Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum Review

Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum
3.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.9Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.6 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.9 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Isomalt (est. ≈2.0%).

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

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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, Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum has a slight level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 1.9 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

1️⃣ Glycolic Acid (est. ≈6.0%),
 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).
 
2️⃣ Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Caffeine, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, these ingredients do 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 additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

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: Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Mad Hippie 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 Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
   

Summary: Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing that is well-suited for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
With its high antioxidant content, Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum worth noting.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
❗️ Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol
Function:
Origin:
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Function:
Origin:
Isomalt
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Methylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Melatonin
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Biotin
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Primula Veris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Veronica Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.0
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.0 10
7.0
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.0 10
7
All humectants
7.0
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 6 1.5
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
1.9
Glycolic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
6
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
3
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.2
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
3
Sodium Hyaluronate
1.5
Niacinamide
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Extract
0.3
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
0.3
Melatonin
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
0.3
Veronica Officinalis Extract
0.3
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %6
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.

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture ExtractAn extract that comes from a certain apple cultivar. It is claimed to have superior properties over any other apple extracts and the patent holder claims that it has anti-wrinkle activity.
Isomalt
Est. %2
Function
Origin
IsomaltIsomalt is a mixture of medium-sized sugars (a.k.a. oligosaccharides) that is prepared from sucrose by treatment with enzymes. In skincare products, it acts as a water-binding humectant ingredient that also serves as a bulking and anticaking agent. It has a mildly sweet taste.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Lactic Acid
Est. %1.3
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.
Glycerin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
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.

Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Camellia Sinensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Extract

An antioxidant, astringent, and soothing extract derived from green tea. It performs as an anti-aging ingredient in the deeper layers of the skin.

Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from Goji berries with moisturizing and antioxidant polysaccharides and glycoproteins. It is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamins B and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols.
Methylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methylcellulose
Melatonin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melatonin
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).
Biotin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BiotinBiotin is an important nutrient that can cause weak hair and nails if deficient. Unfortunately, while biotin supplements have promising studies, topical biotin in creams and serums doesn’t have a large body of evidence to support its use.
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.
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.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinA mixture of proteins obtained from soybeans. It can have many different functions depending on the manufacturer, although it is most commonly used in skincare products as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Potassium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Citrate
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) ExtractA vibrant, purple extract obtained from the dark flowers of common mallow. Its main active ingredient is an emollient and soothing thick mucilage.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the leaves of peppermint. It contains a pleasant-smelling essential oil, as well as plenty of antioxidant flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids.
Primula Veris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Primula Veris ExtractDerived from either the root or flower of the cowslip primrose, this soothing extract contains anti-inflammatory triterpene saponins and phenolic acids.
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alchemilla Vulgaris ExtractA soothing extract that is derived from the lady's mantle plant. It contains plenty of astringent tannins and certain anti-inflammatory compounds.
Veronica Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Veronica Officinalis ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from a native European flowering plant called heath speedwell, otherwise known as Paul's betony.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melissa Officinalis Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from lemon balm leaves with antioxidant and antiviral flavonoids and terpenes. It has a lovely, fresh, lemon-like scent.
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Achillea Millefolium ExtractAn extract obtained from the common yarrow. It is full of astringent and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that help with inflamed skin and wound healing, have soothing and refreshing effects on the skin, and give the product a fresh, green, and spicy scent.
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinA white crystalline powder that can reduce odors coming from other ingredients in a product.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

A small synthetic peptide that increases the production of collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. It has also been shown to reduce wrinkles in combination with other anti-aging ingredients.