Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Panthenol + 17 moreWorks well
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
arginine, betaine.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, caprylyl glycol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8, hexapeptide-9, niacinamide, nonapeptide-1, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, panthenol
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Tranexamic acid + 3 moreWorks well
“Contains 10% Niacinamide improves uneven tones and minimizes enlarged pores with Vitamin B.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glutathione, niacinamide, tranexamic acid
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: ascorbyl glucoside.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishNiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Ascorbyl glucoside + 7 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl hexapeptide-8, ascorbyl glucoside, hexapeptide-9, nonapeptide-1, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Ascorbyl glucoside, Glutathione + 4 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (glutathione) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - ascorbyl glucoside also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy11 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Niacinamide~5.5–6.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideMethylpropanediol~4.2–5.2%
Glycerin~3.1–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinPanthenol~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolTranexamic acid~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally
More about Tranexamic acid1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.15%
Hippophae rhamnoides extract~1.4–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ascorbyl glucoside~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about Ascorbyl glucosideDipropylene glycol~0.95–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolHydroxyacetophenone~0.75–1.1%
Glutathione~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin
More about GlutathioneButylene glycol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolCaprylyl glycol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCarbomer~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerArginine~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineTocopherol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolGlycereth-26~0.45–0.65%
Disodium edta~0.4–0.6%
Betaine~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetainePhellodendron amurense bark extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have an anti-inflammatory effect
More about Phellodendron amurense bark extractAstragalus membranaceus root extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extractCoptis chinensis root extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have antioxidant properties
More about Coptis chinensis root extractBisabolol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizateSodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.35%
Hexapeptide-9~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Hexapeptide-9Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Acetyl hexapeptide-8~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl hexapeptide-8Nonapeptide-1~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Nonapeptide-1Ingredient list view
Water, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Tranexamic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Hippophae rhamnoides extract, Ascorbyl glucoside, Dipropylene glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glutathione, Butylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Arginine, Tocopherol, Glycereth-26, Disodium edta, Betaine, Phellodendron amurense bark extract, Astragalus membranaceus root extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Coptis chinensis root extract, Bisabolol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Sodium hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Nonapeptide-1
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| NINE LESSB-Boost 10% Niacinamide serumYOUR PRODUCT | RNWConcentrate Niacinamide Plus | MatkasHyaluronic Acid Firming Boost Serum | USOLABBio Brightening Bleaching Ampoule | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 90% | 89% |
| Price | — | $23.07 | $24.53 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 11 of 18 | 10 of 18 | 14 of 18 |
| Key difference | — | Tripeptide-1 | Tripeptide-1 | Hexapeptide-11 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: BELLAMONSTER Blemish Care Solution AmpouleArencia Deep Water Surge Serum 30
Product summary
"NINE LESS - B-Boost 10% Niacinamide serum" is effective for: Anti-aging, Anti-blemish, Moisturizing and Evens skin tone
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (5.50% - 6.70%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Peptides (nonapeptide-1 0.05% - 0.15%, acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.10% - 0.15%, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.15% - 0.30%, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.20% - 0.35%, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 0.15% - 0.30% and hexapeptide-9 0.15% - 0.30%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. They might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 2.40% - 2.90% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
- Humectants (acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.10% - 0.15%, hexapeptide-9 0.15% - 0.30%, sodium hyaluronate 0.20% - 0.40%, betaine 0.35% - 0.60%, arginine 0.50% - 0.70%, panthenol 2.40% - 2.90% and glycerin 3.10% - 3.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 29 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 5
- 6Effect of tranexamic acid on melasma: a clinical trial with histological evaluationonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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