The Maelove Vitamin C Serum — aptly named ‘Glow Maker’ — is one of those serums that’s got everything going for it: it’s packed with beneficial ingredients, it’s affordable, and it works. No wonder Glow Maker has sold out not once but five times since it first launched. And did we mention this serum has more than 5,000 five-star reviews?
What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2024?
What’s so special about Maelove Glow Maker? We’re glad you asked because that’s exactly what we’ll discuss below. We’ll give you all the details on the key ingredients in this formula, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care.
We’ll also share some Maelove Glow Maker reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.
What’s Inside Maelove Glow Maker?
In order to determine how well Maelove Glow Maker performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is the star ingredient in Maelove Glow Maker. The brand uses 15% L-ascorbic acid, also known as pure vitamin C.
L-ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant, which means it helps to protect the skin against free radical damage. This is important because the harmful effects of free radicals occur as direct chemical alterations of the cellular DNA, the cell membrane, and proteins, including collagen. Damaged collagen manifests as signs of premature skin aging, including wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin.
L-ascorbic acid not only protects collagen from free radical damage, but also stimulates the synthesis of new collagen in the skin.
According to the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, clinical studies have shown that the topical use of vitamin C increases collagen production in both young and aged human skin. By increasing the amount of collagen in the skin, signs of aging will be diminished and the skin will appear more firm.
Lastly, L-ascorbic acid has the ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve uneven skin tone by inhibiting melanin synthesis. The result? A brighter complexion and more even skin tone.
The only problem with L-ascorbic acid is that it’s the least stable form of topical vitamin C, meaning it oxidizes the easiest.
When vitamin C becomes oxidized it loses its potency and ultimately becomes ineffective. To the visible eye, a topical product will turn yellow or orange.
And based on some of the Maelove Glow Maker reviews we read, this seems to be a problem for some people.
Our favorite Vitamin C serum is Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum. It contains 3 stable vitamin C derivatives that work together to help fight free radical damage. We recommend using it every morning.
Vitamin E
Another antioxidant that you’ll find in Maelove skincare products is vitamin E. It’s great to combine vitamins C and E in a skincare product because these ingredients are referred to as “network antioxidants”.
A publication in the journal Dermatologic Therapy explains, “because vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E, the combination in a cosmeceutical formulation is synergistic — particularly in UV protection.”
Another function of vitamin E is to help the skin retain moisture by strengthening the skin’s barrier function. When vitamin E is delivered to your skin through the sebaceous (oil) glands, it improves water-binding capacity and hydrates the stratum corneum (the uppermost layer of skin).
We recommend Carrot & Stick The Repair Cream for dry skin because it combines vitamin E with probiotics and soothing plant extracts to keep the microbiome balanced and skin looking hydrated.
Ferulic Acid
Like other antioxidants, topical application of ferulic acid will help to slow the aging process by protecting the skin from free radical damage. One of the key advantages of ferulic acid is its ability to enhance the efficacy and stability of vitamins C and E.
Hyaluronic Acid
The final key ingredient in Maelove Glow Maker that we’d like to introduce you to is sodium hyaluronate, the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid.
Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are basically the same and the two names are used interchangeably in the skin care industry.
Once applied to the skin, sodium hyaluronate provides the same benefits of hyaluronic acid. Those benefits include improved skin hydration, as well as a more plump complexion with fewer lines and wrinkles.
We recommend Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum because it not only contains hyaluronic acid, but also niacinamide and 7 plant-based peptides to promote plumper and smoother-looking skin
Is Maelove Glow Maker Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Maelove Glow Maker is right for you.
- Key ingredients? 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid
- Skin type? Recommended for all skin types
- Texture? Lightweight serum
- Fragrance? No
- Cruelty free? Yes
- Cost? $27.95 USD for 1 fl oz (30 mL)
Maelove Glow Maker vs. SkinCeuticals
One reason that the word about Maelove Glow Maker spread so quickly is because this serum contains many of the same ingredients as the cult-favorite SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum — but for a fraction of the cost. Basically, you can pay $166 for the C E Ferulic Serum or $28 for Maelove Glow Maker to get the same key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid.
How to Use Maelove Glow Maker?
In the morning after cleansing and toning, apply 3 to 5 drops of Glow Maker to a dry face, neck, and chest before other anti-aging skincare products.
Where to Buy Maelove Glow Maker?
Maelove Glow Maker and other Maelove skincare products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as on Amazon.
How Much is Maelove Glow Maker?
Maelove Glow Maker costs $27.95 USD for 1 fl oz (30 mL).
What is The Maelove Return Policy?
The Maelove return policy states that you may submit a return request “within 100 calendar days from your order arrival. Full packaging (anything that has barcode including product boxes) along with products must be returned within 21 calendar days from the initiation of a return request.”
Is Maelove Cruelty Free?
Yes, Maelove is cruelty free.
Is Maelove Glow Maker Vegan?
Yes, Glow Maker is vegan.
Maelove Glow Maker Reviews
Like we mentioned above, Glow Maker has received thousands of raving 5-star reviews. But let’s take a closer look at both the positive and negative reviews for this Maelove Vitamin C Serum.
There are many 5-star reviews from customers who love that Glow Maker lives up to its name and delivers smooth, bright, glowing skin.
For example, one review says, “I’ve been using this serum for about a month and I can see visible changes in my skin. I have a Dewy glow all day when wearing it. I have also been complimented on my completion. I love that it’s affordable. Skin type is dry –sensitive and I 10/10 recommend!
And another 5-star review says, “I’ve enjoyed this serum a lot so far. It is a good amount of serum, and I have been using it daily thus far. I can tell it makes a difference of the glow of my skin, and I love having a morning antioxidant serum to start the day off right for my skin.”
There aren’t many negative Maelove Glow Maker reviews, but those that we did read were from customers who were disappointed that the product arrived with the vitamin C oxidized (as indicated by the dark orange color).
For example, one review says, “I had to send this back as soon as I opened it and discovered it to be a dark orange color.”
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Maelove Glow Maker is a well-formulated, budget-friendly vitamin C serum that should help to brighten your complexion while also preventing/reducing signs of aging.
Pros
- Formula contains beneficial key ingredients (vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid)
- Formula is fragrance free
- Many positive Maelove Glow Maker reviews
- Maelove is cruelty free
Cons
- Some Maelove Glow Maker reviews mention that the product arrived oxidized
What Are Some Alternatives to Maelove Glow Maker?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. We recommend The Defence Serum, followed by The Moisturizer.
References:
Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr-Jun; 4(2): 143–146.
September 2007 Dermatologic Therapy 20(5):314-21
