The Maelove brand is built on a foundation of simple, clean, and effective formulas. High concentrations of active ingredients are blended in a way that minimizes irritation, ensuring each product serves a distinct purpose. Maelove prioritizes thoughtful research, testing, and planning for new releases rather than chasing trends. Despite their high-end feel, most products are priced under $50, with the exception of a single luxury facial oil. A significant benefit for acne-prone individuals is that the majority of Maelove products do not clog pores.
Maelove's Bestsellers and Signature Products
Maelove's journey began in 2017 with the launch of a product that has since become their enduring bestseller, having sold out an impressive nine times. This product is described by founder Jackie Kim as an "elevated version of your typical vitamin C serum." It features a highly effective combination of 15 percent L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, which work together to fade hyperpigmentation and protect the skin. Vitamin E is included to provide moisturization. What sets this serum apart are the botanical extracts that offer additional soothing, hydrating, and brightening benefits. Regular use of this serum results in noticeably glowy and clear skin. Its watery texture absorbs quickly without leaving a tacky residue, imparting a radiant look to the face. It is recommended for application to dry skin after cleansing and toning in the morning, followed by other serums and sunscreen.
Another highly sought-after product is a peptide serum that sold out within four days of its November 2023 launch. This serum distinguishes itself by incorporating four classes of peptides, which are known to encourage collagen and elastin production, leading to plumper, firmer, and tighter skin with no irritation. This serum was developed by Jackie Kim as a retinol alternative for use during pregnancy. Users report an immediate smoothing effect on the face, particularly on areas with fine wrinkles. The blue formula feels luxurious and is enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides, along with soothing allantoin, green tea, and bisabolol.
For individuals struggling with hyperpigmentation, a specific serum is highlighted for its effectiveness in fading acne scars and marks from old breakouts. The star ingredient is kojic acid, which helps regulate melanin production to reduce and prevent dark spots. This serum is further enhanced with alpha arbutin and licorice root extract to amplify its dark spot correcting capabilities. Unlike many dark spot correctors that contain irritating AHAs and strong actives, this serum is surprisingly gentle. It can be applied daily without causing dryness, as it is also fortified with anti-inflammatory botanicals such as glutathione, red algae extract, and aloe vera.
Hyaluronic acid serums are often found to be unremarkable, but one Maelove formula stands out. This serum is also packed with hydrating panthenol and antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory resveratrol. Unlike other hyaluronic acid serums, it is neither sticky nor goopy and layers well with other skincare products. It is advised to pat hyaluronic acid onto damp skin, as moisture is necessary for it to penetrate effectively.
The Maelove Night Renewer Glycolic Acid Cream
The Maelove Night Renewer is a cream that users apply once a week to achieve "baby skin" overnight. This cream contains 10 percent glycolic acid, an AHA that effectively sloughs away dead skin cells, revealing fresher, brighter, and smoother skin. It flawlessly addresses bumpy and uneven skin texture. As a cream, it also provides significant moisturization, owing to ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and hyaluronic acid.
Maelove's product line is praised for its affordability and effectiveness. The brand operates on a direct-to-consumer model, which helps reduce markups and marketing costs, allowing them to offer high-quality products at accessible prices. Shipping is free within the US. While international shipping was not available initially, the brand expressed hopes to expand to countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK, and eventually to Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East, with a focus on finding economical solutions for international shipping that cover duties and tariffs.
The Night Renewer, specifically, is highlighted as a gentle yet potent glycolic acid cream. It took the company two years to develop this product, which combines 10% medical-grade glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and calm the skin. Glycolic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting skin renewal, stimulating collagen production, and resulting in smoother skin. Additional ingredients like Vitamin E, squalane, and aloe nourish the skin, aiming to deliver the benefits of glycolic acid without the common side effects of irritation and dryness.
Maelove co-founder Jackie Kim has cited The Night Renewer as her favorite Maelove product. When tested, the cream was applied three times per week after cleansing and patting the skin dry. While the glycolic acid caused a slight, non-painful stinging sensation upon application, this tingling subsided within 30 seconds. After consistent use over several weeks, users reported markedly softer skin, noticeably faded scars, and diminished fine lines and pores.
The Night Renewer is described as being gentle yet effective, a combination often considered contradictory in skincare. Unlike other powerful resurfacing agents that can cause redness and irritation, this cream does not elicit an overt reaction, other than the initial tingling. It successfully resurfaces the skin without discomfort, delivering the results of a chemical peel without harsh side effects. Maelove is often recommended as an internet "best-kept secret" for its affordable, high-quality, no-nonsense skincare designed for all skin types. The Night Renewer is particularly recommended for those seeking a glycolic acid cream to achieve a brighter, smoother, and more even complexion.
Maelove Brand Philosophy and Business Model
Maelove was founded with the mission to create effective skincare products that are accessible to a wider audience. The brand's ethos, as articulated by founder Jackie Kim, centers on transparency, quality, and affordability. Kim has consistently focused on making products that are not unnecessarily expensive, even turning down opportunities that could compromise product quality or increase prices. This commitment is reflected in their direct-to-consumer business model, which significantly reduces overhead costs associated with traditional retail and marketing. This approach allows Maelove to offer products, such as serums containing Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, at prices typically under $30. Bundling products is also encouraged, offering additional savings of approximately $20 off the list price.
Detailed Look at Maelove Products
The Glow Maker Serum
The Glow Maker Serum is a standout product, often tied as a favorite Vitamin C serum. It is formulated with a comprehensive blend of active ingredients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ferulic Acid, which enhances the efficacy of the vitamin antioxidants. The serum has a consistency that leans more liquid than gel and is known for its cooling effect upon application. It is recommended for morning use to leverage its de-puffing action. While effective on its own, layering a more moisturizing product on top may be beneficial during harsh winter conditions. The Glow Maker Serum layers well with other serums without pilling and has not caused milia. Initial stinging sensations were experienced when used alongside stronger acids and retinol, particularly with an impaired skin barrier, but this resolved upon revisiting the product after a break.
Hydrator B5 Gel Serum
This serum boasts a true gel consistency, which minimizes product waste as the dropper can be used to apply it directly to the face. It is a lightweight yet highly hydrating serum that leaves the skin feeling dewy, making it ideal for nighttime use with stronger products. The combination of Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol provides significant hydration.
Eye Enhancer Cream
The Eye Enhancer is a hydrating eye cream with a gel texture, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional eye creams. It effectively hydrates the delicate skin around the eyes. Compared to other de-puffing eye creams, it is considered highly effective. While Sunday Riley's Auto Correct offers superior pump packaging, the Maelove Eye Enhancer performs better at de-puffing and does not cause dryness over time, unlike Origins GinZing eye cream.
One Cream Moisturizer
The One Cream is a highly hydrating moisturizer that keeps skin moisturized throughout the day. However, due to its thickness, it requires thorough application to prevent pilling, a phenomenon where moisturizers or serums form small balls of excess product on the skin. The cream contains squalane, which is beneficial for preventing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), acting as an antioxidant, and enhancing the penetration of other ingredients. Glycerin and coconut extracts further contribute to hydration and moisture retention. This cream is comparable in feel to Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer, providing soft, moisturized skin. While suitable for daytime use for some, it may be too rich for combination skin during the day, making it ideal for nighttime application.
Maelove Cleanser (Creamy Liquid)
This cleanser has a creamy liquid texture, similar to liquid soap but without a stripping sensation. It lathers slightly and contains Lactic acid, which is effective at increasing skin moisture levels, particularly in leave-on products. Spearmint and Peppermint oil provide a refreshing, cooling effect, similar to the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser. It can be used as a morning cleanse or a second cleanse at night. The cleanser can be used almost daily without causing dehydration or irritation, assuming a healthy skin barrier. While enjoyable to use, it did not reach the status of a top-favorite cleanser in a rotation of multiple products.
Maelove Oil Cleanser
This oil cleanser, dispensed with a pump, provides a silky oil experience. It features a beneficial combination of oils, including Rice Bran Oil (nourishing and moisturizing), Rosehip (skin-restoring), Jojoba (moisturizing and balancing), and Grape Seed Oil (barrier repair and antioxidant properties). Rice Bran Oil is particularly valued for its nourishing qualities and balanced fatty acid profile, along with antioxidants like Vitamin E and gamma-oryzanol. The Maelove oil cleanser is noted to be similar to Tatcha's rice bran oil-based cleanser but at a lower price point. It is applied to dry skin and massaged over the face and eyes. A key feature is its complete emulsification, washing off cleanly with water, turning milky and rinsing away easily without the need for a washcloth. This product is a repurchase for users.
Maelove Marula Oil
Harvested in South Africa, this oil has a light consistency and a subtle nutty scent, leaving the skin moisturized with a slight sheen. It is comparable to Drunk Elephant's Marula oil but absorbs slightly drier, leaving less residual oiliness. Maelove's Marula oil dries down nicely while imparting a glow. Marula oil is rich in oleic acid, which improves the skin's ability to retain moisture, and contains antioxidants (including Vitamin C) and healing properties that protect the skin barrier. It is 100% organic and cold-pressed.
Maelove Argan Oil
This oil is equally lightweight and silky as Marula oil. It dries down more than Marula oil, leaving less of a sheen. Like Marula oil, it is nourishing, helps seal in moisture, and protects the skin due to its squalane content. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Argan oil is considered beneficial for acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It has a balanced oleic acid (~45%) and linoleic acid (~45%) content, making it suitable for oily-combo skin, whereas Marula oil's higher oleic acid content is more beneficial for dry skin.
Users often incorporate a few drops of these oils into their moisturizers at night or during the day when extra hydration is needed. The Marula oil is particularly effective for hands and cuticles, while the Argan oil is preferred for the face by those with oily-combo skin. Both oils can be used on the face at night.
Maelove SPF (Mineral)
This mineral SPF is a favorite primarily because it does not cause greasiness and absorbs easily. It is noted that many mineral SPFs require significant massaging to absorb. On fair/light skin, it does not leave a white cast, although deeper complexions might observe a slight one. The SPF has an oatmeal-like scent and a light, silky texture. It leaves a slightly tacky finish, which works well under makeup, acting similarly to a primer. A major advantage is its ability to keep the skin matte or less oily throughout the day. The product experienced temporary sell-outs due to the difficulty in sourcing its zinc ingredient, which Maelove opted not to substitute due to its importance.
Morning and Evening Routine Integration
Maelove products can be seamlessly integrated into both morning and evening skincare routines. A typical morning routine might start with the Eye Enhancer and the Glow Maker Serum, allowing them to dry for a few minutes before applying the One Cream moisturizer. An evening routine could begin with an oil cleanser, followed by the Hydrator B5 Gel Serum and the Eye Enhancer. Every other evening, the Night Renewer Cream is applied after allowing the previous products to dry. This structured approach ensures that the benefits of each product are maximized.
The overarching sentiment regarding Maelove products is one of strong satisfaction. They are consistently praised for being effective, simple in their ingredient lists, and available at an amazing price point, surpassing drugstore products in quality while remaining more budget-friendly than many high-end brands. The brand's commitment to quality and affordability makes it a compelling option for consumers seeking effective skincare without an exorbitant cost.