Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
- Anti-oxidation
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Evens skin tone
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Key actives
Product Summary
"Macrene Actives - High Performance Serum" could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Humectants (sodium pca 0.20% - 0.40%, histidine 0.20% - 0.40%, alanine 0.20% - 0.40%, glycine 0.20% - 0.40%, pca 0.20% - 0.40%, aspartic acid 0.20% - 0.40%, arginine 0.20% - 0.40%, sodium lactate 0.20% - 0.40%, citrulline 0.20% - 0.40%, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.60% - 0.95% and glycerin 3.90% - 4.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails from 195.00$ up to 249.99$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (resveratrol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract, ilex paraguariensis leaf extract, punica granatum extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating
A micro-algae extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, support its barrier function, amd might help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
Is claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness
A red algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
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
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
What it is A powerful, non-comedogenic serum with 50 plant-derived actives to address the look of aging skin with visibly firming and brightening effects.
Source: Sephora
This product contains aspartic acid, resveratrol, serine, threonine. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
Is claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Clinical Results In a 12-week clinical trial with twice-daily application , 100% reported soothed skin , 93.7% reported dramatic improvement in hydration and moisturization , 93.5% reported softer skin Clean at Sephora Clean at Sephora is a curation of brands committed to evolving the beauty industry.
Source: Sephora
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:
alanine, arginine.
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: arginine, helianthus annuus seed oil.
A micro-algae extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, support its barrier function, amd might help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
A red algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
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 claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
Help soften the upper layer of the skin
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and attract water to it
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
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?
Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dullness, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity Formulation Lightweight Liquid Highlighted Ingredients , Palmitoyl Hydroxproline Peptides Visibly lift, firm, tone, and tighten skin.
Source: Sephora
This product contains ingredients (alanine, punica granatum extract, resveratrol) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective
Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 66/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Macrene Actives High Performance Serum | Current | $195.00 | |
Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Hydration Serum | 42% | $42.00 | |
NIOD Modulating Glucosides Serum | 41% | $16.80 | |
 The INKEY List CA Ceramide Serum | 40% | $-1.00 | |
 The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Oil Serum | 39% | $16.02 | |
 Paula's choice Peptide Booster | 38% | $15.60 |
Key Actives
Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
All ingredients
Ingredient list view
Water, Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate, Glycerin, Squalane, Cetyl alcohol, Helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables, Sorbitan stearate, Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables, Jojoba esters, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Punica granatum extract, Chrysanthemum parthenium extract, Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract, Coffea robusta seed extract, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Mel, Unknown, Silver, Unknown, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, Kappaphycus alvarezii extract, Scenedesmus rubescens extract, Resveratrol, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Disodium acetyl glucosamine phosphate, Citrulline, Sodium lactate, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Palmitic acid, Pca, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Sodium pca, Hydrogenated lecithin, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose stearoxy ether, Sodium phytate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, Potassium sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Oryza sativa bran extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Helianthus annuus seed extract, Phenoxyethanol, Leontopodium alpinum flower/leaf extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Xanthan gum, Caffeine, Sodium hydroxide, Citric acid
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans
- Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic review
- Extract of Punica granatum inhibits skin photoaging induced by UVB irradiation
- Topical microemulsion containing Punica granatum extract: its control over skin erythema and melanin in healthy Asian subjects
- Safety Assessment of Punica granatum -Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Topical formulation containing Ilex Paraguariensis extract increases metalloproteinases and myeloperoxidase activities in mice exposed to UVB radiation
- Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil., Aquifoliaceae) extract as obtained by spray drying
- Essential oil and antioxidant activity of green mate and mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) infusions
- Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuring
- Analyzing Lycopene Content in Fruits
- Psychoactive Properties of Microalgae
- Protection strategies to inhibit blue light irradiation effects in-vitro and in skin ex-vivo
- Skin permeation and antioxidant efficacy of topically applied resveratrol
- Chemoprevention of skin cancer by grape constituent resveratrol: relevance to human disease?
- Evaluation of efficacy and tolerance of a nighttime topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin, and vitamin e for treatment of mild to moderately photodamaged skin
- Resveratrol as a Multifunctional Topical Hypopigmenting Agent
- Anti-aging properties of resveratrol: review and report of a potent new antioxidant skin care formulation
- Resveratrol: A Unique Antioxidant Offering a Multi-Mechanistic Approach for Treating Aging Skin
- α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammation
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage
- Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacy
- Dermatologic compositions comprising pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid and at least one entity chosen from citrulline, arginine and asparagine, and uses thereof in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
- Acetyl aspartic acid, a novel active ingredient, demonstrates potential to improve signs of skin ageing: from consumer need to clinical proof
- In vivo topical application of acetyl aspartic acid increases fibrillin-1 and collagen IV deposition leading to a significant improvement of skin firmness
- Effect of Topical Application of Glycine and Proline on Recalcitrant Leg Ulcers of Prolidase Deficiency
- Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytes
- Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cells
- Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
- Local rhamnosoft, ceramides and L‐isoleucine in atopic eczema: a randomized, placebo controlled trial
- Histidine and/or Histidine Derivative for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases
- Safety Assessment of α-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics
- Allergic contact dermatitis induced by rosemary leaf extract in a cleansing gel
- Safety Assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Rosmarinus officinalis Extract Suppresses Propionibacterium acnes–Induced Inflammatory Responses
- Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Care
- Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egypt
- Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skin
- Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countries