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The Ordinary Marine Hylauronics is a lightweight prebiotic serum designed to plump fine lines and decreases dehydration by increasing moisture levels within the skin. Traditional hydrating serums utilize hyaluronic acid for this purpose but this serum claims to achieve the same results by using marine-derived ingredients. It also contains 13 different amino acids, that constituent an important part of the skins Natural Moisturization Factor (NMF).
Claims:
Marine Hyaluronics brings together lightweight marine-derived water reservoirs that attract and hold water like hyaluronic acid (HA) but are lighter than HA in texture and feel. The formula contains exopolysaccharides from skin-friendly marine bacteria, Hawaiian red algae, Glycoproteins from Antarctic marine sources, micro-filtered blue-green algae and several health-supporting amino acids. All marine derivatives in Marine Hyaluronics are sourced sustainably. The total concentration of active ingredients in this formula is 23%.
Appearance and Scent:
The serum is a light-weight liquid that is the consistency of water. Once applied, it absorbs quickly and leaves no oily residue on the skin. There is no detectable scent.
Packaging, Size, and Expiry:
The Ordinary products all come in simple, uncomplicated packaging, and this glass dropper bottle is no exception. This gives the advantage of being hygienic and allowing the price point of the product to remain low. The bottle contains 30ml of product and expires 6 months after opening.
Cost and Number of Uses:
The cost is NZD $11.40 or USD $8.00. I have found only a small amount is required and the 30ml product lasts about four months with twice-daily use.
How to Use:
Apply the serum after cleansing before the application of other skin products. Drop a small amount onto fingers and apply to the entire face and neck twice daily. As it is so thin and watery, a few drops can be put into a small amount toner and then applied to the face. It is best to apply hyaluronic acid-containing products to a damp face.
Formulation Analysis:
While this formulation contains no hyaluronic acid, it does contain several marine-derived ingredients that are showing promise in their ability to mimic the water holding and skin-plumping effects of hyaluronic acid. This study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology carried out an evaluation of the activity of skincare ingredients from marine and maritime origins and found that they could help preserve a healthy dermis and epidermis and possibly prevent the visible signs of aging.
So why chose this serum over one with hyaluronic acid? Personally, I’m not sure. While the initial studies are promising and certainly these are interesting ingredients, there is a whole range of studies showing how effective hyaluronic acid is when it comes to benefiting the skin, and it is a skin-identical ingredient meaning there is very little chance someone will react negatively to it. I however would always choose this product over The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum which I dislike the texture of and is formulated with a pH that is outside the range of healthy skin (read my review here).
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Algae Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Salicylate, Sodium Benzoate, Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
Ingredient Analysis:
Glycerin is a humectant (water binder) that occurs naturally within the skin and assists in the development of immature skin cells. This means having adequate amounts of glycerin available within the skin is crucial for those who have psoriasis or non-melanoma skin cancers.
Algae Extract enhances the skins ability to retain water and improves the skin moisture barrier. The skincare manufacturer Lesielle claims it also acts as an anti-oxidant that may increase circulation. In addition to protecting the skin, it is also used as a gel-forming agent to thicken skincare formulations.
Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract is a polysaccharide extracted from the alga species Ahnfelia concinna that lives in the Hawaiian Islands. It is a gel-forming (thickening) agent and skin protector. There is very little information on this ingredient, and limited scientific studies, but the manufacturer Lesielle claims, It enhances the skins ability to retain water and improves the skins moisture barrier. It contains vitamins and minerals and also acts as an antioxidant that delays premature aging of the skin.
Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharide and Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract are considered to be a marine-derived alternative to hyaluronic acid. According to the manufacturer Lipotec, the ingredient Hyadisine is a marine exopolysaccharide that offers immediate and long-lasting moisturization and improves the appearance of wrinkles in the same way hyaluronic acid does.
Arginine is considered to be one of the most metabolically versatile amino acids and is involved in several metabolic pathways within the human body. When taken orally, it has demonstrated several antiaging benefits. Studies on the topical use of arginine are limited. It is incorporated into skincare for its antioxidant properties, because it is an essential building block of collagen and because it is a component of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) of the skin. NMF’s are efficient humectants, attracting moisture and playing an essential role in maintaining the stratum corneum’s physical properties, allowing the skin to function optimally.
Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein molecules. There are 13 amino acids present in the formulation (as highlighted in green and includes arginine). Amino acids are widely used as a skincare additive and function as skin-conditioning agents. Amino acids are involved in various biochemical pathways for the formation of collagen or the prevention of collagen breakdown within the skin.
Sodium PCA, PCA or Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid is a skin-identical ingredient and a component of the NMF of human skin. It is responsible for giving skin its suppleness, water-absorbing and moisturizing properties. Sodium PCA is the salt form of PCA, an amino acid called Proline that is found in all living cells. At the pH of healthy skin (average 4.7), PCA exists almost exclusively in the salt form.
Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, a component of the natural moisturisation factor (NMF) and plays a role in maintaining the hydration of the skin. It is produced by the fermentation of sugar and plays a role in maintaining the hydration of the skin.
Propanediol is a fatty alcohol used as a penetration enhancing ingredient that is also hydrating and leaves a slightly greasy/oily residue on the skin. It can act as a solvent or an emulsifier and can be added to skincare to reduce the viscosity of the formulation. It can be produced synthetically or by using a non-pathogenic strain of E. coli to ferment corn-derived glucose.
pH Analysis:
I got a result of pH 4. The Ordinary website says the pH will be between 4.0 and 5.0.
pH Analysis:
The pH of this product within the pH of healthy skin (range 4.0-6.0, average 4.7), and is, therefore, able to contribute towards improved skin health. Learn why the pH of skincare products is so important here.
Results:
I have been using The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronic twice daily for about four months now. The liquid viscosity can make it slightly hard to use, but I just mix it with another serum or hydrating toner. It absorbs instantly and gives a skin a plump and hydrated look that lasts all day.
Overall Impressions:
I definitely recommend this product as a cost-effective alternative to other Hyaluronic acid serums like the NIOD Multi-Molecular Hylauronic Complex, which is incredibly effective but is quite expensive. My favourite thing about this serum is the impressive list of ingredients, I have been using The Ordinary’s Amino Acids + B5 Serum and see benefits in the way my skin has become more resistant and strengthened. However, after discovering this serum contains all the same core amino acid ingredients plus includes fermented extracts and algae-derived ingredients I was convinced to use this instead. I have not noticed a huge difference in my skin, as the benefits are expected to be similar, but I really enjoy using this serum and will continue to repurchase.
What I Liked:
- Fragrance and alcohol-free
- Inexpensive
- Contains no unnecessary or sensitizing ingredients
- The Ordinary is cruelty-free and vegan
What I Disliked:
- The key ingredients are relatively new and don’t have many studies backing up their efficacy
- The packaging does not protect active ingredients from light or the air
References:
- The Ordinary Website
- Lipotech Active Ingredients www.lipotech.com/en
- Sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid as a moisturising agent. International Journal of ChemTech Research, 2013.
- Cosmecuticals: peptids, proteins and growth factors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2016.
- 12% Lactate Lotion for the Treatment of Xerosis: A Double-blind Clinical Evaluation. Archives of Dermatology, 1983.
- Safety Assessment of Alpha Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 2013.
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Betaines as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 2018.
- Milady Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2015
- Anti-aging effects of L-arginine. Journal of Advanced Research, 2010.
- 12% Lactate Lotion for the Treatment of Xerosis: A Double-blind Clinical Evaluation. Archives of Dermatology, 1983.
