Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Evens skin tone
- Exfoliation
- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-blemish
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Key actives
Product Summary
"Mara Beauty - Mara Plankton + PHA™ Flower Acid Algae Serum" is effective for: Evens skin tone and Exfoliation
This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Exfoliating acids (lactic acid 4.40% - 6.60%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run. PHAs (gluconolactone 0.45% - 1.05%) in this product also work for improving skin hydration. They might be even able to stimulate the production of skin's natural humectants and support the healthy skin microbiome.
- Humectants (algae extract 0.50% - 1.15%, glycerin 0.85% - 1.30% and lactic acid 4.40% - 6.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 73.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Works for
Does not work for
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Poly-hydroxy acid (PHA) improves texture and uneven skin tone, reduces the size of pores and raises the skin's moisture levels.
Source: Content
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: lactic acid
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.
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)
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
Derived from beet sugar in France, this vegan, bio-based lactic acid delivers smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin by stimulating skin exfoliation and cell renewal while keeping skin moisturised and firm.
Source: Content
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: lactic acid.
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)
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Derived from beet sugar in France, this vegan, bio-based lactic acid delivers smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin by stimulating skin exfoliation and cell renewal while keeping skin moisturised and firm.
Source: Content
This product contains lactic acid. This ingredient 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 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)
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (haematococcus pluvialis extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Green algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration
A plant oil that contains essential oils that can be irritating. Can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant activity but evidence is lacking
An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.
A plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Derived from beet sugar in France, this vegan, bio-based lactic acid delivers smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin by stimulating skin exfoliation and cell renewal while keeping skin moisturised and firm.
Source: Content
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:
algae extract, glycerin.
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, chondrus crispus extract.
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
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 and can support skin barrier function
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.
A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration
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
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
Red algae extract 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
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.
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
A plant oil that contains essential oils that can be irritating. Can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant activity but evidence is lacking
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
Poly-hydroxy acid (PHA) improves texture and uneven skin tone, reduces the size of pores and raises the skin's moisture levels.
Source: Content
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Exfoliation | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 70/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Mara Beauty Mara Plankton + PHA™ Flower Acid Algae Serum | Current | $73.00 | |
MARA Plankton + PHA™ Flower Acid Algae Serum | 64% | $74.00 | |
Kit : No. 2 Concentrated Serum | 55% | $34.00 | |
 Derma E Ferulic Acid Resurfacing Pads | 54% | $24.95 | |
 Dope Skin Co AHA/BHA Resurfacing Serum | 52% | $24.45 | |
 marie veronique Intensive Repair Serum | 52% | $95.00 |
Key Actives
Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
All ingredients
Ingredient list view
Palmaria palmata extract, Lactic acid, Water, Pentylene glycol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetearyl olivate, Squalane, Silybum marianum seed oil, Sorbitan olivate, Glyceryl caprylate, Glycerin, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Sodium hydroxide, 1,2-hexanediol, Gluconolactone, Bellis perennis flower/helichrysum italicum extract, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Algae extract, Gigartina stellata extract, Chondrus crispus extract, Haematococcus pluvialis extract, Avena sativa kernel extract, Salicornia herbacea extract, Limonium gerberi extract, Ribes nigrum seed oil, Oenothera biennis oil, Borago officinalis seed oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Sclerotium gum, Xanthan gum, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Sodium phytate, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid
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- Tunisian Milk Thistle: An Investigation of the Chemical Composition and the Characterization of Its Cold-Pressed Seed Oils
- Fatty acids, essential oil and phenolics composition of Silybum marianum seeds and their antioxidant activities
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
- A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
- The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoaging
- Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity
- The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study
- A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen
- The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
- Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acids
- An evaluation of a polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen in combination with azelaic acid 15% gel in rosacea patients
- Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
- Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids
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- Anthocyanin-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx counteracts UVC-caused impairments in rats
- Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – A phytochemical and pharmacological review
- Liposome-containing Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract formulations with increased antioxidant activity, improved dermal penetration and reduced dermal toxicity
- Effective Inhibition of Skin Cancer, Tyrosinase, and Antioxidative Properties by Astaxanthin and Astaxanthin Esters from the Green Alga Haematococcus pluvialis
- Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of Toxicity and Efficacy of A New Astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis Extract
- Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review
- Dermatology News - Commentary: Borage Seed Oil
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- 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