This is thicker than the Nacifc Whitening Essence, nevertheless it absorbs pretty fast. The first time I applied only a small amount of product as patch test because of the high content of Niacinamide. No bad reactions, no break outs or stinging sensation. I apply this at night and when I wake up my face is glowing and my pores look smaller, I have not seen much whitening effect, but maybe it takes longer. I took off one star because the dispenser lets the product out between applications so that is a downside and waste of product.