Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Evens skin tone
- Anti-aging
- Anti-oxidation
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Exfoliation
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: medium
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Key actives
Product Summary
"Josie Maran - Micro Milk Activator Accelerated Renewal Drops" is effective for: Moisturizing, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemish and Anti-aging
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (3.00% - 3.70%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Humectants (saccharide isomerate 0.20% - 0.35%, lactobacillus ferment 0.45% - 0.65% and glycerin 4.00% - 4.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Josie Maran" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 59.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Works for
Does not work for
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Micro Milk Activator Accelerated Renewal Drops Introducing an advanced micro-serum designed to level-up the anti-aging benefits of any skincare ritual, delivering brighter, smoother, more radiant skin—and fast.
Source: Josie Maran
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
Anti-blemish
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Helps oil and water mix together. Might help suppress growth of acne-triggering bacteria in skin
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (kojic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
• Brightens and smooths skin’s tone and texture with effective brightening agents like niacinamide and kojic acid.
Source: Josie Maran
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: kojic acid, niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
MICRO MILK ACTIVATOR ACCELERATED RENEWAL DROPS 5.0 star rating 2 Reviews 15 m L | 0.5 fl. oz.
Source: Josie Maran
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, lactobacillus ferment.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, argania spinosa kernel oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
An emollient that helps soften the skin
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
Now we’re supercharging Argan Milk with potent anti-agers including the antioxidant niacinamide, exfoliating lactic acid, and luminosity-boosting kojic acid.
Source: Josie Maran
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Exfoliation |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 75/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Josie Maran Micro Milk Activator Accelerated Renewal Drops | Current | $59.00 | |
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Salicylic Acid Acne Serum | 82% | $35.00 | |
Kri Skincare Illume Niacinamide Serum | 81% | $12.00 | |
 CeraVe Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin | 80% | $11.00 | |
 Pestle & Mortar NMF Lactic Acid Natural Moisturising Factor Solution | 80% | $28.00 | |
 Environ Focus Care Radiance+ Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System | 80% | $68.95 |
Key Actives
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Potential irritants
Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
An emollient that helps soften the skin
Help oil and water mix together
A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation
Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
Comedogenic ingredients
An emollient that helps soften the skin
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
All ingredients
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating
An emollient that helps soften the skin
Help oil and water mix together
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
Helps oil and water mix together. Might help suppress growth of acne-triggering bacteria in skin
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might help reduce inflammation and support the barrier function. This compound is naturally present in animal and plant tissue
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Helps oil and water mix together and helps preserve the product formulation
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
Ingredient list view
Water, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-10 oleate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Kojic acid, Coconut alkanes, Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, Propanediol, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract, Lactobacillus ferment, Tocopherol, Octadecenedioic acid, Citric acid, Lactic acid, Phosphatidylglycerol, Pentylene glycol, Sorbitan stearate, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Glyceryl undecylenate, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Cetyl palmitate, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Saccharide isomerate, Xanthan gum, Sorbitan palmitate, Glyceryl caprylate, Sorbitan oleate, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium citrate, Sodium carbonate, Sodium chloride, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Cellulose gum, Phenethyl alcohol, Sodium benzoate
- Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitis
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- TOPICAL TREATMENT OF MELASMA
- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color.
- The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging
- Comparison of clinical and histological effects between lactobacillus-fermented Chamaecyparis obtusa and tea tree oil for the treatment of acne: an eight-week double-blind randomized controlled split-face study
- Use of Probiotics for Dermal Applications
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Soy Phosphatidylglycerol Reduces Inflammation in a Contact Irritant Ear Edema Mouse Model In Vivo
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitis
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Phenethyl Alcohol