Decoding Numbuzin: A Brutally Honest Review of 13 Viral Skincare Products
A year-long deep dive into the hyped Korean skincare brand, Numbuzin, separating the must-haves from the misses for dry, mature, and sensitive skin.
Mentioned Products
Hey everyone! If you've been anywhere near TikTok or Instagram lately, you've probably seen Numbuzin, the Korean skincare brand that's exploded in popularity. After a year of collecting and testing their products, I've amassed a pretty impressive stash – 13 items to be exact! So, I'm sharing my completely honest, no-holds-barred review of each one, categorized into "Amazing, I love it!", "So-so, it's okay," and "I don't really agree with that." I bought everything myself, so you know this is the real deal. Especially with the harsh Korean winter upon us, moisturizing is my top priority, and my dry, mature, and slightly sensitive skin needs all the help it can get.
Let's start with a quick brand intro. Numbuzin uses numbers instead of long, complicated product names. So, you'll see No. 1, No. 3, No. 4, and so on. It's a quirky system that I think works! Numbuzin is still relatively small and doesn't have its own stores. You can find some of their most popular products (No. 1, No. 3, and No. 5) at Olive Young, a popular Korean beauty store, or buy the full range online. They actually have products numbered 1 through 9!
Today, I'm focusing on the products trending on TikTok: No. 1, No. 3, No. 5, and one each from the No. 4 and No. 6 lines. The No. 3 line, packed with fermented ingredients, reigns supreme. I personally love fermented skincare, but it's definitely a love-it-or-hate-it ingredient. If you have sensitive skin and are unsure, try their sheet masks first! They have masks corresponding to each numbered line. If your skin reacts well to the No. 3 sheet mask, for example, you can confidently try the other No. 3 products.
Amazing, I Love It!
No. 1 Clear Filter Sun Essence
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!

No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence
Holy Grail Moisturizing Sunscreen
Summary
Moisturizing, lightweight, chemical sunscreen with hyaluronic acid.
Pros
- Hydrating, lightweight, suitable for all skin types.
Cons
- Not long-lasting, easily removed by water and friction.
No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence
Holy Grail Moisturizing Sunscreen

Summary
Moisturizing, lightweight, chemical sunscreen with hyaluronic acid.
Pros
- Hydrating, lightweight, suitable for all skin types.
Cons
- Not long-lasting, easily removed by water and friction.
No. 3 Skin Softening Serum
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.

No. 3 Skin Softening Serum
Top Seller with Fermented Ingredients
Summary
Top-selling serum with Bifida and Galactomyces for skin smoothing.
Pros
- Excellent for skin prep, absorbs well.
Cons
- No dramatic texture change noticed.
No. 3 Skin Softening Serum
Top Seller with Fermented Ingredients

Summary
Top-selling serum with Bifida and Galactomyces for skin smoothing.
Pros
- Excellent for skin prep, absorbs well.
Cons
- No dramatic texture change noticed.
No. 3 Super Glowing Essence Toner
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.

numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner, Fermented Toner for Skin Glow & Texture, Bifida, Niacinamide, Hydrating, Radiance-Boosting Essence, Zero Pore Care, 6.76 fl oz (200ml)
Serum-Toner Hybrid for Dry Skin
Summary
Thick toner with fermented ingredients, ideal for dry skin.
Pros
- Hydrating, suitable for winter.
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner, Fermented Toner for Skin Glow & Texture, Bifida, Niacinamide, Hydrating, Radiance-Boosting Essence, Zero Pore Care, 6.76 fl oz (200ml)
Serum-Toner Hybrid for Dry Skin

Summary
Thick toner with fermented ingredients, ideal for dry skin.
Pros
- Hydrating, suitable for winter.
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
No. 1 Centella Re-Leaf Green Toner Pads
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!

No.1 Centella Re-Leaf Green Toner Pad
Soothing Toner Pads with Cica
Summary
Soothing toner pads with cica, ideal for calming redness.
Pros
- Cooling, calming, non-exfoliating.
Cons
- Limited global popularity.
No.1 Centella Re-Leaf Green Toner Pad
Soothing Toner Pads with Cica

Summary
Soothing toner pads with cica, ideal for calming redness.
Pros
- Cooling, calming, non-exfoliating.
Cons
- Limited global popularity.
No. 1 Pure-Full Calming Herb Toner
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.

numbuzin No.1 Toner | Pure-Full Calming Herb Toner | Breakouts, Redness, Excess Oil Control | Centella Asiatica, Heartleaf, Licorice Root | Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin | 10.14 fl. oz.
Gentle and Soothing Watery Toner
Summary
Gentle, soothing toner, ideal for irritated skin.
Pros
- Moisturizing, gentle.
Cons
- None noted.
numbuzin No.1 Toner | Pure-Full Calming Herb Toner | Breakouts, Redness, Excess Oil Control | Centella Asiatica, Heartleaf, Licorice Root | Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin | 10.14 fl. oz.
Gentle and Soothing Watery Toner

Summary
Gentle, soothing toner, ideal for irritated skin.
Pros
- Moisturizing, gentle.
Cons
- None noted.
No. 1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Cream
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.

No.1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Cream
Moisturizing Cream for Oily and Combination Skin
Summary
Moisturizing cream for oily and combination skin.
Pros
- Non-sticky, absorbs quickly.
Cons
- None noted.
No.1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Cream
Moisturizing Cream for Oily and Combination Skin

Summary
Moisturizing cream for oily and combination skin.
Pros
- Non-sticky, absorbs quickly.
Cons
- None noted.
So-So, It's Okay
No. 5+ Glutathione Vitamin Concentrated Serum
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 No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad, Daily Double-Sided Facial Pads with Glutathione, PHA & LHA for a Fresh, Radiant-Looking Skin Finish 180 ml (70 Pads)
Brightening Serum with Glutathione
Summary
Brightening serum with glutathione, gentle on sensitive skin.
Pros
- Gentle, low-irritation formula.
Cons
- Strong smell, no dramatic results for non-pigmented skin.
numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad, Daily Double-Sided Facial Pads with Glutathione, PHA & LHA for a Fresh, Radiant-Looking Skin Finish 180 ml (70 Pads)
Brightening Serum with Glutathione

Summary
Brightening serum with glutathione, gentle on sensitive skin.
Pros
- Gentle, low-irritation formula.
Cons
- Strong smell, no dramatic results for non-pigmented skin.
No. 5 Vitamin Boosting Essential Toner & No. 5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pads
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!

No.5 Vitamin Boosting Essential Toner
Toner and Pads for Scar Fading
Summary
Toner and pads for scar fading, with niacinamide and peptides.
Pros
- Moisturizing, soft pads.
Cons
- Messy packaging, less effective.
No.5 Vitamin Boosting Essential Toner
Toner and Pads for Scar Fading

Summary
Toner and pads for scar fading, with niacinamide and peptides.
Pros
- Moisturizing, soft pads.
Cons
- Messy packaging, less effective.
No. 1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil
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.

No. 1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil
Mild Cleansing Oil
Summary
Mild cleansing oil, adequate for sunscreen removal.
Pros
- Pleasant texture, emulsifies well.
Cons
- Not effective for blackheads.
No. 1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil
Mild Cleansing Oil

Summary
Mild cleansing oil, adequate for sunscreen removal.
Pros
- Pleasant texture, emulsifies well.
Cons
- Not effective for blackheads.
No. 5 Multi Vitamin Cream
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 Don't Really Agree With That
No. 4 Pore Zero Peeled Egg Toner Pads
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.

No. 4 Pore Zero Peeled Egg Toner Pad
Exfoliating Toner Pads
Summary
Exfoliating toner pads, not ideal for dry skin.
Pros
- None noted.
Cons
- Too exfoliating, exaggerated claims.
No. 4 Pore Zero Peeled Egg Toner Pad
Exfoliating Toner Pads

Summary
Exfoliating toner pads, not ideal for dry skin.
Pros
- None noted.
Cons
- Too exfoliating, exaggerated claims.
No. 6 Deep Sleep Mask Serum
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?

numbuzin No.6 Serum | Deep Sleep Mask Serum | Iceland Glacier Water Serum for Instant and Long-lasting Hydration with Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide | Korean Skin Care for Dry Skin | 1.69 fl. oz.
Underwhelming Sleeping Mask
Summary
Underwhelming sleeping mask, no noticeable benefits.
Pros
- None noted.
Cons
- No noticeable benefits.
numbuzin No.6 Serum | Deep Sleep Mask Serum | Iceland Glacier Water Serum for Instant and Long-lasting Hydration with Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide | Korean Skin Care for Dry Skin | 1.69 fl. oz.
Underwhelming Sleeping Mask

Summary
Underwhelming sleeping mask, no noticeable benefits.
Pros
- None noted.
Cons
- No noticeable benefits.
No. 4 Cooling Calming Cica Sheet Mask
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.
Final Thoughts
So, to recap:
- Oily skin: Try the No. 1 line (toner and cream) or the No. 3 serum.
- Dry skin: Stick with the No. 3 line.
- Avoid: No. 6 Deep Sleep Mask, No. 4 Pore Zero Peeled Egg Toner Pads, and No. 4 Cooling Calming Cica Sheet Mask.
I hope this Numbuzin review helps you navigate the hype and save your money! Let me know your favorite and least favorite Numbuzin products in the comments – I'd love to hear your thoughts!











