Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule+ Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 20 Reddit threads · Updated October 30, 2026
Niacinamide ampoule smooths pore appearance and controls oil; fragrance can trigger breakouts. The catch: fragrance or tomato extract triggered allergic breakouts. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeAscorbic acid visibly fades post-acne marks with consistent use
Best Cheaper AlternativeCentella-focused seven-ingredient formula · $6.00 · 30 ml vs $44.80 for the original
#1
Best Overall Alternative
The why
This ascorbic acid essence targets post-acne marks and dullness with a tube that slows oxidation. It fits consistent morning routines for sensitive skin, though the oily feel annoys, and reactive or acne-prone users report irritation and breakouts.
One minus
Oily slip can feel greasy and slow to absorb
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“It's definitely helped to speed along PIE fading on my cheeks.”
— Reddit, r/tretinoin
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Lightweight, slightly tacky texture
- Price
- $44.80 · 75 ml · $0.60/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Skin1004·Serum
See alternativesCentella-focused seven-ingredient formula
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.20/ml (original $0.60/ml)
The why
A watery Centella Asiatica Extract serum with Glycerin, built for redness, irritation, and recovery nights around tretinoin. Sensitive, rosacea-prone users often love its quick layering; acne-prone skin can develop closed comedones or cystic breakouts.
One minus
Closed comedones and cystic breakouts hit some acne-prone users
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
“SKIN1004 Ampoule helped me tighten my pores, my skin looked really clean as if freshly washed.”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
#3
Best for Texture / Pores
- Size: 50 ml
- Price per ml: $0.69/ml (original $0.60/ml)
The why
This is a niacinamide serum, used as step zero before your routine. Redditors reach for it for glow and texture, while studies find niacinamide’s acne results uncertain; sensitive skin may face stinging, redness, or breakouts.
One minus
Breakouts and closed comedones are recurring complaints
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“when i finally introduced the Reedle Shots into my routine, my skincare game went to the next level.”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
#4
Best for Acne Scarring
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.20/ml (original $0.60/ml)
The why
This 10% niacinamide and Zinc PCA serum targets oil, visible pores, and post-acne marks. Studies support niacinamide for acne, while Redditors report strong results alongside frequent stinging, redness, breakouts, and dryness; sensitive or barrier-damaged skin should skip it.
One minus
10% concentration stings, burns, or flushes reactive skin
Good forDry Skin
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“The niacinamide should help with the scars and the zinc is good for acne prevention.”
— Reddit, r/acne
Other alternatives worth a look
Watery toner-serum texture; layers under everything · 90 recs
Dry SkinSensitive Skin
60% propolis gives a lightweight, glassy finish · 52 recs
Combination SkinDry Skin
20% L-ascorbic acid with Ferulic Acid and Alpha Tocopherol · 188 recs
Niacinamide-FreeFine Lines & Wrinkles
10% OTC azelaic acid; studies support the active for acne · 315 recs
Combination SkinDry Skin
Dewy, plumper-looking skin within two weeks · 39 recs
Combination SkinDry Skin
Beginner-level retinol for texture and pores · 56 recs
AcneAnti-Aging
10% niacinamide plus 4% tranexamic acid for stubborn dark marks · 50 recs
Combination SkinDark Spots
Hydrating centella-and-aloe base with multiple hyaluronic acids · 14 recs
Niacinamide-Free
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