Compare Products: The Glow Maker vs SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum

Maelove

The Glow Maker

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

SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum

Budget20%
$17.99 / 30ml — $0.60/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
  • Very oily skin seeking maximum oil control
  • Stubborn enlarged pores unresponsive to lower niacinamide concentrations
  • Users who have tolerated 10-15% niacinamide and want to increase strength
  • Budget-conscious users wanting clinical-strength actives
  • Those seeking exfoliating effects (20% niacinamide has mild exfoliating properties)

Key Ingredients

Maelove

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

The Inkey List

Niacinamide (20%), Zinc PCA (0.5%), Squalane (3%)

Product Composition

14% similarity (4 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterglycerinsodium hyaluronatephenoxyethanol
Only in Maelove (15)
ethoxydiglycoll-ascorbic acidpropylene glycolferulic acidtocopherolpanthenoltriethanolaminehydroxypropyl 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 (9)
niacinamidebutylene glycolsqualanebenzyl alcoholammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerzinc pcapolysorbate 60dehydroacetic acidsorbitan isostearate

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
Serious oil control

Users with very oily skin consistently report this as one of the most effective oil-control products they have tried. Many note all-day mattifying effect.

Strong but not irritating

Despite the 20% concentration, most users report no irritation. However, patch testing is frequently mentioned as important for first-time users.

Better than The Ordinary

Users who found The Ordinary's 10% niacinamide too weak or pilling-prone often prefer this. The gel texture absorbs cleanly.

Can leave white cast if overused

Some users report a white film if they apply too much. The brand addresses this: use less product and follow immediately with moisturizer.

Which Should You Buy?

The Inkey List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide 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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