florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum Review

florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.6 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (est. ≈1.5%), Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract (est. ≈1.0%), Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Caffeine, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Caffeine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Caffeine may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of florence by mills Dreamy Drops Hydrating Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
1.5
1.4
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Triheptanoin
Function:
Origin:
C13-15 Alkane
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Methylglucamine
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.9
6
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.3
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.9 10
10.0
6
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.3 20
1.6
3.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.9 10
10
All humectants
13.9
6
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
0.3
All occlusives 3.3 20
1.6
All occlusives
3.3
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.6
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
1.5
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
1
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
0.3
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from the seeds of meadowfoam. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Est. %1.4
Function
Origin
Anthemis Nobilis Flower WaterA fragrant water infused with the essential oil of Roman chamomile flowers that has a crisp, sweet, and herbaceous scent.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit ExtractAn emollient extract from red watermelon fruit. Its pulp, seeds, and rinds are a source of beneficial compounds for the skin, and it has occlusive, emollient, and antioxidant properties.
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
Rosa Gallica Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Gallica Flower ExtractAn extract derived from gallic rose. It contains some amount of soothing rose essential oil and also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids and tannins.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from lentil seeds that contains mainly humectant oligosaccharides. It is also a good source of amino acids and various antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Triheptanoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triheptanoin
C13-15 Alkane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C13-15 Alkane
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Methylglucamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methylglucamine
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerA synthetic humectant moisturizer often paired with glycerin. It also functions as a viscosity-controlling agent that creates gel-like formulas with thicker textures.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.