Description
What it is
The No.5+ Glutathione Vitamin Concentrated Serum is the serum step of numbuzin’s brightening No.5 line, and the updated version of the earlier No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum. It comes in a 30 ml bottle and combines niacinamide and tranexamic acid near the top of the list with glutathione, alpha-arbutin, a stable vitamin C derivative (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid), lingonberry extract and antioxidants such as tocopherol, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) and thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid).
numbuzin says the vitamin ingredients are held in glutathione-based capsules and describes the serum as a way to address visible blemish marks and uneven tone through an antioxidant network. It should not be confused with the older No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum, which is a separate product. The texture is a light, slightly creamy serum that absorbs well under moisturizer.
Key ingredients
- Niacinamide: vitamin B3 for a brighter, more even-looking tone and barrier support.
- Tranexamic Acid: commonly used for the look of stubborn dark spots and discolouration.
- Glutathione: an antioxidant widely used in Korean brightening products.
- Alpha-Arbutin: a brightening ingredient used for the look of dark spots.
- 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbyl Glucoside: forms of vitamin C for radiance and antioxidant support.
- Panthenol, Ceramide NP and Allantoin: comforting, barrier-supporting ingredients.
Product details
| Brand | numbuzin (South Korea) |
|---|---|
| Line | No.5 line (brightening) |
| Size | 30 ml |
| Format | Serum in a dropper bottle |
| Main concerns | Dark spots, post-blemish marks, dullness, uneven tone |
| Skin types | Most skin types |
| When to use | Morning and evening, after toner |
| Amazon ASIN | B0GBW9HGHZ |
How to use
- Cleanse and apply your toner or toner pad.
- Dispense two or three drops into your palm.
- Spread evenly over the face, then pat gently until absorbed.
- Follow with moisturizer, and always with sunscreen in the morning.
Tip: apply a little extra to the areas with marks, but keep using it all over so the tone looks even rather than patchy.
Who it suits
This serum suits people who want a multi-ingredient brightening serum for marks left after breakouts, sun spots or general dullness, without relying on high-strength pure vitamin C. It layers well after numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad. For more options, browse the best Korean skincare products in Canada.
Who should be careful
The formula contains several brightening actives at once, so sensitive skin may want to start every other day. Niacinamide can cause temporary flushing in some people. It contains shea butter, which people with a confirmed shea allergy should avoid, and botanical extracts such as turmeric, neem and holy basil. Melasma and other pigment disorders need medical advice, not just a serum.
Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24 to 48 hours before using it on the face.
Full ingredient list
Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tranexamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitol, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract, Behenyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Carbomer, Alpha-Arbutin, Bisabolol, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Glutathione, Disodium EDTA, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Beta-Glucan, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Ubiquinone, Thioctic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Potassium Hydroxide
Notes: no fragrance, essential oils or drying alcohol are listed; behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Contains shea butter (a nut-derived fat that is rarely allergenic but worth noting). Ingredient lists for this serum differ between some retailers, so check the box.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between No.5 and No.5+ serum?
No.5+ is the updated version with glutathione highlighted in the name. If you have older stock labelled No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum, compare the ingredient lists to see what changed.
Can I use it with retinol?
Yes, but many people use the brightening serum in the morning and retinol at night to keep the routine gentle.
Is it the same as the No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum?
No. Goodbye Blemish Serum is a separate, older product in the No.5 line with a different formula.
How long before I see results?
Brightening products work gradually. Give it at least four to eight weeks of daily use with sunscreen before judging.
Learn more
Need help ordering your steps? See our beginner Korean skincare routine.
Ingredient lists can change between batches and markets. Always check the box you receive. This page is an independent guide; melaxin.ca does not sell products directly.
