Works for
MoisturizingHypnea musciformis extract, Gelidiella acerosa extract + 6 moreWorks
“‣ Moisturizes and smooths the skin”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: chondrus crispus extract, pentylene glycol.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
ExfoliationSide benefit · GluconolactoneWorks well
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: gluconolactone.
Anti-agingSide benefit · GluconolactoneWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains gluconolactone.
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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · GluconolactoneWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: gluconolactone
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.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Gluconolactone, Gelidiella acerosa extractMay help
This product contains antioxidants (gluconolactone) 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Gelidiella acerosa extractMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Hypnea musciformis extract~4.4–6.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Hypnea musciformis extractSargassum filipendula extract~3.7–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sorbitol~2.6–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolGelidiella acerosa extract~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Gelidiella acerosa extractPropanediol~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolPentylene glycol~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolGluconolactone~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 GluconolactonePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSodium hydroxide~0.6–1.4%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.5–1.15%
Calcium gluconate~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product
More about Calcium gluconateChondrus crispus extract~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
More about Chondrus crispus extractPropylene glycol~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolSodium carbonate~0.15–0.7%
Sodium chloride~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideChlorphenesin~0.05–0.3%
Sodium dehydroacetate~0.05–0.25%
Citric acid~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPhenethyl alcohol~0.05–0.15%
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Hypnea musciformis extract, Sargassum filipendula extract, Sorbitol, Gelidiella acerosa extract, Propanediol, Pentylene glycol, Gluconolactone, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Calcium gluconate, Chondrus crispus extract, Propylene glycol, Sodium carbonate, Sodium chloride, Chlorphenesin, Sodium dehydroacetate, Citric acid, Phenethyl alcohol, Sodium benzoate
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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.
| NourishMaxMarine Blend Balancing TonerYOUR PRODUCT | Elizabeth ArdenCeramide Micro Capsule Skin Replenishing Essence | Cinema SecretsMoisture Spray+ Hydrating Mist | VotaryDaily Apple Toner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 56% | 55% | 55% |
| Price | $39.00 | $37.19−$1.81 | $21.20−$17.80 | $55.89+$16.89 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 1 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Alcaligenes Polysaccharides | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | Glycolic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Hourglass Cosmetics Equilibrium Restoring EssenceSkinfix Barrier+ Nutrient Water Misting Tonic
Product summary
"NourishMax - Marine Blend Balancing Toner" is effective for: Anti-aging, Exfoliation and Evens skin tone
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- This product contains acids (gluconolactone 1.20% - 1.80%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). PHAs (gluconolactone) especially are great for improving skin hydration. They might be even able to stimulate the production of skin's natural humectants and support the healthy skin microbiome.
Price
The product retails for 39.00$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Marine Bioactive Compounds and Their Health Benefits: A Reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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- 6
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