beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 3 Reddit threads · Updated November 6, 2026
Pore-blurring niacinamide serum with a light, makeup-friendly finish; cooling is underwhelming. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeWatery toner-like texture that layers smoothly under other products · $17.50 · 149.9 ml
Best Cheaper AlternativeClinical acne evidence, not just skincare lore · $5.97 · 29.6 ml vs $20.00 for the original
Best for Texture / PoresNext-morning glow with visibly smoother texture · $27.00 · 50 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 149.9 ml
- Price per ml: $0.12/ml (original $0.40/ml)
The why
A watery peptide essence with niacinamide, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate, designed for damp-skin hydration and smoother layering. It suits oily, dehydrated, or tret-treated routines, though redness, jawline breakouts, and underwhelming long-term results are recurring complaints.
One minus
Breakouts reported around the jawline, especially by acne-prone users
Good forDry Skin, Sensitive Skin
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“Essence — AM and PM: COSRX 6 Peptide Booster Serum (I swear by this stuff, it makes the serums you apply afterward absorb much better)”
— Reddit, r/AsianBeauty
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- One user says it noticeably tightens pore appearance
- Price
- $20.00 · 50 ml · $0.40/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.20/ml (original $0.40/ml)
The why
A simple niacinamide serum for oily skin, visible pores, and uneven tone. Redditors report smoother cheeks and less shine, while studies found topical niacinamide improved acne in some trials; sensitive or over-treated skin can develop redness and dryness.
One minus
Too much, too often triggers red dryness and flare-ups
Good forSensitive Skin
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“I'm pleasantly surprised with the improvements I'm seeing already with reduction in pore size across my cheeks and nose”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
#3
Best for Texture / Pores
- Size: 50 ml
- Price per ml: $0.54/ml (original $0.40/ml)
The why
A niacinamide-led treatment people use before serums for next-morning glow and smoother texture. Best for resilient, texture-focused routines; Redditors report stinging, breakouts, and barrier damage, while studies found topical niacinamide improved acne.
One minus
Can trigger whiteheads, breakouts, or cystic spots
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“I apply Reedle Shot 100 most mornings only to my tzone and areas with thicker skin which has helped smooth out the texture.”
— Reddit, r/tretinoin
Other alternatives worth a look
34,860ppm centella plus four soothing derivatives · 154 recs
Gel TextureSkin Barrier
10% OTC azelaic acid, below prescription 15% strength · 54 recs
Niacinamide-FreeAcne
Featherlight, watery texture; layers cleanly under makeup · 271 recs
Under MakeupDewy Finish
Tranexamic acid plus niacinamide for pigment-focused routines · 57 recs
Dewy FinishBrightening
Browse more
Reddit's best serums by concern, skin type or ingredient list
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