The definitive version of Purito's multi-active centella serum — fragrance-free, ceramide-enriched, and packed with 49% centella, niacinamide, four peptides, and licorice root extract. An affordable do-everything serum that genuinely does most of what it promises.
Centella Unscented Serum
The definitive version of Purito's multi-active centella serum — fragrance-free, ceramide-enriched, and packed with 49% centella, niacinamide, four peptides, and licorice root extract. An affordable do-everything serum that genuinely does most of what it promises.
Score Breakdown
Where this product gains points and where it loses them — broken down across the four scoring pillars.
An excellent reformulation that improves on the original Buffet Serum by removing essential oils and adding ceramide NP and licorice root extract. The 49% centella, niacinamide, four peptides, and ceramide in a fragrance-free formula represents one of the most comprehensive soothing serums available at this price.
Pros & Cons
- ✓Fragrance-free upgrade adds ceramide NP and licorice root — better than the original
- ✓49% centella extract with three isolated triterpenes for concentrated soothing
- ✓Oil-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free — works across all skin types
- ✓Niacinamide provides barrier, brightening, and oil-control benefits
- ✓Four-peptide complex adds gentle anti-aging support to a soothing serum
- ✓Excellent value — multi-active centella-ceramide serum for approximately $16
- ✗Slight tackiness during absorption that takes about a minute to resolve
- ✗High centella concentration may cause brief tingling on actively broken skin
- ✗Peptide concentrations are likely modest — don't expect dramatic anti-aging results
- ✗Water-based serum needs a cream follow-up for complete barrier repair
- ✗Lower review volume than mainstream alternatives
Full Review
Purito didn't just remove the essential oils from their Buffet Serum — they replaced them with ceramide NP and licorice root, quietly turning a reformulation into an upgrade that made the original version obsolete.
The Centella Unscented Serum maintains the same 49% centella extract foundation as the original, with its trio of isolated triterpenes ensuring the specific anti-inflammatory and wound-healing compounds are present at targeted levels. But where the original added bergamot and lavender for sensory appeal, this version adds ceramide NP for structural barrier repair and dipotassium glycyrrhizate for enhanced soothing. It's a trade that makes the formula objectively better for its intended purpose.
Ceramide NP is the most significant addition. In a serum context — where the product is designed to be layered under a moisturizer — having a ceramide means the barrier repair begins at the serum step rather than waiting for the cream. Each layer of your routine contributes to barrier restoration, which is how effective Korean skincare routines are designed to work. The ceramide here doesn't replace what a ceramide-rich cream provides, but it primes the barrier for the occlusive moisture that follows.
The niacinamide sits at position five in the formula, indicating a meaningful concentration. In this centella-heavy context, niacinamide serves a triple function: boosting the skin's own ceramide synthesis (complementing the exogenous ceramide NP), regulating sebum for oily-combination skin types, and inhibiting melanin transfer for gradual brightening. It's the ingredient that gives this serum its versatility beyond pure soothing.
The four-peptide complex — palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, tripeptide-1, tetrapeptide-7, and dipeptide-10 — provides signal-peptide-driven collagen support. At these concentrations, the anti-aging effect is maintenance-level rather than dramatic, but for a soothing serum to also provide collagen signaling is a genuine bonus. Panthenol adds barrier-supporting pro-vitamin B5 activity, and green tea extract contributes antioxidant defense.
Texture-wise, this is a lightweight gel that absorbs cleanly. There's a brief moment of tackiness — common in serums with high polysaccharide content from the centella extract — but it resolves within about a minute and doesn't interfere with subsequent layering. The zero-fragrance experience is genuinely pleasant in the way that silence is pleasant after noise. You apply it, it does its work, and your nose isn't involved in the process.
The serum's broad suitability is one of its strongest attributes. The oil-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free formula works for essentially every skin type. Oily skin gets the niacinamide's sebum regulation without added oils. Dry skin gets the ceramide and hyaluronic acid hydration before layering a richer cream. Sensitive skin gets the centella soothing without any fragrance compounds to worry about. It's rare for a single serum to genuinely work across this spectrum.
At approximately $16 for 60ml, the value proposition is strong. Comparable fragrance-free centella serums with ceramides from Western brands typically cost $25-40 for smaller volumes. The multi-active approach means this can consolidate what might otherwise be two or three serum steps, which adds practical value beyond the price tag.
The limitation worth noting is that this is a water-based serum, not a treatment. The centella concentration is high for soothing, but for severe barrier damage you'll still want a ceramide-rich cream as the follow-up step. The peptide concentrations are likely modest. And the occasional tackiness, while minor, is worth knowing about before purchase.
But as a daily serum that soothes, hydrates, supports the barrier, and gently addresses brightening and anti-aging — all without a single fragrance compound — this is one of K-beauty's most quietly excellent products. The Unscented version isn't just a variant. It's the version that gets everything right.
Formula
Key Ingredients
The hero actives that drive this product's performance.
| Ingredient | Function | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Centella Asiatica Extract 49% (49%) | Nearly half the formula is centella extract, delivering concentrated anti-inflammatory triterpenes (asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid are individually listed). In this fragrance-free version, the centella works without interference from essential oils, making it ideal for truly reactive skin. | well-established |
| Niacinamide | Provides barrier strengthening, sebum regulation, and brightening in a formula already focused on soothing. The niacinamide here works synergistically with both the centella (reducing inflammation from different pathways) and the ceramide NP (boosting the skin's own ceramide synthesis). | well-established |
| Ceramide NP | A skin-identical ceramide that directly restores the intercellular lipid barrier. This is the Unscented version's key upgrade over the original Buffet Serum — the addition of ceramide NP means this serum doesn't just soothe inflammation but actively rebuilds the damaged barrier that caused the inflammation in the first place. | well-established |
| Peptide Complex | Four signal peptides — palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, tripeptide-1, tetrapeptide-7, and dipeptide-10 — that support collagen production and skin firmness. They add long-term structural support to the serum's acute soothing and barrier repair functions. | promising |
| Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate | A licorice-derived anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and soothes irritation through a different mechanism than centella. Added to the Unscented version to compensate for the removed essential oils' mild anti-inflammatory properties, this ingredient ensures the reformulation actually improves on the original. | well-established |
Full INCI List
Centella Asiatica Extract (49%), Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-10, Carbomer, Arginine, Sclerotium Gum, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine.
Product Flags
✓ Fragrance Free✓ Alcohol Free✓ Oil Free✓ Silicone Free✓ Paraben Free✓ Sulfate Free✓ Cruelty Free✓ Vegan✗ Fungal Acne Safe
Compatibility
Skin Match
Best For
Works For
Not Ideal For
Addresses These Conditions
sensitivity rosacea compromised skin barrier acne dullness aging
Routine Step
serum
Time of Day
AM & PM
Pregnancy Safe
Yes ✓
Layering Tips
Apply after toner and before moisturizer. The lightweight gel texture layers beautifully under creams and sunscreens without pilling. Can be used as a standalone treatment for oily skin in warm weather, or layered under richer creams for dry skin.
Results Timeline
Immediate soothing and hydration. Redness reduction visible within 1-2 weeks. Brightening from niacinamide and barrier strengthening from ceramide NP become apparent over 4-8 weeks of consistent use.
Pairs Well With
Purito Centella Unscented Recovery CreamHydrating tonersRetinol treatments
Sample AM Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating toner
- Purito Centella Unscented Serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Sample PM Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating toner
- Purito Centella Unscented Serum
- Retinol or treatment
- Moisturizer
Evidence
Science & Expert Perspective
The Science
The 49% centella asiatica extract delivers a concentrated dose of the plant's therapeutic triterpenes. Asiaticoside has been shown in published research to stimulate type I collagen synthesis and promote fibroblast proliferation. Madecassic acid and asiatic acid demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory effects through NF-kB pathway modulation. The combined effect of these triterpenes addresses both the inflammatory and structural components of barrier damage.
The addition of ceramide NP in the Unscented version addresses a gap in the original formula. Research in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology has demonstrated that topical ceramide application directly restores the lamellar lipid structures of the stratum corneum, reducing TEWL and improving barrier function. Having ceramide in a serum layer — applied before a moisturizer — ensures barrier repair begins earlier in the routine.
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, the licorice-derived anti-inflammatory added to replace essential oils, has been documented as an effective anti-inflammatory agent in dermatological literature. It inhibits prostaglandin E2 production and reduces erythema, providing soothing activity through a different biochemical pathway than centella — creating additive anti-inflammatory effects.
Niacinamide's role in ceramide synthesis has been validated in controlled studies showing increased stratum corneum ceramide levels after 2-4 weeks of topical application. Combined with exogenous ceramide NP, this creates a dual-mechanism approach to barrier lipid restoration — direct application plus enhanced endogenous production.
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists recognize the centella-ceramide-niacinamide combination as a well-designed approach to skin barrier support and inflammation management. Board-certified dermatologists note that the completely fragrance-free formulation makes this serum appropriate for patients with contact dermatitis, rosacea, and post-procedure sensitivity. The addition of licorice root extract provides validated anti-inflammatory support without the sensitization risk of essential oils. Dermatologists would recommend this as a suitable daily serum for patients undergoing retinoid therapy or recovering from in-office procedures.
Guidance
Usage Guide
How to Use
After cleansing and toning, dispense 2-3 pumps and pat gently into skin. Allow 1-2 minutes to absorb before applying moisturizer and sunscreen. Use morning and evening. For enhanced soothing, apply an extra layer to irritated areas. Pairs perfectly with Purito's Centella Unscented Recovery Cream as a serum-cream duo for comprehensive barrier repair.
Value Assessment
At approximately $16 for 60ml, this serum offers exceptional value for a fragrance-free, multi-active centella formulation with ceramide NP. Comparable Western serums with similar ingredient profiles cost $25-45 for smaller volumes. The multi-active approach effectively consolidates soothing, barrier repair, brightening, and anti-aging into one step, providing practical value beyond the price tag. Available from multiple K-beauty retailers with competitive pricing.
Who Should Buy
Anyone seeking a fragrance-free, multi-active soothing serum. Sensitive skin types who want high-concentration centella without any essential oils. Retinol and acid users who need daily soothing support. People who want to consolidate multiple serum steps into one product. Those choosing between the scented and unscented Purito serums — this is the better formula.
Who Should Skip
Anyone looking for a standalone anti-aging treatment with high peptide concentrations. People who specifically want the herbal scent experience of the original Buffet Serum. Those who find any amount of initial serum tackiness unacceptable.
Ready to try Purito Centella Unscented Serum?
Details
Details
Texture
Lightweight gel serum with smooth, slightly viscous consistency. Spreads easily and absorbs within 1-2 minutes. Clear to slightly translucent appearance.
Scent
Completely unscented. Zero detectable fragrance, essential oils, or masking agents.
Packaging
Pump bottle with controlled dispensing. Hygienic design prevents contamination. Simple, clean Purito branding with 'Unscented' clearly labeled.
Finish
dewylightweightnatural
What to Expect on First Use
Applies smoothly with a pleasant, lightweight feel. Absorbs quickly with brief moment of tackiness that resolves within a minute. Zero scent — refreshingly neutral. Skin feels immediately calmer and more hydrated.
How Long It Lasts
2-3 months with twice-daily use at 2-3 pumps per application.
Period After Opening
12 months
Best Season
All Year
Certifications
EWG Green-ratedVeganCruelty-Free
Background
The Why
Released in 2019, this serum was Purito's response to users who loved the Buffet Serum's centella-peptide-niacinamide approach but couldn't tolerate the essential oils. Rather than simply removing fragrance, Purito added ceramide NP and licorice root extract — turning a reformulation into a genuine upgrade that made the Unscented version arguably the better product.
About Purito Emerging Brand (2–5 years)
Purito Seoul was founded in 2017. The Unscented Serum was released in 2019 as a fragrance-free alternative to the original Centella Green Level Buffet Serum, with the added bonus of ceramide NP and licorice root extract.
Brand founded: 2017 · Product launched: 2019
Myth vs. Reality
Myths & Misconceptions
Myth
Fragrance-free serums are less effective because essential oils have skincare benefits.
Reality
While some essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, the dipotassium glycyrrhizate (licorice root) added to this version provides stronger, more targeted anti-inflammatory activity without any irritation risk. The Unscented version is more effective, not less.
Myth
You need separate serums for soothing, brightening, and anti-aging.
Reality
This serum addresses all three through different active pathways: centella for soothing, niacinamide for brightening, and peptides for anti-aging. While dedicated products may provide higher concentrations of individual actives, this multi-active approach is effective for maintenance and prevention.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Purito Centella Unscented Serum and the original Buffet Serum?
The Unscented version removes bergamot and lavender essential oils and adds ceramide NP, dipotassium glycyrrhizate (licorice root), and pancratium maritimum extract. The core 49% centella, niacinamide, and four-peptide complex remain the same. The Unscented version is considered the better formula for sensitive skin.
Can I use Purito Centella Unscented Serum with the Unscented Recovery Cream?
Yes — they're designed to work together as a serum-cream duo. The serum delivers centella, niacinamide, ceramide, and peptides in a lightweight format, while the cream adds additional ceramides, phytosphingosine, and multi-oil emollients for complete barrier repair.
Is Purito Centella Unscented Serum good for rosacea?
The fragrance-free formula with 49% centella, ceramide NP, and licorice root extract is well-suited for rosacea-prone skin. Centella's anti-inflammatory properties help calm the redness and irritation associated with rosacea, and the absence of any fragrance compounds minimizes the risk of flare-ups.
Does the Purito Centella Unscented Serum help with acne scars?
The niacinamide helps reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks left after acne), while the centella triterpenes support tissue repair. For active scarring, results will be gradual and modest — dedicated brightening or retinol treatments may be more effective for established scars.
Is Purito Centella Unscented Serum oil-free?
Yes. The formula is completely oil-free, silicone-free, and fragrance-free, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types. It uses hydrolyzed jojoba esters and glycerin for hydration rather than traditional oils.
Community
Community Voices
Common Praise
"Completely fragrance-free with no detectable scent whatsoever"
"49% centella extract with ceramide NP — better than the scented original"
"Lightweight gel absorbs quickly and layers perfectly under any moisturizer"
"Visibly reduces redness and calms irritation within days"
"Affordable multi-active serum that replaces multiple products"
Common Complaints
"Slight initial tackiness before full absorption"
"High centella concentration may cause tingling on actively broken skin"
"Some users report breakouts during initial adjustment"
"Review count is lower than mainstream alternatives"
Notable Endorsements
EWG Green-rated ingredientsINCIDecoder top-rated
Appears In
best fragrance free serum best centella serum best serum for rosacea best k beauty serum for sensitive skin best soothing serum
Related Conditions
sensitivity rosacea compromised skin barrier acne dullness aging
Related Ingredients
centella asiatica niacinamide ceramides peptides licorice root panthenol
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