This is my first time trying this brand, and I’m excited to share my honest thoughts. While this brand has been buzzing all over social media, I approached it with some skepticism. One thing that initially confused me was the numbering system on the products. For example, I saw the number 5 on the concentrated pads and had no idea what it meant. After doing some research, I found out that the numbers correspond to different product types. Honestly, I think it’s a genius way to differentiate between skincare items and their uses. As someone who’s always preferred math over literature, I find this numbering system much easier to remember and identify the products I’m using. Here are my thoughts after testing the product for a few days: 🌤️ Though these pads are advertised as being niacinamide concentrated with a side label indicating glutathione, the actual concentration of glutathione is only 0.3 ppm, which is incredibly low. ⁃ To put it into perspective, that's just 0.00003%. For glutathione to effectively reduce melanin production, you'd need at least 2-5%. This was really disappointing. It seems like the niacinamide, which is the second ingredient, is doing most of the work here. So, if you're looking for niacinamide benefits, this might still be a good option for you. 🌤️ I haven’t seen an immediate brightening effect yet, but I’ll keep using it to see if anything changes. For now, I’ve noticed a nice glow and some added hydration. 🌤️ The scent is gentle. It doesn’t have an overpowering fragrance—just a subtle, airy, citrusy smell, though I can’t quite put my finger on it. 🌤️ I absolutely hate the packaging. It leaks everywhere. For a brand like numbuzin, I expected better product design. It spills as soon as I touch it, which is really frustrating. Overall, I’d give this product a 2/5.

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.