Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum Review

Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10, Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.9 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10.

It contains 5 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Retinoic Acid (est. ≈0.1%),
     also known as Tretinoin, the gold standard in anti-wrinkle therapy, proven by numerous studies to effectively reduce wrinkles. We use it as a reference point of maximum efficacy to calculate the anti-wrinkle rating for other ingredients.
  • Retinal (est. ≈0.05%),
     also known as retinaldehyde, is a potent retinoid with anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 125 participants (Creidi et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.05% retinal reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 18 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without retinal).
  • 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).
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%),
     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).
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
Among others, Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Adenosine, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, and Acetyl Octapeptide-3. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum 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.

Pros & Cons of Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Maybena Rice x Retinol Pore Lifting 60 Serum 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
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10 thanks to ingredients like Retinoic Acid and Retinal, among others

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.05
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-3 Glyceryl Trioleate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Vinyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Olive Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhizic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Retinoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Soluble Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Napus Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Function:
Origin:
Ceteth-5
Function:
Origin:
Ceteth-3
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Function:
Origin:
EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.9
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.9 10
10.0
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.9 10
10
All humectants
10.9
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
All occlusives
1.8
0.3
0.3
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 0.05 0.1 10
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
10
Retinoic Acid
10
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.7 3 No
All antioxidants
2.7
Niacinamide
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
All soothing 1.8 5 No
All soothing
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water
Water
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Propanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
PEG-3 Glyceryl Trioleate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG-3 Glyceryl Trioleate
Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
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.

Vinyl Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Vinyl Dimethicone
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateA vegetable glycerin or synthetically produced emulsifier and gentle cleansing agent. It won't leave skin feeling tight or dry when used to cleanse.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Olive Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olive Acid
Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester
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.

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.
Glycyrrhizic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhizic Acid
Dimethiconol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming agent.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
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.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) OilAn occlusive moisturizing fatty oil extracted from the germ of corn grains. It is made up of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids, and is suitable for all skin types.
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.

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.

Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Retinoic Acid
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinoic Acid

The gold standard in anti-wrinkle therapy, proven by numerous studies to effectively reduce wrinkles. We use it as a reference point of maximum efficacy to calculate the anti-wrinkle rating for other ingredients.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Soluble Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Soluble CollagenA protein obtained from farm or marine animals. Collagen molecules are too big to penetrate the skin so when they are applied via a skincare product they sit on top of the skin and act as humectant moisturizers.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from macadamia nuts. It is clear and pale yellow with a pleasant nutty aroma and contains oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and polyphenols.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
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.
Sorbitan Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan LaurateSorbitan laurate is a sugar-based emulsifier similar to sucrose palmitate. It keeps oil broken into small droplets throughout water because of its chemical shape and nature (this is how most oil-in-water emulsifiers work by the way). These kinds of emulsifiers are mild enough to even be used in food preparations.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

A potent ingredient of the retinoid group with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.

Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Brassica Napus Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Brassica Napus Seed Oil
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl EsterA dipeptide-based ingredient claimed to stimulate elastin production and reduce the appearacne of wrinkles and sagging skin.
Ceteth-5
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteth-5
Ceteth-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteth-3
Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl Phosphate
Pentaerythrityl Tetraacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetraacrylate
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

A small synthetic peptide that signals the skin to produce more collagen. It has been clinically tested and proven to reduce skin roughness and the appearance of wrinkles.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Octapeptide-3

A synthetically made peptide with an effect similar to Botox - it relaxes the facial muscles and temporarily reduces the appearance of mimic wrinkles.

EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EDTAA synthetically produced ingredient that binds certain metal ions. It can help prevent product discoloration or poor performance in rinse-off products used in 'hard' water.