat lightly until absorbed, as the box recommends. Use it morning and evening, before your moisturiser. For stubborn spots, you can press an extra drop onto those areas. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.

It's fragrance-free, has passed a low-irritation skin test, and contains 5% panthenol, allantoin and bisabolol to keep skin comfortable. A small number of people feel temporary warmth or flushing from 5% niacinamide at first. If that happens, use it once a day for the first week, then build up.

Yes. It layers well with a pure vitamin C serum like Cos De BAHA VA in the morning: apply the vitamin C first, then this serum. In the evening, it pairs well with retinol such as Celimax Retinol Shot, or you can alternate nights if your skin is sensitive. Always follow with moisturiser, and sunscreen during the day.

Both target dark spots and uneven tone. Cos De BAHA VA relies on 15% pure vitamin C, which is powerful but acidic and can tingle. Numbuzin No.5+ relies on 5% niacinamide, 4% tranexamic acid and alpha-arbutin, which are gentler and suit sensitive or breakout-prone skin. For stubborn pigmentation, use VA in the morning and No.5+ in the evening.

Yes. It's ideal for men dealing with dark marks after shaving bumps or breakouts, uneven tone or redness. It's fragrance-free and lightweight, so it's comfortable on freshly shaved skin. Apply a few drops after cleansing, morning and evening, then follow with moisturiser and, during the day, sunscreen.