MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil Review

MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil has to offer:
 
  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil (est. ≈45.0%), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil (est. ≈22.0%) and Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (est. ≈11.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.1%), 
 the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
 
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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈6.0%).

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: MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of MARA Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pseudozyma Epicola/Avocado Oil Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bixa Orellana Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Alaria Esculenta Extract
Function:
Origin:
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Function:
Origin:
Plankton Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Farnesol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
93.2
45.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 93.2 20
10.0
45.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
45
22
11
6
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 93.2 20
10.0
All occlusives
93.2
45.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
0.3
All antioxidants 6.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
6
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
All soothing 1 5 No
All soothing
1
1
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Crambe Abyssinica Seed OilA fatty oil obtained from the Crambe plant. It mainly consists of moisturizing occlusive and emollient fatty acids such as erucic, oleic, linoleic acids.
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Est. %22
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.
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Cannabis Sativa Seed OilAlso known as hemp seed oil, an occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil derived from the seeds of industrial hemp. It has nothing to do with full-spectrum CBD or THC. It contains unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant phytosterols, phytol, and vitamin E.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Pseudozyma Epicola/Avocado Oil Ferment Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Pseudozyma Epicola/Avocado Oil Ferment Extract
Bixa Orellana Seed Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Bixa Orellana Seed Oil
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed
Caprylic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Caprylic Acid
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
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.
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.

Alaria Esculenta Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alaria Esculenta ExtractDerived from badderlocks, an edible seaweed, this extract is rich in film-forming alginates. It can be used as a formula helper.
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laminaria Ochroleuca ExtractDerived from a species of edible brown seaweed known as golden kelp, this extract contains many different moisturizing and gel-forming polysaccharides, antioxidant compounds, and minerals.
Plankton Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Plankton ExtractAn extract from a mixture of various tiny marine animals, algae, seaweeds, and microscopic organisms jointly called plankton. One patent refers to it as a moisturizing humectant ingredient.
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.

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.
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.

Farnesol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Farnesol

A fragrant, liquid alcohol that is naturally found in many essential oils. It has a soft, sweet, floral scent. 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.