Decoding Numbuzin: A Brutally Honest Review of 13 Viral Skincare Products

This sunscreen is my absolute holy grail, especially during the colder months. It feels incredibly moisturizing, like a lightweight lotion, and has zero stickiness. It's a chemical sunscreen, so there's a slight chance of eye stinging, but I haven't experienced it or heard complaints. The secret to its hydrating power? Ten different types of hyaluronic acid! One downside is that it's not the most long-lasting. Water and friction can easily remove it, so it's not ideal for humid climates or sports. However, it washes off easily with a regular cleanser, making it perfect for daily use, especially in winter when sweating is minimal. I think this sunscreen is a winner for all skin types, even for men!

This serum is consistently a top seller online, even rumored to be used by K-pop stars and their makeup artists. It features Bifida and Galactomyces, star ingredients usually found in much pricier serums, known for smoothing skin texture. While I haven't noticed a dramatic change in my texture, it's an excellent skin prep product. It acts like a primer and absorbs beautifully, even with multiple layers.

This toner is definitely thicker, almost a serum-toner hybrid, making it perfect for dry skin and winter. Like the serum, it contains over 50 different fermented ingredients! Remember, if you're hesitant about fermented skincare, try the sheet mask first.

Out of the three types of Numbuzin toner pads I've tried (No. 1, No. 4, and No. 5), these are my hands-down favorite. While more popular in Korea during the summer, I don't understand why they haven't gained more global traction! Even though the No. 1 line targets oily, acne-prone skin, these pads are incredibly soothing. The cica provides a cooling sensation that calms my skin. I also appreciate the lack of exfoliating ingredients, unlike the No. 3 and No. 4 pads, which can be too harsh for daily use on sensitive skin.

The pad design is also clever: one side is embossed and infused with cica, while the other is smooth with bamboo extract. The cica side is perfect for calming redness – just leave it on like a mini sheet mask for a few minutes. The smooth side gently wipes away impurities. Both sides are fantastic!

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this watery toner. It's incredibly gentle and soothing, perfect for when my skin is irritated from testing too many products. I prefer it over the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner because it's more moisturizing. You can either pat it in or use it with a cotton pad like a toner pad.

This cream is a winner. Unlike some gel creams that dry out the skin, this one stays moisturizing. It's ideal for oily and combination skin year-round. Even my husband, who hates sticky products, approves! Dry skin types could also use it during the summer. It's similar to the Dr.G Red Blemish Cream but absorbs faster.

The No. 5 line focuses on brightening, and this serum features glutathione, a known brightening agent. Be warned, though, a strong application can smell like rotten eggs! It also contains tranexamic acid, used to treat melasma, in a supposedly low-irritation formula. Since I don't have much pigmentation, I haven't seen dramatic results. It's not my favorite, but it's gentle and doesn't have the irritating scent of some vitamin C serums. If you have sensitive skin, it might be worth a try.

Numbuzin recommends using these with the No. 5 serum for optimal scar fading. While the toner pads were more moisturizing thanks to niacinamide and peptides, I didn't use them consistently. I prefer the more hydrating No. 3 line. If you want something lighter, the No. 1 line is superior to the No. 5 line, in my opinion. The pads themselves are soft, but the essence leaks, creating a mess and making the pads less effective. Numbuzin, please improve the packaging!

This cleansing oil has a texture between the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (thicker) and the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Cleansing Oil (thinner). It emulsifies well and feels pleasant, but it's not the best at melting blackheads. It's adequate for removing sunscreen, though.

This is my favorite product from the No. 5 line. It's a regular cream with suspended vitamin capsules and a distinct vitamin C scent. It's incredibly hydrating, definitely too heavy for oily skin, but perfect for dry skin in winter. It provides a beautiful, healthy glow.

I'm not a fan of the "peeling" aspect of these pads. Exfoliating toner pads are too much for my already dry skin. They're not terrible, but there are far better options out there. The "pore zero" claim is also a bit of an exaggeration.

I had high hopes for this sleeping mask, but it fell flat. It feels like a regular serum and doesn't provide any noticeable benefits. What's the point, Numbuzin?

I tried this mask last summer because of its cooling claim, but it was too tingly and aggressive for my sensitive skin. Other Numbuzin sheet masks are decent, especially when you can find them on sale at Olive Young.