Maelove

Maelove The Glow Maker

Name: The Glow Maker
Brand: Maelove
Price: 32.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Serum·Mid-Range·$32.95 / 30ml — $1.10/ml

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Maelove The Glow Maker$32.95 / 30ml — $1.10/ml

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Formulation Summary

A vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid antioxidant serum following the research-proven combination first established by SkinCeuticals. The formula uses 15% L-ascorbic acid as its core active, paired with tocopherol and ferulic acid for synergistic antioxidant protection. Botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid round out the hydration and soothing components. Widely recognized as a SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic alternative at a fraction of the price.

Maelove replicates the core of the patented CE Ferulic combination: L-ascorbic acid at 15%, vitamin E, and ferulic acid at a low pH. This combination was shown in research to provide superior photoprotection compared to individual antioxidants. Ethoxydiglycol serves as the primary solvent, enhancing penetration of the L-ascorbic acid. Botanical extracts from green tea, licorice, ginger, rosemary, chamomile, and grape seed add secondary antioxidant and soothing activity. The formula avoids fragrance, parabens, and silicones.

Quick Facts

TextureThin, watery serum. Absorbs quickly. May feel slightly tacky as it dries.

ColorClear to very pale yellow. Will darken over time as L-ascorbic acid oxidizes; discard if it turns dark brown or orange.

Fragrance-free✓ Yes

Cruelty-free✓ Yes

Vegan✓ Yes — All ingredients are plant-derived or synthetic. No animal-derived ingredients.

ScentNo added fragrance. Users may notice a faint metallic or acidic smell typical of L-ascorbic acid serums.

Designed For

•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

May Not Suit

•Users with very sensitive skin who cannot tolerate L-ascorbic acid
•Those who prefer stable vitamin C derivatives over pure L-ascorbic acid
•People who dislike the slight tackiness or scent of L-ascorbic acid serums
•Users who want a larger bottle (only 30ml available)

Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Concentration	Function
L-Ascorbic Acid	15%brand-confirmed	The most potent and well-researched form of topical vitamin C. At 15%, it sits within the clinically proven range (10-20%) for antioxidant protection, collagen stimulation, and brightening. L-ascorbic acid requires a low pH (below 3.5) for effective penetration.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)	—	Fat-soluble antioxidant. When combined with L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, the trio provides synergistic photoprotection. Research shows this combination is more effective than any single antioxidant alone.
Ferulic Acid	—	Plant-derived antioxidant that stabilizes L-ascorbic acid and doubles its photoprotection when combined with vitamins C and E. This is the key differentiator from basic vitamin C serums.
Sodium Hyaluronate	—	Humectant that provides hydration. Helps offset the drying effect that L-ascorbic acid can have at 15%.
Panthenol	—	Provitamin B5. Adds soothing and moisture-retaining properties to help balance the potentially irritating L-ascorbic acid active.

The Formulation Explained

The CE Ferulic combination

The L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid trio is based on a 2005 study showing that ferulic acid doubles the photoprotection of a CE combination. SkinCeuticals holds a patent on this specific formulation approach. Many brands, including Maelove, offer similar formulations. The fundamental chemistry is well established in published research.

L-ascorbic acid at 15%

Research supports L-ascorbic acid efficacy in the 10-20% range. At 15%, this sits in the middle of that window. Higher is not necessarily better; 20% formulas can increase irritation without proportional benefit gains. The low pH required for L-ascorbic acid absorption (below 3.5) is what causes the tingling many users experience.

Stability considerations

L-ascorbic acid in water is inherently unstable. It oxidizes when exposed to light, air, and heat. The formula includes ferulic acid and hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin to improve stability. Users should store this serum in a cool, dark place and discard it if the color changes from clear or pale yellow to dark brown or orange.

Botanical antioxidant support

Six botanical extracts provide secondary antioxidant activity: green tea, licorice root, ginger, rosemary, chamomile, and grape seed. These are positioned low in the ingredient list, suggesting small concentrations. They complement rather than replace the primary CE Ferulic actives.

What is not in here

The formula excludes fragrance, parabens, silicones, and oils. It does not contain niacinamide, which some users layer separately. The brand states the formula is vegan and cruelty-free. No mineral sunscreen filters are included; this is an antioxidant serum, not a sunscreen.

Ingredients to Know

EthoxydiglycolComedogenicity: 0/5Irritancy: 1/5

Solvent and penetration enhancer. Listed second, indicating a high concentration. Helps L-ascorbic acid absorb into skin. Also used in SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic in a similar role.

Propylene GlycolComedogenicity: 0/5Irritancy: 1/5

Humectant and solvent. Generally well tolerated but may irritate very sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

TriethanolamineIrritancy: 1/5

pH adjuster. Used to help stabilize the low-pH formula required for L-ascorbic acid activity. Present in small amounts.

Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinComedogenicity: 0/5Irritancy: 0/5

Cyclic sugar molecule used to stabilize and deliver active ingredients. Helps improve the stability of L-ascorbic acid in solution.

User Feedback Patterns

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.

Full INCI List

19 ingredients · Click "Show full list" to view

About Maelove

Founded2017

FounderJackie Kim

LocationLos Angeles, California, USA

The brand confirms the 15% L-ascorbic acid concentration. Full ingredient lists are provided. The brand does not disclose specific concentrations for ferulic acid or vitamin E. A 100-day money-back guarantee is offered on all products.