maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream Review

maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream
5.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.8 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈4.9%) and Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

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.

Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), 
 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).
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%) and Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (est. ≈4.0%).

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, maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (est. ≈4.0%) and Allantoin (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.

Pros & Cons of maru.derm Anti-Blemish Skin Brightening Cream

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

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Delivers signficant 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
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
5
4.9
4
3
2
1.9
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl sh-Octapeptide-24 Amide
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl sh-Tripeptide-5 Norisoleucyl sh-Nonapeptide-1
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:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Tridecyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Phenylpropanol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
20.7
5
4.9
4
2
1.5
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
3.6
3.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 20.7 10
10.0
5
4.9
4
2
1.5
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 3.6 20
1.8
3.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
4.9
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 20.7 10
10
All humectants
20.7
5
4.9
4
2
1.5
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
3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
All occlusives
3.6
3.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 5 6
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
4
1.3
0.3
All antioxidants 10.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
10.6
Niacinamide
5
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
4
Alpha-Arbutin
1.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
4
2
1.5
All soothing 12.5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
12.5
5
4
2
1.5
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
Niacinamide
Est. %5
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.

Glycerin
Est. %4.9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Allantoin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract
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.
Alpha-Arbutin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Arbutin
Palmitoyl sh-Octapeptide-24 Amide
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl sh-Octapeptide-24 Amide
Palmitoyl sh-Tripeptide-5 Norisoleucyl sh-Nonapeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl sh-Tripeptide-5 Norisoleucyl sh-Nonapeptide-1
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.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyvinyl AlcoholA synthetic polymer that thickens water to form a gel and prevents other ingredients from separating.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Tridecyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecyl Salicylate
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
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.
Phenylpropanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenylpropanolPhenylpropanol is a naturally occurring component of many essential oils. It is a colourless, oily liquid with a sweet, floral, balsamic scent. It is used in skincare as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients and as a fragrance component.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.