'Why I choose this $25 serum over the cult $242 one.'

If you know anything about me, you'll know I'm pretty frugal when it comes to skincare products. Sure, I'm easily influenced to buy expensive, viral products like La Mer's Crème de la Mer or SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence to see what the hype is about — but it's always a one-time purchase. The moment I realise my skin loves the formula, I'm on Google hunting for cheaper alternatives.

Case in point: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum. This cult-favourite product has thousands of glowing five-star reviews — and for good reason. The only catch? Its price.

So, when I discovered that one of my favourite Korean beauty brands had released a dupe of this iconic serum — more than $200 cheaper — I knew I had to put it to the test. Here's what went down.

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What is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum?

Anyone remotely interested in skincare has likely tried or at least heard about the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum. Why?

Vitamin C has skyrocketed in popularity for its ability to brighten skin, boost collagen and fight off free radicals (the bad guys responsible for ageing). It's a powerhouse ingredient, but finding the right formulation for your skin can be tricky. This is because it's an active ingredient, so it can sometimes cause redness, flaking, breakouts or irritation. So, once you find one that works, you tend to stick with it.

For a lot of people, that tends to be the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum. 

The brand is known for its clinically backed formulations, with over 30 years of research under its belt. Dermatologists and skincare professionals even swear by it.

Now, the CE Ferulic Serum is a game-changer for reducing visible signs of ageing (hello, fine lines and wrinkles), thanks to its blend of vitamin C, ferulic acid (another powerful antioxidant) and hydrating vitamin E. It's especially great for normal to dry skin types.

To put things into perspective, the serum has over 4.8k five-star reviews on the SkinCeuticals website alone and nearly 500 more on Adore Beauty, with many calling it "game-changing" and "life-saving". 

But… with premium quality comes a premium price: $242 per bottle. Yep, that's a lot for 30ml of product. 

What is the Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum?

If you love the SkinCeuticals serum but aren't thrilled about the price tag, here's some good news: The Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum is an affordable alternative that delivers on-par results.

Image: supplied.

Okay, who and what is Numbuzin?

Numbuzin is a Korean skincare brand making waves in the Western beauty world. Known for its targeted, effective and clean formulations, the brand is particularly popular amongst those with sensitive or mature skin.

Their slogan, "What's Your Number?" reflects their approach — each product is labelled with a number (No.1 to No.9) rather than a hard-to-read name, making it easy to find a product tailored to your specific skin concern.

The No.5 range, which includes this vitamin C-based serum, focuses on radiance and reducing hyperpigmentation. It also features the Vitamin-Niacinamide Toner Pads (which I also highly recommend) and the Vitamin Boosting Essence Toner (which is still on my to-try list).

Why is the Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum so good?

Let's talk about the formula.

Like the SkinCeuticals product, the Numbuzin serum isn't just a standalone vitamin C formula — it's a powerhouse of potent antioxidants designed to brighten dull skin, suppress melanin production and fade dark spots.

At its core is something called Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract (Lingonberry), a vibrant red berry renowned for its intense antioxidant and skin-calming properties. The formula also boasts a whopping five per cent of niacinamide, a well-loved ingredient known for tackling hyperpigmentation, acne and signs of ageing. Alpha-arbutin joins the mix, inhibiting melanin production and neutralising skin-damaging free radicals. To top it off, Glutathione, paired with synergy vitamins for stability, plays a key role in reducing hyperpigmentation, combating oxidative stress, strengthening the skin barrier and enhancing overall skin health.

Deep hydration doesn't go unnoticed, either — the serum is enriched with panthenol, beta-glucan and hyaluronic acid, ensuring your skin stays plump and nourished.

Plus, it's cruelty-free and formulated without essential oils, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, or drying alcohols.

Each drop is liquid gold, if you ask me.

Where to buy the Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum in Australia. 

What makes this product even better? The price. A 30ml bottle costs just $42 — nearly six times cheaper than SkinCeuticals.

You can find it at several online retailers, but I always purchase mine from Lila Beauty, where it's often discounted to $24.95. 

Other options include Amazon, Myer and YesStyle (though prices may be slightly higher).

How to use the Numbuzin Vitamin Serum.

After cleansing and applying toner, dispense a few drops onto your face and gently pat it in for absorption. You can apply an extra drop to targeted areas if needed, like extra dark spots. Then, follow up with your favourite eye cream and moisturiser.

The serum is suitable for both morning and evening use, but just remember to apply sunscreen during the day for protection.

Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum review: Is it worth it?

If you've read any of my past skincare reviews, you'll know I'm meticulous about the formulas I choose to write about. For me, a product needs to be effective, gentle and, ideally, affordable — and this serum ticks all those boxes, plus some. 

I've been using the Numbuzin No.5 serum on and off for the past few months (in fact, I just bought my third bottle), and every time I incorporate it into my routine, my skin looks noticeably brighter and more even-toned. I primarily use it after a hormonal breakout to fade post-acne marks, and I'm consistently impressed by how quickly it works.

I also love that it's lightweight, non-sticky (a massive tick) and layers beautifully with other products. Plus, I've experienced zero irritation — an absolute win for my ultra-sensitive skin.

If you want to supercharge the serum's benefits, I would recommend pairing it with the matching No.5 toner pads or other skincare staples containing vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, ceramides or peptides.

Don't get me wrong — SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic Serum is iconic and worth the hype. If you can afford it, go for it! But for me, it's simply not in my budget, and I'd be foolish to pass up a product that delivers similar results at a fraction of the price.

Bottom line: It's a solid five stars for the No.5 from me.

Have you tried the Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Feature Image: Supplied.