Compare Products: The Glow Maker vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Maelove

The Glow Maker

Mid-range
$32.95 / 30ml — $1.10/ml
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/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 Ordinary
  • Oily and combination skin seeking oil control
  • Those who want a no-frills, high-potency niacinamide serum
  • Budget-conscious skincare users
  • People targeting enlarged pores and textural irregularities
  • Users building ingredient-focused routines

Key Ingredients

Maelove

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

The Ordinary

Niacinamide (10%), Zinc PCA (1%)

Product Composition

11% similarity (3 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterethoxydiglycolphenoxyethanol
Only in Maelove (16)
l-ascorbic acidpropylene glycolglycerinferulic acidtocopherolpanthenolsodium hyaluronatetriethanolaminehydroxypropyl 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 Ordinary (8)
niacinamidepentylene glycolzinc pcadimethyl isosorbidetamarindus indica seed gumxanthan gumisoceteth-20chlorphenesin

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 Ordinary
Holy grail for oily skin

Many users with oily skin report significant oil control and fewer breakouts. High repurchase rate in this demographic.

Pilling under other products

Commonly reported issue. Users recommend applying to damp skin or mixing with a hydrating serum to improve layering.

Tacky texture

The formula can feel sticky, especially if too much is applied. Most users adapt application technique over time.

Purging or breakouts

Some users report initial breakouts. Unclear whether this is purging, sensitivity, or coincidence. Most who push through report improvement.

Value for money

Almost universally praised for price-to-performance ratio. Common comment: 'can't believe this costs $6.'

Which Should You Buy?

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 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.

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons