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Mara Beauty Plankton + PHAFlower Acid Algae Serum
Mara Beauty

Mara Beauty Plankton + PHAFlower Acid Algae Serum

Efficacy62/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Lactic acid, Gluconolactone
Works well
What the product description says
“A three-in-one resurfacing serum with lactic acid, bioactive flower acids, and PHA to exfoliate and visibly improve pores and blemishes.”
Source: Sephora

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.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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)~4.4–6.6%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA 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~0.45–1.05%
Anti-aging
Lactic acid, Algae extract + 1 more
May help
What the product description says
“Protects skin barrier and hydrates with phytonutrients to visibly plump and firm.”
Source: Sephora

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.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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)~4.4–6.6%
Algae extractEffect: LowPlant 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~0.5–1.15%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA 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~0.45–1.05%
Moisturizing
Palmaria palmata extract, Lactic acid + 14 more
Works
What the product description says
“Protects skin barrier and hydrates with phytonutrients to visibly plump and firm.”
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: 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.

Palmaria palmata extractKey activeEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~22–33%
Lactic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn 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)~4.4–6.6%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~3.3–5%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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.~2–3%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.85–1.3%
Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant 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~0.5–1.15%
Chondrus crispus extractKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.3–0.75%
Oenothera biennis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.2–0.7%
Ribes nigrum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.~0.2–0.75%
Borago officinalis seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration~0.2–0.75%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.15–0.65%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~4–5.9%
Silybum marianum seed oilEffect: LowA 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~1.4–2.1%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~1.1–1.6%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA 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~0.45–1.05%
Avena sativa kernel extractUnder-dosedAn effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties~0.3–0.75%
Anti-blemish
Gluconolactone ~0.45–1.05%
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“A three-in-one resurfacing serum with lactic acid, bioactive flower acids, and PHA to exfoliate and visibly improve pores and blemishes.”
Source: Sephora

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Oenothera biennis oilEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.2–0.7%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA 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~0.45–1.05%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Lactic acid, Gluconolactone
Works well

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.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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)~4.4–6.6%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA 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~0.45–1.05%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Haematococcus pluvialis extract, Palmaria palmata extract + 7 more
May help

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.

Haematococcus pluvialis extractKey activeEffect: MediumGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin~0.2–0.7%
Palmaria palmata extractEffect: LowRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~22–33%
Silybum marianum seed oilEffect: LowA 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~1.4–2.1%
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.45–1.05%
Oenothera biennis oilEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function~0.2–0.7%
Borago officinalis seed oilEffect: LowA plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration~0.2–0.75%
Ribes nigrum seed oilEffect: LowAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.~0.2–0.75%
Avena sativa kernel extractEffect: Low, below effective doseAn effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties~0.3–0.75%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA 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~0.45–1.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Silybum marianum seed oil, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Silybum marianum seed oilA 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 lackingHigh~1.4–2.1%est.
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extractA plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsHigh~0.45–1.05%est.
Limonium gerberi extract—High~0.15–0.6%est.
Lactic acidAn 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)Medium~4.4–6.6%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~4–5.9%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~3.3–5%est.
Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.6–1.35%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.45–1.1%est.
GluconolactoneA 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 radicalsMedium~0.45–1.05%est.
Haematococcus pluvialis extractGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthinMedium~0.2–0.7%est.
Ribes nigrum seed oilAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.Medium~0.2–0.75%est.
Oenothera biennis oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier functionMedium~0.2–0.7%est.
Caprylhydroxamic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Palmaria palmata extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~22–33%est.
Algae extractPlant 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 yet3/5~0.5–1.15%est.
Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.3–0.75%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Moon Walk GENTLE EXFOLIATING SERUM
hellobubble Moon Walk GENTLE EXFOLIATING SERUM
Higher efficacy · 100/10060% match
$17.00
Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
Herbivore Botanicals Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10059% match
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Palmaria palmata extract~22–33%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Palmaria palmata extract
Lactic acid~4.4–6.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-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)

More about Lactic acid
Water~4.7–7.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Pentylene glycol~4–5.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.3–5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Cetearyl olivate~2.3–3.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate
Squalane~2–3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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.

More about Squalane
Silybum marianum seed oil~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-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

More about Silybum marianum seed oil
Sorbitan olivate~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate
Glyceryl caprylate~1.1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Glycerin~0.85–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.6–1.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate
Sodium hydroxide~0.55–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
1,2-hexanediol~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Gluconolactone~0.45–1.05%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

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

More about Gluconolactone
Bellis perennis flower/helichrysum italicum extract~0.45–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Bellis perennis flower/helichrysum italicum extract
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
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

More about Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract
Algae extract~0.5–1.15%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-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

More about Algae extract
Gigartina stellata extract~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Gigartina stellata extract
Chondrus crispus extract~0.3–0.75%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus extract
Haematococcus pluvialis extract~0.2–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Green algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin

More about Haematococcus pluvialis extract
Avena sativa kernel extract~0.3–0.75%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-oxidation

An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties

More about Avena sativa kernel extract
Salicornia herbacea extract~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Salicornia herbacea extract
Limonium gerberi extract~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Limonium gerberi extract
Ribes nigrum seed oil~0.2–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.

More about Ribes nigrum seed oil
Oenothera biennis oil~0.2–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function

More about Oenothera biennis oil
Borago officinalis seed oil~0.2–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration

More about Borago officinalis seed oil
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Sclerotium gum~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Caprylhydroxamic acid~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Caprylhydroxamic acid
Sodium phytate~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Citric acid~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
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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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Mara BeautyPlankton + PHAFlower Acid Algae SerumYOUR PRODUCThellobubbleMoon Walk GENTLE EXFOLIATING SERUMHerbivoreMilky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating SerumHerbivore BotanicalsMilky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
Match—60%59%59%
Price—$17.00——
Shared key ingredients—5 of 135 of 135 of 13
Key difference—Azelaic AcidGlycolic AcidGlycolic Acid
Irritancy High Low Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"MARA - Plankton + PHAFlower Acid Algae Serum" is effective for: Exfoliation and Evens skin tone

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.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 29 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
  3. 3
    Tunisian Milk Thistle: An Investigation of the Chemical Composition and the Characterization of Its Cold-Pressed Seed Oilsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Fatty acids, essential oil and phenolics composition of Silybum marianum seeds and their antioxidant activitiesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Mara Beauty Plankton + PHAFlower Acid Algae Serum
Mara BeautyPlankton + PHAFlower Acid Algae Serum
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