MDNA Skin The Serum Review

MDNA Skin The Serum
6.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does MDNA Skin The Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what MDNA Skin The Serum has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Key Benefits of MDNA Skin The Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using MDNA Skin The Serum:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, MDNA Skin The Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.8 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and 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.

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: MDNA Skin The Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding MDNA Skin The Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing MDNA Skin The Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

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 anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Pros & Cons of MDNA Skin The Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of MDNA Skin The Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
  • Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Diglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Diisostearyl Malate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Triceteth-5 Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Function:
Origin:
Resveratrol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Pantothenate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.1
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.7
2.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.1 10
10.0
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.7 20
2.8
2.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.1 10
10
All humectants
10.1
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.7 20
2.8
All occlusives
5.7
2.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
0.3
Resveratrol
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butylene Glycol
Est. %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.

Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl GlutamateAn emollient ingredient that is similar to ceramides in its structure. It provides a smooth and soft feeling to the skin.
Squalane
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
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.
Diglycerin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
DiglycerinA powerful humectant that collects moisture, making skin feel hydrated and supple. Diglycerin is less sticky and a stronger humectant, but slower absorbing than standard glycerin.
Diisostearyl Malate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diisostearyl MalateAn emollient ester that softens the skin and keeps it feeling smooth. It is characterized by a cushiony feel and glossy sheen, which is why it is frequently used in lip products.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Stearate
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Palm OilA processed palm oil with occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty acids. It is especially suited for very dry skin.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Triceteth-5 Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triceteth-5 Phosphate
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
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.
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.
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.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
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.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
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.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed or distilled from the rinds of sweet oranges. Its main constituent is limonene, which is responsible for its fresh, citrusy smell. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
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.

Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture ExtractAn extract that comes from a certain apple cultivar. It is claimed to have superior properties over any other apple extracts and the patent holder claims that it has anti-wrinkle activity.
Resveratrol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ResveratrolA famous plant-based polyphenol found mainly in red grapes. It is a potent antioxidant, soothing, and wound healing ingredient.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Calcium Pantothenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium PantothenateA vitamin B5 derivative that reduces static buildup on the skin.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.