stings and smells but despite that it hasn't broke me out or caused eruptions on my face, thank god. my face has gotten smoother and I've gotten a lot less spots since using this, but i'm gonna be honest and say I have no idea if it's this particular product or The Ordinary's niacinamide which is restoring my face. I have a feeling it's the niacinamide. but I do think this is a good product still since it absorbs easily and blahh, no redness etc. for some reason I thought this could help reduce my nose blackheads but no such luck :( I mean it does say whitehead liquid, not blackhead, unfortunately