PRODUCT REVIEW
MARA Plankton + PHAFlower Acid Algae Serum
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Works for
Does not work for
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Protects skin barrier and hydrates with phytonutrients to visibly plump and firm.
lactic acid
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
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)
algae extract
0.5% -
1.15%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
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
gluconolactone
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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?
A three-in-one resurfacing serum with lactic acid, bioactive flower acids, and PHA to exfoliate and visibly improve pores and blemishes.
lactic acid
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
gluconolactone
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Protects skin barrier and hydrates with phytonutrients to visibly plump and firm.
oenothera biennis oil
0.2% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
palmaria palmata extract
22% -
33%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
chondrus crispus extract
0.3% -
0.75%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
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Evens skin tone
lactic acid
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
gluconolactone
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
haematococcus pluvialis extract
0.2% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Green algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin
oenothera biennis oil
0.2% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
borago officinalis seed oil
0.2% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration
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Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
A three-in-one resurfacing serum with lactic acid, bioactive flower acids, and PHA to exfoliate and visibly improve pores and blemishes.
oenothera biennis oil
0.2% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
gluconolactone
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Exfoliation | |
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
62/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Potential irritants
silybum marianum seed oil
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
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
hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
palmaria palmata extract
22% -
33%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
algae extract
0.5% -
1.15%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging
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
Show more
User reviews (0)
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| WIMJ similarity score |
64%
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55%
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54%
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52%
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49%
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| Key ingredients |
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
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Other:
| Common:
Other: | Common: Other: | Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
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Other:
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
gluconolactone
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Exfoliation,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-blemish
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
lactic acid
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging
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)
Show more
Potential irritants
silybum marianum seed oil
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
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
hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
palmaria palmata extract
22% -
33%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
algae extract
0.5% -
1.15%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging
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
Show more
All ingredients
palmaria palmata extract
22% -
33%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
lactic acid
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging
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)
Show more
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
Sources
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- 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
- Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Provide Conditioning Effects to Skin Without Increasing Sensitivity to UV Light
- 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
- Undershirts coated with borage oil alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children
- 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