MARA Algae + MoringaВ Universal Hydrating Face Oil

MARA Algae + MoringaВ Universal Hydrating Face Oil
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does MARA Algae + MoringaВ Universal Hydrating Face Oil work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using MARA Algae + MoringaВ Universal Hydrating Face Oil:

  • 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.
  • Soothing: MARA Algae + MoringaВ Universal Hydrating Face Oil contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for dry to very dry skin, ideally to be used with extra humectants

According to CreamScan analysis, MARA Algae + MoringaВ Universal Hydrating 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 Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil (est. ≈45.0%), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈22.0%) and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) 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 Algae + MoringaВ Universal Hydrating Face Oil suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

However, it contains a low level of humectants, and 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.

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

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that MARA Algae + MoringaВ Universal Hydrating Face Oil is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil (est. ≈45.0%) and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈11.0%).

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, MARA Algae + MoringaВ Universal Hydrating Face Oil is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil (est. ≈45.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Alaria Esculenta Extract
Function:
Origin:
Plankton Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Farnesol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
94.8
45.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
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 94.8 20
10.0
45.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
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
2
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 94.8 20
10.0
All occlusives
94.8
45.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
45
11
0.3
All antioxidants 56.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
56.3
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
45
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
11
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
45
All soothing 45 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
45
45
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Moringa Oleifera Seed OilAn oil obtained from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, a fast-growing bush native to Northern India and the sub-Himalayan regions. It contains mainly oleic acid, as well as many additional anti-inflammatory compounds and high levels of vitamin E.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %22
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.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive fatty oil pressed from flax seeds. It is the richest source of linolenic fatty acid (it contains up to 50% of it) among vegetable oils.
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed OilA fatty oil derived from watermelon seeds that contains a good amount of occlusive moisturizing and emollient linoleic acid, followed by oleic and palmitic acids.
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Adansonia Digitata Seed OilAn excellent occlusive (moisturizing) and emollient oil derived from baobab tree seeds. It is known to be a non-irritating ingredient on the skin.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil

An essential oil expressed from the peels of the bergamot orange. The scent of bergamot oil is woodier than those of other citrus essential oils. This essential oil is still not recommended if you are sensitive to citrus fruits.

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.
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.

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.

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.
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.