COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum for dry sensitive skin
Niacinamide
Acetyl Glucosamine
Zinc Pca
Trehalose
AllantoinHigh
- HighDry Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
A great choice for dry sensitive skin; a few serums fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers high suitability for your dry and sensitive skin as niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine support hydration and skin barrier function, while zinc pca effectively reduces acne lesions and blemishes.
- Trehalose and pullulan provide humectant action, though additional emollients would further enhance hydration for your dry skin.
- The formula is safe for your skin, containing soothing ingredients like niacinamide and allantoin with no harsh or prohibited substances.
How to apply
- Use this PM routine for your evening skincare. Start using the serum 3 times a week and increase to daily use if your skin feels comfortable.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer. This step locks in deep hydration for dry skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin using your palms. Let it absorb completely for a minute ⏱ before applying your next product.
- Since your skin is sensitive, apply the serum on completely dry skin for better tolerance and less irritation.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Always do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 3.1k+ reviewsThis serum is widely praised by users with oily and acne-prone skin for its ability to significantly control sebum and refine pore texture, often delivering a smoother, "glass skin" finish. The high 15% concentration is effective for many, but frequently causes irritation, stinging, or barrier damage for those with sensitive or dry skin types. This summary is based on a very large amount of data and should be definitely taken into account.
Highlights
Controls excess oil Mostly Mentioned
- “less oily T-zone”
- “regulated sebum production”
- “kept oil at bay”
- “balanced my skin”
- “matte but glowing”
Lightweight absorption Often Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly”
- “non-sticky finish”
- “lightweight consistency”
- “layers well”
- “watery and fresh”
Reduces pore visibility Often Mentioned
- “pores look smaller”
- “tightened my pores”
- “pores less visible”
- “refined pore texture”
- “shrunk enlarged pores”
Smoothes skin texture Often Mentioned
- “skin feels softer”
- “bumpy texture gone”
- “smooths rough skin”
- “glass skin effect”
- “improved skin surface”
Fades acne marks Sometimes Noted
- “lightened dark spots”
- “faded post-acne marks”
- “helped with hyperpigmentation”
- “scars are lighter”
- “evened skin tone”
Causes irritation Sometimes Noted
- “stinging sensation”
- “face turned red”
- “burning on application”
- “itchy skin”
- “sensitized my face”
Too strong Sometimes Noted
- “15% is too harsh”
- “damaged skin barrier”
- “too potent for me”
- “over-exfoliated feeling”
- “strong chemical reaction”
Drying effect Rarely Noted
- “dried out my skin”
- “caused flaky patches”
- “skin felt tight”
- “not moisturizing enough”
- “sucked moisture out”
Induces breakouts Rarely Noted
- “caused whiteheads”
- “broke me out”
- “tiny bumps appeared”
- “worsened my acne”
- “clogged my pores”
Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, iherb.com, sokoglam.com, yesstyle.com, skinsort.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum a great fit for dry sensitive skin?
COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum is a great fit because its ingredients like niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine support hydration and skin barrier function, while allantoin helps soothe dry sensitive skin. It is also safe and free of harsh substances, though adding extra rich moisturizers may further enhance hydration for this skin type.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2019Skin Research and Technology, 2024
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
This serum is a great fit because niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine support hydration and your skin barrier, while trehalose and pullulan help hold in moisture. It also includes soothing ingredients like allantoin and zinc pca, which are very well tolerated by sensitive skin.
Skin Research and Technology, 2024Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2019
What does Niacinamide do for dry sensitive skin?
Niacinamide helps dry sensitive skin by calming irritation and keeping moisture locked in so your face feels soft and smooth. It works to build up your skin barrier and calm redness while being very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2013
What does Acetyl Glucosamine do for dry sensitive skin?
Acetyl Glucosamine helps dry sensitive skin by boosting moisture and keeping it soft and smooth. It may also help calm the skin and fade dark spots while supporting hydration.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2019Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This serum goes in your evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. Putting it in the evening keeps things simple and adds extra safety around sun exposure.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to support your skin barrier and calm sensitivity, followed by your retinol. The formula is safe for your skin, containing soothing ingredients like niacinamide and allantoin with no harsh substances.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this serum in your evening routine. It is a great fit for your dry sensitive skin because niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine support hydration and skin barrier function.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts for dry sensitive skin, as it contains zinc pca to help reduce blemishes and has a low complaint rate for causing breakouts. Reviewers mention occasional irritation or the product feeling too strong, so start slowly to see how your skin adjusts.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Topical nicotinamide plus an antibacterial adhesive agent and zinc-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid combined with adapalene significantly reduced noninflammatory acne lesions by the second week of therapy compared to placebo with adapalene in patients with moderate acne vulgaris.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020Topical cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid, N-acetyl glucosamine, and gamma-amino butyric acid improved skin hydration by 24.28% to 33.60%, elasticity by 11.98%, and skin lightening by 5.26% over 2 months in 20 female participants.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2019Sodium trehalose sulfate decreased transepidermal water loss and increased stratum corneum water content in participants with low stratum corneum water content when applied for 4 weeks compared to placebo.
Skin Research and Technology, 2024A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2005Topical 2% N-acetyl glucosamine reduced facial hyperpigmentation in an 8-week split-face clinical test, with an even greater effect observed when combined with 4% niacinamide.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007N-acetyl-glucosamine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers successfully delivered the hydrophilic agent through the skin and reduced melanin distribution in healthy volunteers.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2016Liposomes containing N-acetyl glucosamine prepared using the fusion method significantly increased skin moisture content compared to empty liposomes in human volunteers over a 5-hour period.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013Zinc PCA inhibits UVA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 production through suppressed AP-1 activation and enhances type I collagen synthesis by increasing SVCT2 mRNA expression in cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012Topical chloramphenicol-betamethasone combined with sodium hyaluronate/trehalose/carbomer gel compared to chloramphenicol-betamethasone alone reduced most subjective symptoms at 1 week but increased blurred vision at 4 weeks following strabismus surgery in 31 patients, with no significant differences in conjunctival inflammation between treatments.
Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2019Topical treatment with Thealoz Duo significantly improved dry eye disease symptoms, tear break-up time, and restored tear lipid layer functionality by reducing inflammatory response proteins in moderate to severe dry eye patients over 56 days.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025An injectable product combining different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and trehalose reduced CML formation by 45% at baseline and 30% under methylglyoxal-induced stress while preserving cell viability in human skin explants compared to untreated controls.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018Prophylactic application of a topical scar gel containing Allium cepae extract, allantoin, and heparin significantly improves patient-assessed scar color, stiffness, and irregularity compared to no treatment in women following a cesarean section.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014
Ingredients
Water, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Zinc Pca, Trehalose, Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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