I previously shared my thoughts on the Numbuzin No. 5 Concentrated Pads, and I wasn't impressed, which lowered my expectations for this product. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking it and would actually recommend it.
As a WOC, I struggle with dark spots, especially after a pimple. I typically use niacinamide to help fade those post-pimple marks, but I sometimes feel it’s not strong enough. This product contains glutathione, which is known for brightening the skin and reducing excess melanin production—exactly what I need.
Here’s why I ended up liking this product more than expected:
▫️ The first thing I checked was the concentration of glutathione. While it’s not at an ideal level for fighting hyperpigmentation, it contains 100 ppm (0.01%), which is significantly better than the pads that only had 0.3 ppm (0.00003%). Though standard skincare uses about 0.5-2%, this lower concentration makes it gentler for sensitive skin.
▫️The dropper came in a sealed package, ensuring product sterility. I found this to be a thoughtful touch for skincare users.
▫️ The texture is more opaque than clear, which I believe indicates it’s packed with active ingredients. Upon closer inspection, you can see microparticles of beneficial skincare components.
▫️ In addition to glutathione, it also contains panthenol for soothing, niacinamide (which works well with glutathione), and other powerhouse ingredients like tranexamic acid and alpha-arbutin.
▫️After using it for about a week, I haven’t experienced any side effects, and I feel like my skin is already looking brighter.
Overall, I’d rate this product a 4/5. I’ll continue using it to see if it earns a 5/5, but so far, it’s performing well.
