maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner Review

maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Isopentyldiol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Lactate
Review

Does maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Isopentyldiol (est. ≈6.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Lactic Acid (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to 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.

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%),
 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).
 
📌 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.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner 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.

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
   

Summary: maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
That said, there are some things about maru.derm AHA Skin Brightening Daily Toner worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
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. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

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:
Isopentyldiol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Function:
Origin:
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Aspartic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Alanine
Function:
Origin:
Serine
Function:
Origin:
Valine
Function:
Origin:
Proline
Function:
Origin:
Threonine
Function:
Origin:
Isoleucine
Function:
Origin:
Histidine
Function:
Origin:
Phenylalanine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
20.8
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 20.8 10
10.0
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 20.8 10
10
All humectants
20.8
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 2 3
Total
3
Niacinamide
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
2
Anti-wrinkle rating
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.6 3 No
All antioxidants
2.6
Niacinamide
2
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 4.4 5 No
All soothing
4.4
2
1.5
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.
Isopentyldiol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Isopentyldiol

An alcohol that improves moisturization by drawing in water.

Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Lactic Acid
Est. %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.
Niacinamide
Est. %2
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.

Panthenol
Est. %1.5
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.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %1.3
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.

Propylene Glycol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Lauryl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl GlucosideA natural nonionic surfactant, which means it acts as an effective cleansing ingredient. It can act alone as a cleanser or be paired with anionic surfactants to make them milder on the skin.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl BetaineA mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils.
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesA synthetic ingredient that softens the appearance of skin and combines water with oil.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Wheat ProteinWheat protein broken down into its individual amino acids. It is commonly used as a film-former and antistatic agent.
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.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract
Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium EDTAOne of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Aspartic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aspartic AcidA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to retain water on the skin’s surface and is slightly acidic, thereby helping to balance the pH of a skincare product.
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. Some recent studies suggest that it may have barrier repair properties.
Alanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlanineA simple amino acid used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient. It is a part of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factor, a complex mixture of free amino acids and other water-soluble compounds found in skin cells.
Serine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SerineA non-essential amino acid, meaning that our body can produce it. It is the largest constituent of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and is used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Valine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ValineAn essential amino acid (meaning our body cannot make it on its own and we get it from food instead). Like some other amino acids, Valine is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor.
Proline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ProlineThe best humectant moisturizer of all the amino acids. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and increases hydration in the top layers of the skin. It also has antioxidant activity and helps to heal damaged skin.
Threonine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ThreonineAn essential amino acid that may play a role in collagen production. However, more research is needed in order to confirm or deny these claims.
Isoleucine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsoleucineA humectant moisturizing, essential amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to increase water content on the skin’s surface and can increase the barrier repair effects of ceramides.
Histidine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HistidineA humectant moisturizing amino acid with weak antioxidant effects that is a part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. It can attract water to the skin’s surface and is slightly alkaline, thereby helping to balance a product's pH.
Phenylalanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenylalanineAn essential amino acid used in the treatment of vitiligo and other pigmentation issues. It is considered less effective than other anti-pigment ingredients and is often used in combination with them.
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.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.