MAY COOP Raw Activator "Antioxidant Serum"

MAY COOP Raw Activator "Antioxidant Serum"

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Moisturizing
Phytosphingosine, Ceramide np + 22 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Immediately replenishes the skin with moisture, which gives vitality to dry skin.”
Source: MAY COOP

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: biosaccharide gum-1, 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: phenyl trimethicone, squalane.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, copper tripeptide-1, panthenol, phytosphingosine

PhytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.15–0.5%
Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.15–0.5%
PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.1–0.35%
Copper tripeptide-1HeroEffect: HighA naturally occurring peptide. One of the most studied peptides in dermatology. It is sometimes abbreviated GHK-Cu. Belongs to the class of carrier peptides. It stimulates both synthesis and breakdown of collagen in skin. It is released in skin wounds and inflammation to support healing. It accelerates wound-healing of the skin and can stimulate hair growth. There are preliminary studies that confirm that copper tripeptide can help support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles and decrease inflammation in skin.~0.1–0.35%
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~3.2–4.7%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.6%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.95–1.4%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.4–0.95%
CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.15–0.55%
Glycosyl trehaloseKey activeEffect: High~0.15–0.5%
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.~0.15–0.55%
Hydrolyzed jojoba estersKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.55%
Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.1–0.35%
Ganoderma lucidum extractKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%
Phenyl trimethiconeKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~0.1–0.4%
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysateKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can add sweet taste to lip products~0.1–0.4%
Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.1–0.45%
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.4–2%
Tremella fuciformis extractEffect: LowA mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%
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~0.1–0.4%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.1–0.35%
Oryza sativa extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.6%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.1–0.35%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.35%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Copper tripeptide-1, Beta-glucan + 1 more
May help

This product contains copper tripeptide-1. 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.

Copper tripeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA naturally occurring peptide. One of the most studied peptides in dermatology. It is sometimes abbreviated GHK-Cu. Belongs to the class of carrier peptides. It stimulates both synthesis and breakdown of collagen in skin. It is released in skin wounds and inflammation to support healing. It accelerates wound-healing of the skin and can stimulate hair growth. There are preliminary studies that confirm that copper tripeptide can help support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles and decrease inflammation in skin.~0.1–0.35%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.4–0.95%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.1–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Alcohol, Illicium verum fruit extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~2.5–3.8%est.
Coptis japonica root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.55–1.3%est.
Illicium verum fruit extractAnise fruit extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Ganoderma lucidum extractHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Tremella fuciformis extractA mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Acer saccharum sap~23–34%
Formula
Glycerin~3.2–4.7%
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
Polyglyceryl-10 eicosanedioate/tetradecanedioate~4.3–6.5%
Formula
Peg/ppg-17/6 copolymer~3.3–4.9%
Formula
Alcohol~2.5–3.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Trehalose~1.7–2.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~1.4–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
Water~1.1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Sodium hyaluronate~0.95–1.4%
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
Coptis japonica root extract~0.55–1.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Coptis japonica root extract
Beta-glucan~0.4–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Cellulose gum~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum
Triticum vulgare flour extract~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Oryza sativa extract~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Oryza sativa extract
Zea mays germ extract~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Glycine max seed extract~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Oryza sativa bran extract~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Oryza sativa bran extract
Grifola frondosa extract~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Cordyceps sinensis extract~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Poria cocos extract~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Agaricus blazei extract~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Phellinus linteus extract~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Ganoderma lucidum extract~0.1–0.35%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Ganoderma lucidum extract
Tremella fuciformis extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Tremella fuciformis extract
Illicium verum fruit extract~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Anise fruit extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Illicium verum fruit extract
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterial

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extract
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.1–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1
Phenyl trimethicone~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture

More about Phenyl trimethicone
Copper tripeptide-1~0.1–0.35%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A naturally occurring peptide. One of the most studied peptides in dermatology. It is sometimes abbreviated GHK-Cu. Belongs to the class of carrier peptides. It stimulates both synthesis and breakdown of collagen in skin. It is released in skin wounds and inflammation to support healing. It accelerates wound-healing of the skin and can stimulate hair growth. There are preliminary studies that confirm that copper tripeptide can help support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles and decrease inflammation in skin.

More about Copper tripeptide-1
1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil
Panthenol~0.1–0.35%
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
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Niacinamide~0.1–0.35%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces 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
Raffinose~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Raffinose
Ceramide np~0.15–0.5%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np
Phytosphingosine~0.15–0.5%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemish

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine
Cholesterol~0.15–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can add sweet taste to lip products

More about Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate
Glycosyl trehalose~0.15–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Glycosyl trehalose
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.1–0.45%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil
Squalane~0.15–0.55%
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
Hydrolyzed jojoba esters~0.15–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed jojoba esters
Allantoin~0.1–0.35%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Fructan~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Fructan
Butylene glycol~0.1–0.4%
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
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Polysorbate 20~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Triethanolamine~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Carbomer~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Disodium edta~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Parfum~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Acer saccharum sap, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 eicosanedioate/tetradecanedioate, Peg/ppg-17/6 copolymer, Alcohol, Trehalose, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Water, Sodium hyaluronate, Coptis japonica root extract, Beta-glucan, Xanthan gum, Cellulose gum, Triticum vulgare flour extract, Oryza sativa extract, Zea mays germ extract, Glycine max seed extract, Oryza sativa bran extract, Grifola frondosa extract, Cordyceps sinensis extract, Poria cocos extract, Agaricus blazei extract, Phellinus linteus extract, Ganoderma lucidum extract, Tremella fuciformis extract, Illicium verum fruit extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Biosaccharide gum-1, Phenyl trimethicone, Copper tripeptide-1, 1,2-hexanediol, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Panthenol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Niacinamide, Raffinose, Ceramide np, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, Glycosyl trehalose, Olea europaea fruit oil, Squalane, Hydrolyzed jojoba esters, Allantoin, Fructan, Butylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Disodium edta, Parfum

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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 COOPRaw Activator "Antioxidant Serum"YOUR PRODUCTMEDIHEALBaobab Soothing Moisture SerumSaturday SkinMulti-Peptide Wrinkle Repair TreatmentAHCHydrating Korean Skincare Aqualuronic Face Serum
Match—57%55%53%
Price——$29.90$25.61
Shared key ingredients—7 of 156 of 158 of 15
Key difference—GluconolactoneSh-Polypeptide-45Niacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"Maycoop - Raw Activator " Antioxidant Serum" " is effective for: Moisturizing

This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.15% - 0.60% and ceramide np 0.15% - 0.55%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
  • Peptides (copper tripeptide-1 0.10% - 0.40%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. They might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
  • Humectants (biosaccharide gum-1 0.10% - 0.40%, sodium hyaluronate 0.55% - 1.25%, trehalose 1.30% - 1.90% and glycerin 4.20% - 6.40%). 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 31 studies and safety reviews.

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MAY COOP Raw Activator "Antioxidant Serum"
MAY COOPRaw Activator "Antioxidant Serum"

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