MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil Review

MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil
10.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

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

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil has to offer:
 
  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10, MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

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

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

Very Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry to Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil is exceptionally moisturizing, with the highest possible moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This is one of the most moisturizing products on the market, with a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Monascus/Angelica Gigas Root Ferment Extract (est. ≈11.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil (est. ≈45.0%) and Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (est. ≈22.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry to very dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants with an exceptional level of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for very dry skin.

The occlusive profile of MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for very dry skin.

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

Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈1.2%), 
 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).
 

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

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil (est. ≈4.0%) and Nigella Sativa Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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: MARA Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil

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

May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

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

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

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

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.

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

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

Pros:

  • Very rich moisturizer perfect for dry and very dry skin: exceptionally occlusive and humectant-rich
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10 thanks to Retinol
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients like Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil and Nigella Sativa Seed Oil

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.2
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. %
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Monascus/Angelica Gigas Root Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bixa Orellana Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate
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
11.6
11
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
83.2
45.0
22.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.6 10
10.0
11
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 83.2 20
10.0
45.0
22.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
11
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.6 10
10
All humectants
11.6
11
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
45
22
6
4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 83.2 20
10.0
All occlusives
83.2
45.0
22.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
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 1.2 10
Total
10
Retinol
10
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
1.2
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
2
All soothing 6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6
4
2
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.
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Est. %22
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.
Monascus/Angelica Gigas Root Ferment Extract
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Monascus/Angelica Gigas Root Ferment Extract
Bixa Orellana Seed Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Bixa Orellana Seed Oil
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil expressed from the seeds of a yellow-flowered plant which often opens its flowers in the evening (hence the name). It is light and suitable for problematic, eczematous, and inflammation-prone skin.
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.
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Retinol
Est. %1.2
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
Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate
Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate
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.