Compare Products: The Glow Maker vs Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

Maelove

The Glow Maker

Mid-range
$32.95 / 30ml — $1.10/ml
The Inkey List

Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

Budget10%
$10.5 / 30ml — $0.35/ml

Who It's Designed For

Maelove
  • Those seeking potent antioxidant protection at an accessible price
  • Users looking for a SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic alternative
  • People targeting photodamage, dark spots, and uneven skin tone
  • Those who want the proven L-ascorbic acid + E + ferulic acid combination
  • Users comfortable with active L-ascorbic acid formulas
The Inkey List
  • Oily and combination skin seeking oil control
  • Acne-prone skin wanting to reduce blemishes
  • Enlarged pores and uneven texture
  • Those sensitive to zinc who want a niacinamide serum
  • Niacinamide beginners looking for a gentle entry point

Key Ingredients

Maelove

15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid

The Inkey List

Niacinamide (10%), Hyaluronic Acid (1%)

Product Composition

14% similarity (5 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterglycerinpanthenolsodium hyaluronatephenoxyethanol
Only in Maelove (14)
ethoxydiglycoll-ascorbic acidpropylene glycolferulic acidtocopheroltriethanolaminehydroxypropyl cyclodextrincamellia sinensis leaf extractzingiber officinale (ginger) root extractchamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extractrosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extractglycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extractvitis vinifera (grape) seed extractcarbomer
Only in The Inkey List (16)
niacinamidepropanediolbutylene glycolhydroxyethylcellulosephospholipidssqualanexanthan gumglycine soja (soybean) oilallantoinpolysorbate 60glycolipidsleuconostoc/radish root ferment filtratesorbitan isostearateglycine soja (soybean) sterolscitric acidhyaluronic acid

User Feedback Patterns

Maelove
Effective SkinCeuticals alternative

The most common theme in reviews is the comparison to SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Users report similar brightening and glow results at roughly one-sixth the price.

Visible brightening within weeks

Many users report noticeable improvement in skin brightness, dark spots, and overall glow within 2-4 weeks of daily morning use.

Slight tackiness on application

Some users note a slightly tacky feel as the serum dries. This resolves once subsequent products (moisturizer, sunscreen) are applied.

Oxidation over time

Users report the serum darkens over time, especially in warmer climates or if not stored properly. The 30ml size helps ensure the bottle is used before significant oxidation occurs.

The Inkey List
No pilling

Multiple users note this formula does not ball up under other products or makeup, unlike some competing niacinamide serums.

More hydrating than expected

Users with dry or combination skin report this feels more hydrating than pure niacinamide serums with zinc, likely due to the squalane, HA, and lack of zinc.

Packaging frustrations

The squeeze bottle with press-down cap makes it difficult to control how much product dispenses. Some users report buildup around the opening.

Visible pore improvement

Consistent feedback about reduced pore appearance within 2-4 weeks of daily use.

Which Should You Buy?

The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum offers great value at a lower price point. Maelove The Glow Maker may be worth the premium if you want 15% L-Ascorbic Acid.

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