Description
What it is
The No.5 line is numbuzin’s brightening range, and the Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad is one of its most popular items. The jar holds 70 double-sided pads soaked in 180 ml of essence. One side has a textured surface for gentle smoothing, and the other side is soft for pressing the essence into the skin. Newer packaging in some markets calls it the No.5 Glutathione Vitamin Concentrated Toner Pads.
The formula is led by niacinamide, listed at 50,000 ppm (5 percent), and adds glutathione, tranexamic acid, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside and mild exfoliants such as gluconolactone (a PHA) and capryloyl salicylic acid (an LHA). numbuzin presents the pads as a way to even out tone and fade the look of dark spots and post-blemish marks, and suggests using them either as a quick wipe or as a short leave-on mask.
Key ingredients
- Niacinamide (5%): vitamin B3, widely used for a brighter, more even-looking tone and barrier support.
- Glutathione: an antioxidant popular in Korean brightening products for the look of dullness.
- Tranexamic Acid: used in brightening formulas for the look of stubborn discolouration.
- Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbyl Glucoside: vitamin C and a stable derivative, for radiance and antioxidant support.
- Gluconolactone and Capryloyl Salicylic Acid: gentle PHA and LHA exfoliants that help smooth texture.
- Panthenol, Betaine and Sodium Hyaluronate: hydrating and comforting ingredients.
Product details
| Brand | numbuzin (South Korea) |
|---|---|
| Line | No.5 line (brightening) |
| Size | 70 pads (180 ml) |
| Format | Double-sided toner pads in a jar |
| Main concerns | Dark spots, post-blemish marks, dullness, uneven texture |
| Skin types | Normal, combination and oily skin; most skin types |
| When to use | After cleansing, morning or evening |
| Amazon ASIN | B0C61CJ66L |
How to use
- After cleansing, take one pad out with clean fingers or the included tweezers if your jar has them.
- Wipe the textured side gently over the face, avoiding the eyes and lips.
- Flip to the smooth side and press it over the skin to deliver the remaining essence.
- For a mini mask, split the pad and leave it on areas such as the cheeks or forehead for 10 to 15 minutes, then pat in the remaining liquid.
Tip: always close the lid tightly so the pads stay moist, and wear sunscreen daily, since sun exposure undoes most brightening efforts.
Who it suits
These pads suit people bothered by dull skin, marks left after breakouts or uneven tone who want a quick, low-effort step. They are popular with oily and combination skin because they also gently smooth texture. For our wider list of favourites, see the best Korean skincare products in Canada. To follow up with a serum from the same line, see numbuzin No.5+ Glutathione Vitamin Concentrated Serum.
Who should be careful
The pads contain mild exfoliants and a small amount of alcohol, so very sensitive skin, or skin already using retinoids or strong acids, should start every other day. Niacinamide at 5 percent can cause temporary redness in some people. Avoid using the textured side on irritated or broken skin.
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, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Betaine, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Pantolactone, Tocopherol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ubiquinone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Magnesium Chloride, Ethanol, Glutathione, Polysorbate 80, Calcium Gluconate, Pyridoxine HCl, BHT, Yeast Extract, Cyanocobalamin, Disodium EDTA
Notes: no fragrance or essential oils are listed. Ethanol appears near the end of the list, so the amount is small. Capryloyl salicylic acid is a salicylic acid derivative, which matters for anyone told to avoid salicylates. No nut-derived ingredients are listed.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I use the numbuzin No.5 pads?
Many people use them once a day. Because they contain PHA and LHA, start with three or four times a week if your skin is sensitive, then increase if it stays comfortable.
Can I use them with retinol?
It is safer to use the pads in the morning and retinol at night, or to alternate nights, so your skin is not over-exfoliated.
Are the No.5 pads the same as the No.5 Glutathione Vitamin Concentrated Toner Pads?
The newer name appears on updated packaging in some markets. Check the ingredient list on your jar, since formulas can be adjusted when packaging changes.
Do they help with acne marks?
The brand says they reduce the look of dark spots and acne marks. Expect gradual changes over several weeks of consistent use alongside sunscreen.
Learn more
New to pads and toners? Our Korean skincare routine for beginners explains where they fit.
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.
