May Island

May Island B5 Vitamin Source

Name: May Island - B5 Vitamin Source
Brand: May Island

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide

Works well

What the product description says

“Improves the appearance of skin tone for a bright complexion.”

Source: Yesstyle

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: 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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~2.1–3.1%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Panthenol + 7 more

Works well

What the product description says

“A highly-concentrated vitamin ampoule is infused with five kinds of naturally-derived extracts and 80% of sodium hyaluronate solution to deliver a boost of hydration to the skin.”

Source: Yesstyle

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~2.1–3.1%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.6–2.4%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~6.4–9.6%

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~3.8–5.7%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.95–1.45%

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.35–0.85%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1.05%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.05–0.25%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.4–0.9%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Adenosine + 2 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: centella asiatica extract.

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.

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.95–1.45%

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.35–0.85%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Centella asiatica extract + 1 more

Works well

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.

Centella asiatica extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.35–0.85%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Centella asiatica extract, Adenosine + 1 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (centella asiatica 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.

AdenosineEffect: LowMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.95–1.45%

Fragaria vesca fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking~0.15–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract

Medium risk

We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~1.2–1.7%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.5–1%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~0.35–0.85%est.

Fragaria vesca fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lackingMedium~0.15–0.7%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.05–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Beauty of Joseon Light On Vitamin C Serum for Radiance & Dark Spot Correction

Cheaper100% match

$17.00

SCINIC Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule Serum

Cheaper99% match

$17.60

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Sodium hyaluronate~6.4–9.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Glycerin~3.8–5.7%

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

Glyceryl polyacrylate~2.9–4.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to create a nice product texture and spread the product more easily on the skin

More about Glyceryl polyacrylate

Niacinamide~2.1–3.1%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

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

More about Niacinamide

Panthenol~1.6–2.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin

Ethylhexylglycerin~1.2–1.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Adenosine~0.95–1.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Disodium edta~0.5–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Butylene glycol~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.4–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

Centella asiatica extract~0.35–0.85%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract

Fragaria vesca fruit extract~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking

More about Fragaria vesca fruit extract

Prunus avium fruit extract~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Prunus avium fruit extract

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract

Polysorbate 80~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80

1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Caprylyl glycol~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Ingredient list view

Water, Sodium hyaluronate, Glycerin, Glyceryl polyacrylate, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium edta, Butylene glycol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Centella asiatica extract, Fragaria vesca fruit extract, Prunus avium fruit extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Polysorbate 80, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol

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Yesstyle100 ml

$28.00 Out of stock

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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
	May IslandB5 Vitamin SourceYOUR PRODUCT	Beauty of JoseonLight On Vitamin C Serum for Radiance & Dark Spot Correction	SCINICHyaluronic Acid Ampoule Serum	Madeca DermaHydra Boosting Microbiome Ampoule
Match	—	100%	99%	98%
Price	—	$17.00	$17.60	$29.98
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 6	6 of 6	5 of 6
Key difference	—	3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid	Madecassoside	Hyaluronic Acid
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"May Island - B5 Vitamin Source" is effective for: Moisturizing, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Anti-blemish

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (2.10% - 3.10%). 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.
Adenosine 1.10% - 1.70%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.60% - 2.40% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Humectants (panthenol 1.60% - 2.40%, glycerin 3.80% - 5.70% and sodium hyaluronate 6.40% - 9.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.