Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum Review

Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum
6.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.1 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈70.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈70.0%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈70.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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: Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Ascorbyl Palmitate 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 Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Madara Botanic Niacinamide Alternative 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
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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
0.15
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cantharellus Cibarius Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Isoamyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Flavor (Aroma)
Function:
Origin:
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Cetraria Islandica Thallus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rhamnose
Function:
Origin:
Juniperus Communis Callus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Glucuronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Linalyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Pinene
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
83.6
70
6
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.3
4.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 83.6 10
10.0
70
6
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
4.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
70
6
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 83.6 10
10
All humectants
83.6
70
6
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
All occlusives
4.3
4.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
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
70
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 72.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
72.1
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
70
Alpha-Arbutin
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Juniperus Communis Callus Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
70
All soothing 70 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
70
70
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %70
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %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.

Cantharellus Cibarius Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cantharellus Cibarius Extract
Propanediol
Est. %1.5
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.
Isoamyl Laurate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Isoamyl LaurateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced ester (simple oil) and is often used as a silicone alternative. It is has a light feeling and improves the spreadability of products while making skin feel soft and non-sticky.
Sodium PCA
Est. %1
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.
Water
Est. %0.3
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.
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate CitrateAn ingredient composed of citric acid, stearic acid, and glycerin. Glyceryl stearate citrate acts as an emollient in skincare products, making the skin appear smooth and pleasant to the touch.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Alpha-Arbutin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Arbutin
Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Flavor (Aroma)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Flavor (Aroma)Under trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the flavor and use the unspecific word 'flavor' instead. Flavor is added to products that have the potential to be consumed, such as lipsticks.
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
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.
Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CelluloseA natural ingredient that can create water-based gels, absorb oils, and exfoliate the skin. One of the main functions of cellulose is as a bulking and viscosity controlling agent. Cellulose can also modify the slip aesthetics and act as an opacifying agent.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
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.

Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascophyllum Nodosum ExtractAn extract from brown sea algae, a rich source of gel-forming algae polysaccharides such as fucoids, alginate, and ascophyllan, as well as some antioxidant phenolic compounds and minerals.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
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.

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.
Cetraria Islandica Thallus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetraria Islandica Thallus Extract
Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Usnea Barbata (Lichen) ExtractA lichen-derivative with proven antibacterial activity.
Rhamnose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
RhamnoseA naturally occurring deoxy sugar that replenishes water levels in the skin.
Juniperus Communis Callus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Juniperus Communis Callus Extract
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Glucuronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glucuronic Acid
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.
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.
Linalyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linalyl Acetate
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil extracted from the rind or peel of a lemon. It is mainly comprised of limonene (up to 70%) and has a fresh, citrusy scent. Lemon peel oil may cause a sun-induced skin rash in people with a sensitivity towards citrus fruits.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from bitter orange fruit peels that almost exclusively consists of limonene. It has a sweet, fresh, citrus scent.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Pinene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pinene
Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.