Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum Review

Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
6.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.3 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.6 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈6.0%) and Lactic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and 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.

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈1.5%), 
 a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
 
Among others, Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum also contains Gluconolactone, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Gluconolactone provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to 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.

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: Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum to your skincare routine:
 

May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
  • Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
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
0.06
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.06
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Malic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tartaric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sponge Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Diheptyl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Pullulan
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Triethyl Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
2,3-Butanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Gamma-Octalactone
Function:
Origin:
Vanillin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Isoamyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Benzaldehyde
Function:
Origin:
Anisaldehyde
Function:
Origin:
Maltol
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethylhydroxy Furanone
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.4
6
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.2
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.4 10
10.0
6
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.2 20
2.6
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.4 10
10
All humectants
11.4
6
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.2 20
2.6
All occlusives
5.2
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 1.5 0.4
n/a
- 1.3 -
Total
0.4
Glycolic Acid
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
0.3
Sponge Extract
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Vanillin
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Propanediol
Est. %6
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.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Lactic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Gluconolactone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Octyldodecanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Malic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malic AcidA simple organic alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly found in unripe fruits. It is more gentle of an exfoliant when compared to the famous and potent glycolic and lactic acids.
Tartaric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tartaric AcidA less used AHA. It is mostly used as a pH adjusting ingredient and its effects on the skin are yet to be researched. Its derivatives are used in a similar manner to barrier-repairing ceramides.
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.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant and exfoliating extract from caviar lime, a citrus fruit that looks like caviar. The fruits are rich in citric acid (an AHA) and also contain antioxidant vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and a lime-scented essential oil.
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) ExtractAn extract derived from an edible mushroom known as snow fungus. It is full of various proteins, fiber, and humectant moisturizing polysaccharides.
Sponge Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sponge Extract
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
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.
Diheptyl Succinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diheptyl SuccinateA naturally-derived ingredient made from castor oil and wheat . Usually it is part of an ingredient blend as an alternative to silicones. It helps improve the spread of a product and reduce tackiness while remaining light on the skin.
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid CopolymerA naturally-derived film-former that increases water resistance of a product. It is also referred to as an alternative to dimethicone.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran ExtractAn extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It contains emollient fatty acids and antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and γ-oryzanol.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Pullulan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pullulan
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Triethyl Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triethyl Citrate
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
2,3-Butanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
2,3-Butanediol
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
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.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Gamma-Octalactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gamma-Octalactone
Vanillin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
VanillinThe main component of vanilla bean extract. It has a sweet fragrance and flavor.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Isoamyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isoamyl Acetate
Benzaldehyde
Est. %0.06
Function
Origin
Benzaldehyde
Anisaldehyde
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Anisaldehyde
Maltol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Maltol
Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
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.
Dimethylhydroxy Furanone
Est. %0.06
Function
Origin
Dimethylhydroxy Furanone