numbuzin numbuzin No.2 Protein 43% Creamy Serum Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 10 Reddit threads · Updated November 11, 2026
Protein serum rescued tretinoin dryness and patchiness; discontinued, difficult to replace. The catch: Discontinued, making repurchase impossible. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeBeta-glucan-forward, short formula · $15.00 · 50 ml
Best for DehydrationLightweight humectant layer for damp skin · $9.90 · 30 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 50 ml
The why
A minimalist beta-glucan and glycerin humectant serum that works best on damp skin under moisturizer. It earns HG status for dehydration and retinoid dryness, but sticky film, occasional breakouts, and burning make patch-testing non-negotiable.
One minus
Sticky film or greasy finish when overapplied
Good forDry Skin, Sensitive Skin
Both recommended for Dehydration.
“Another thing that helped greatly with the tret peeling for me was 1) Iunik's beta glucan serum”
— Reddit, r/tretinoin
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- HG rescue for tretinoin-crusted dryness
#2
Best for Dehydration
- Size: 30 ml
The why
A multi-form hyaluronic acid serum with panthenol and glycerin adds a damp-skin hydration step before moisturizer. Best for dehydrated combination skin needing lightweight layering. It can feel sticky, pill under makeup, or leave skin tighter in dry climates.
One minus
Sticky film can pill under makeup
Good forSensitive Skin
Both recommended for Dehydration.
“Yes! Best advice. I throw on my hyaluronic acid immediately after rinsing my face (wet, not dripping), brush my teeth while it settles, then moisturizer on top. Hydration improved significantly.”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare
Other alternatives worth a look
Featherlight, watery texture; layers cleanly under makeup · 271 recs
Gel TextureUnder Makeup
Research-backed acne active; Reddit’s go-to for redness · 320 recs
GentleBlackheads
Browse more
Reddit's best serums by concern or skin type
Looking for a different product?