Testing The Most $$ K-Beauty Eye Patches | Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Under Eye Patch Review
Numbuzin was launched in 2019 by a small start-up that wanted to explore new formulas and skincare solutions. They created a numbered system that could let people select products to address specific problems; such as irritation, dark spots, hydration and fine lines. They’ve experienced great success for where they started and created a variety of products that are industry leaders for their exciting formulas.
In 2023, they released the NAD+ skincare line which includes a famous NAD Bio Lifting-Sil Essence, NAD Lifting Mask, Eye Cream, Toner and Eye Patches. But what is NAD?
Simply put, NAD+ is an enzyme found naturally within cells that maintains cell health and its energy cycle. Adding it to your skin helps prevent aging, UV damage and improve healing of skin cells. The effect of NAD+ is still being researched, but it is an exciting new area of dermatology – which makes its addition to a skincare line quite exciting. This ingredient is infused into these hydrogel eye patches with a mixture of 50 different peptides (which is crazy), niacinamide, adenosine, collagen and more! It’s like a cocktail of the most modern skincare treatments to firm and moisturize.
So, with all this taken into account – are these the best eye patches in K-beauty? For being the most expensive (that we have in our catalogue at least), they certainly should produce some undeniable, exciting results. So, let’s put it to the test!
What's In The Bottle?
As mentioned above, there are 50 different peptides infused into this eye mask. We won’t go over all of them in detail; but peptides are great for fine lines due to their ability to trigger re-building and strengthening of skin cells. A few key players include:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: reduces appearance of fine lines by stopping facial muscle contractions. Produces a smoother visage like topical Botox.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1: stimulates collagen production within skin cells to immediate boost firmness, reduce wrinkles and enhance natural elasticity.
Copper Tripeptide-1: stimulates both collagen and elastin production within cells. Also reduces inflammation and improves skin texture.
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-4: helps inhibit enzymes that break down collagen within skin to maintain smoother, firmer skin for longer.
Otherwise, these eye patches are made of traditional hydrogel (seaweed extract blended with glycerin and agar) infused with a few ingredients to boost natural hydration and glow.
Niacinamide: brightening vitamin B3 that helps reduce dark spots and even skin tone for brighter eye appearance.
Allantoin: promotes wound healing and moisturizes skin cells, whilst stimulating proliferation for stronger and healthier glow. Also triggers exfoliation of dead skin cells for smoother, softer texture.
Adenosine: reduces fine lines and improves collagen production, whilst boosting healing procedures for a strong and healthy glow.
Caffeine: reduces inflammation and puffiness of undereye, whilst improving circulation for refreshed and clear skin.
Sodium hyaluronate: plumping humectant that helps draw water into skin barrier for a boost in moisture and smoother skin.
Hydrolyzed collagen: fragmented collagen that helps provide building blocks for skin cells to grow, strengthen and produce new collagen. Helps moisturize skin barrier.
Who Should Avoid?
These moisturizing eye patches contain very little to irritate skin, which makes it generally safe for any skin type. I would most recommend it for individuals with fine lines and who need a boost – as you’re much less likely to see benefits otherwise. It has less of a brightening effect and glowy end-result when compared to other eye patches, so its purely beneficial to boost fine lines and moisturize.
The Results
A good hydrogel eye mask is a great cap to the end of the day. Especially if you have dry eyes or fine lines, to help you moisturize and wake up refreshed. Seeing the price tag on the Numbuzin NAD+ collagen eye patches, I was convinced they must be amazing. Infused with mystical NAD+, 50 peptides and collagen? With a price tag of 5$ per pair, it had to give great quality to justify. After all, other hydrogel eye patches run for about 20$ for a pack of 60.
It comes in an individual pack (with 5 sachets), which peel to reveal thick and vibrant purple patches. I was struggling with dry undereye and fine lines, so it seemed a perfect time to try out the treatment. It had a good seal, stuck well to other skincare ingredients underneath it and left it on. It's supposed to work as an overnight treatment, but after about an hour it started slipping. I managed to keep it on for 5 hours before they basically fell off my face. The second time I was determined to use it overnight, putting on a set right before bed and carefully correcting it.
The patches start out really thick and infuse overnight, drying out to about a third their original thickness. You can see the plumpness infused into the undereye, whilst also tightening; but the effect may be better on eyebags or significant fine lines.
As an overnight treatment to reduce crow's feet or eye wrinkles, it works well - but the effect is temporary and best reserved for a special occasion when you want to look your best.
I feel that for my eyes, I could see a subtle change to dehydrated texture and (non-visible) the skin was firmed and tightened. I feel there would be a more dramatic effect in more mature skin, with limited benefit in those with already youthful eyes. It had a limited brightening effect for under-eye circles, so I would rather recommend a niacinamide or glutathione cream for dark circles.
Final Thoughts
These eye patches are great quality, hydrating and fun to use. I would recommend it for undereye bags and fine lines; but have tempered results. It would be best before a big occasion or for fun with friends, where you need a quick lift and smooth fine lines.
Looking for more exciting skincare that delivers fresh scientific ingredients and formulas to your skin? Check out the Numbuzin range available on Arktastic (including their brand-new glutathione range).
Excited for more reads? Check out the blog on Numbuzin's numbers and how to find your skincare solution. Or check out our review of another eye treatment with Beauty of Joseon's famous under-eye cream.
