I bought this as a replacement for my SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. Since my face was fine with the SK-II, I thought I would be fine with the COSRX as well. Nope. This gave me closed comedones and cystic acne. I really, really wanted to like this essence. But no. It really does brighten your skin though. But nope, I get breakouts... Since I'm fine with galactomyces extract, maybe it was the niacinamide that gave me problems... So I guess if your skin is okay with niacinamide, use this for the really nice brightening effect.