Mary&May Rice niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum 80ml

Values: 100% Genuine (Adilsons policy) • Pregnancy-Safe • Fragrance-Free • Vegan-Friendly* • Halal-Friendly* • Wudu-Compatible

PIH vs PIE: This serum addresses PIH — brown/tan marks left behind by melanin after a breakout or sun exposure — by slowing pigment transfer. It does not address PIE, the red/pink marks from damaged capillaries; those need centella, azelaic acid, or time.

Pros: Genuinely high-strength niacinamide at a position in the INCI that supports the claim; fragrance-free; lightweight, fast-absorbing emulsion despite the strong active load; combines three complementary actives (niacinamide, Vitamin C derivative, Vitamin E) instead of requiring three separate products.

Caveats: pH is not publicly disclosed; the marketed "10,000ppm Glutathione" figure sits below where the INCI order suggests real 1% ingredients stop (see Section 23 below); no independently verified clinical study behind the brand's brightness/blemish percentage claims.

Classification: YELLOW (14+ with guidance). Niacinamide at 10% is a genuine clinical-strength active — well above the ~2% found in gentler formulas — and can cause transient flushing or tingling in skin that has never used an active before. It is not on this store's RED list (no AHA/BHA/retinoid/BPO/high-dose Vitamin C), but it is not a "just water and glycerin" product either.

For under-16 skin with no active use history, start with a lower-strength option first: Mary&May's own Niacinamide+Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum 30ml (~2% niacinamide) is a verified in-stock, gentler alternative from the same brand.

Checklist: Bedside-compatible (no sink needed): yes. Requires rinsing: no. Requires precise dosage: no (2-3 drops). Applicable with unwashed hands: yes. Requires wait time: a short 30-60 second wait before the next step is ideal but not mandatory. Can be a single-product routine: yes, for a genuinely minimum-viable routine it can stand in as the only "treatment" step before moisturizer.

On a low-energy night, this qualifies for a bare-bones 2-3 product routine: cleanse (or skip if makeup-free), this serum, moisturizer. Texture is described by users as a light, fast-absorbing emulsion, not tacky or heavy, so it does not discourage use the way thick creams sometimes do.

Step 1 (When): AM or PM, or both once your skin tolerates it. Step 2 (How much): 2-3 drops for the full face. Step 3 (How): Press into slightly damp skin with your hands; do not rub.

Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. Gentle cleanse (if needed) → 2. Hydrating toner (optional) → 3. Mary&May Rice Niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum — 2-3 drops, wait 30-60 seconds → 4. Moisturizer → 5. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable).

Mauritius humidity note: humectants in this formula (Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Glycerin) draw water from humid morning air rather than from deeper skin layers, so this layer often feels lighter in the AM than in an air-conditioned office later in the day.

SPF mandate: Niacinamide itself is not photosensitizing, but any brightening routine is undone by unprotected UV exposure — daily SPF50+ PA++++ is mandatory for this serum to do its job.

1. Double cleanse → 2. Toner (optional) → 3. This serum — 2-3 drops, wait 30-60 seconds → 4. Moisturizer → 5. Occlusive seal (optional, if dry/AC-heavy lifestyle).

Skin cycling integration: this is not an exfoliant or retinoid, so it does not need a dedicated recovery night — it can run nightly alongside an exfoliation/retinoid lane, just not layered in the same step as a strong acid (see the Conflict Solver below).

Technique: Pat/press, do not rub — friction degrades the formula and increases irritation risk, especially at this active strength. Required skin state: slightly damp is ideal (helps spreadability); fully dry also works. Wait time: 30-60 seconds before your next step is enough since niacinamide is pH-flexible and doesn't need the longer wait pure acids require.

Hands deliver 100% of product. Cotton pads absorb approximately 30-40%. Use hands, not a cotton pad, to apply this serum.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global rules: Viscosity ladder thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serum layers 30-60s, before sunscreen 10-15 min if going outdoors. Amount defaults: toner/essence 5-8 drops; serum/ampoule 2-3 drops or 1 pump; eye product ½ rice-grain per eye; gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream 1-2 peas; occlusive seal rice-grain to pea-size; sunscreen 2-finger rule for face. Skin state: hydrators best on damp skin, retinoids best on dry skin, exfoliating acids on dry-to-lightly-damp, keep to one lane. If the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers, not increase.

AM Maximum Stack: 1. Rinse/Gentle Cleanse (optional) → 2. pH-Prep Toner (optional) → 3. Hydrating Toner Layers (optional, 1-3) → 4. Essence (optional) → 5. Mist (optional) → 6. Booster/Soothing Serum (optional) → 7. Antioxidant Lane (choose one; this product's Vitamin C derivative + Vitamin E occupy part of this lane already) → 8. Pigment Support Lane (optional; this product also functions here) → 9. Hydration Serum Lane (optional) → 10. Oil-Control/Sebum-Regulating Lane — this product's niacinamide sits here, 2-3 drops, wait 30-60s → 11. Peptides/Growth-Factor Lane (optional; keep separate from Vitamin C if using pure L-Ascorbic Acid elsewhere) → 12. Eye Cream (optional) → 13. Moisturizer → 14. Optional Sealing Layer (AC/dry only) → 15. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable) → 16. Lip SPF (optional). In AM, prioritize comfort + SPF adherence over stacking. In high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

PM Maximum Stack: 1. Micellar (optional) → 2. Oil Cleanser/Balm (if makeup/SPF) → 3. Water Cleanser → 4. pH-Prep Toner (optional) → 5. Hydrating Toner Layers (optional) → 6. Essence (optional) → 7. Soothing/Barrier Serum (optional) → 8. [Anchor: this serum] — 2-3 drops, wait 30-60 seconds → 9. Targeted Serum (optional, only if non-conflicting) → 10. Moisturizer → 11. Sleeping Mask (optional) → 12. Occlusive Seal (optional) → 13. Spot Treatment (as needed) → 14. Lip Sleeping Mask (optional). Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night.

Lane strictness: One-lane rule — Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane (barrier/hydration) and reduce layers.

This is a thin, water-based fluid serum — apply after any watery toner/essence and before moisturizer. Layering rule: thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase. This formula is water-phase-forward with a small oil/emulsifier phase (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vinyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate), so it belongs after pure-water toners but before creams and oils.

Unlike AHAs or retinoids, 10% niacinamide does not require mandatory rest days for most users once tolerated — it can run AM and PM daily. Overuse warning: exceeding twice-daily use does not speed up results — it just increases the odds of transient flushing or a tight feeling, especially in the first two weeks.

Prerequisites: Before starting this product, your routine must already include a gentle cleanser, a basic moisturizer, and daily SPF. Without these foundations, a 10% active serum causes more harm than benefit.

Barrier index gate: if your skin stings on moisturizer, feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, or shows visible flaking, your barrier is below threshold for a 10% active. Start with a soothing option first — Mary&May Centella Asiatica Serum 30ml (verified in stock) is a barrier-repair-focused alternative from the same brand.

Fitzpatrick context: for Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin using this for PIH, niacinamide is a lower-risk brightening choice than aggressive acids because it doesn't carry the same PIH-rebound risk from over-exfoliation — but results are gradual, not a "lightening" effect on natural skin tone.

Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, fading brown/tan marks over time. Excess sebum/enlarged-pore appearance: niacinamide regulates sebum production at the follicle. Dullness/uneven tone: the combined Vitamin C derivative + Vitamin E + rice extract support this alongside niacinamide.

Secondary benefits: mild barrier support via increased ceramide synthesis, a general antioxidant effect from the Vitamin C derivative/Vitamin E pairing.

What this product cannot do: cannot physically shrink pores (it can reduce the oil that makes them look larger); cannot lighten your natural skin tone — brightening means fading excess pigment, not changing complexion; cannot resolve red/pink PIE marks (see PIH vs PIE above); cannot replace SPF for preventing new dark spots.

Barrier/soothing support — primary: Mary&May Centella Asiatica Serum 30ml (verified in stock). Alternatives: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule 30ml, Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol 30ml, Anua Peach 77% Niacin Conditioning Milk 150ml — all independently verified in stock via live catalog lookup. Use PM if your skin runs reactive, to buffer the 10% niacinamide dose.

Moisturizer to seal it in — primary: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream 50ml (verified in stock, 41 units). Alternatives: Anua Birch Moisture Boosting Cream 50ml, Mary&May Idebenone Blackberry Intense Cream 100g, Anua Peach 77% Niacin Conditioning Milk 150ml.

Sunscreen (mandatory, not optional) — primary: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50ml (verified in stock, 79 units). Alternatives: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics 50ml, Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture SunCream 50ml, Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Tone Up Sunscreen 50ml.

Pilling pairs: stacking this with another acrylate-copolymer-thickened gel serum right before sunscreen can pill. Mitigate by waiting the full 30-60 seconds and applying sunscreen in thin, patted layers rather than rubbing.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

One Active Lane per routine: in a single AM or PM routine, run only one primary active lane. If you break a rule, don't push through — reduce frequency, split AM/PM, or alternate nights. Barrier override: if moisturizer stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, pause all actives and run barrier-only for 3-7 days.

Vitamin C Lane (this product's 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid): avoid layering a SEPARATE pure L-Ascorbic Acid product directly with this one in the same step — wait 10-15 minutes, or split AM/PM. × Copper Peptides (e.g. Mary&May's own 6 Peptide Complex Serum): keep separate, since copper ions accelerate Vitamin C oxidation and low pH destabilizes peptide bonds — run this serum AM, peptide serum PM, or alternate days. × High-% acids elsewhere in your routine: avoid stacking with a strong AHA/BHA the same night; use this serum on non-acid nights or split AM/PM.

Scheduling template: AM: this serum → moisturizer → SPF. PM: exfoliant/retinoid lane on alternating nights → moisturizer, with this serum on the "recovery" nights instead. Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath. Niacinamide won't stop this hormonal swelling, but it does moderate the sebum load feeding it.

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which breaks down collagen, increases transepidermal water loss, triggers inflammatory acne, and compromises barrier function. Niacinamide's role in ceramide synthesis gives it a modest, real countering effect on the barrier side of this equation — it will not reduce cortisol itself, but a stronger barrier tolerates stress-driven inflammation better.

Water-Permeable (wudu-compatible). This is a thin, water-based fluid serum with only a small oil/emulsifier phase — it does not form a continuous occlusive film on skin. Water should still reach the skin surface during ablution.

Adilsons provides this assessment based on the product's physical properties. Rulings on wudu validity vary between scholars. Consult your own trusted Islamic authority.

MYTH: "Niacinamide and Vitamin C cancel each other out and can never be combined." REALITY: that idea comes from older, unstable raw-ingredient testing decades ago. Modern stabilized formulas — including this one, which already builds a Vitamin C derivative in alongside 10% niacinamide — combine them safely at cosmetic concentrations.

MYTH: "A higher niacinamide percentage always works faster or better." REALITY: niacinamide's brightening/sebum-regulating benefits are generally understood to plateau in the 5-10% range; going higher doesn't add more effect, it mainly adds more irritation risk.

AC environment note: this formula's humectants (Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Glycerin) can pull moisture from your own skin during long air-conditioned hours rather than from the air — see the Environmental Defense section below for the full explanation and fix.

Sugar cane burning season (July-November): PM2.5 increases during this period. Since this serum's Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin E are real antioxidants and the texture is non-tacky (so it doesn't attract extra particulate adhesion), AM use during this season adds a genuine, if modest, layer of pollution defense.

Hard water note: Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region. If your cleanser leaves a slightly tight, filmy feel before you apply this serum, a pH-adjusting toner beforehand helps the serum spread more evenly and reduces the odds of pilling.

*Rice Extract's marketed concentration is plausible given its INCI position (8th of 27, above the estimated 1% line) and is not flagged as fairy-dusted.

*Glutathione appears below the estimated 1% line in the INCI list (24th of 27, grouped with classic sub-1% ingredients like Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, and Sodium Citrate), suggesting it is present at a trace/sub-efficacious concentration relative to the brand's marketed "10,000ppm" figure. Its inclusion may be primarily for marketing rather than clinical effect.

Full INCI list (source: WebSearch cross-reference against incidecoder.com and cosdna.com listings; direct WebFetch to both was blocked by this session's network egress proxy):

Purified Water, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vinyl Dimethicone, Rice Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alpha-Bisabolol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Tocopherol, [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glutathione, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate.

Preservative system: 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (glycol/glucoside-type preservative boosters), Hydroxyacetophenone (phenolic antioxidant/preservative booster), and Disodium EDTA (chelator, preservative booster) — a modern, paraben-free preservative-booster system rather than a single classic preservative.

Fragrance status: Fragrance-Free. No Fragrance/Parfum entry appears anywhere in the independently-researched INCI, and the brand's own Amazon US listing explicitly states "Fragrance-Free."

Scent: no detectable added scent; any faint smell would come from the raw materials themselves, not an added fragrance.

EU 26 allergen screen: none of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens (e.g. Limonene, Linalool, Citral) were detected in the declared INCI. Alpha-Bisabolol is present but is not itself one of the EU 26 listed allergens — see the Cross-Reactivity section below for its separate chamomile-family relevance.

Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free. No Alcohol Denat, Ethanol, or other drying alcohol appears in the INCI. Butylene Glycol is a glycol humectant, not a drying alcohol.

Ragweed/Asteraceae allergy: this formula contains Alpha-Bisabolol, a chamomile-derived compound. Individuals with a known ragweed or chamomile allergy should patch test before facial use, since cross-reactivity within the Asteraceae family is documented.

Halal: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body. (At least one third-party retailer markets this SKU as "vegan-certified," but no certifying body or certificate number was found during research, so that stronger claim is not repeated here.)

Cruelty-Free: *Brand-stated policy. Not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or equivalent third-party audit. Mainland China retail exposure for Mary&May specifically has not been resolved in our research.

Microplastic-Free: Yes — no polyethylene, nylon, or acrylate microbead entries detected in the declared INCI (the acrylate ingredients present, e.g. Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, are water-soluble rheology modifiers, not solid microplastic particles).

MFDS Classification: not independently confirmed for this specific SKU. Niacinamide brightening products are commonly registered as MFDS Functional Cosmetics in Korea generally, but this exact registration was not verified.

Whitening translation: the Korean "미백" (mibaek) classification, where it applies, means regulation of melanin production — fading dark spots to reveal your natural tone. It does not bleach or change your natural complexion.

Clinical evidence: brand/retailer marketing states this serum was "clinically tested" to improve brightness (figures cited inconsistently across sources — 19% in some listings, 9% in others), reduce blemishes by 15%, and increase radiance by 14%.*Evidence confidence: Marketing-Only. No testing institution, sample size, methodology, or duration was disclosed, and the specific percentages are inconsistent across retailer listings — treat as brand marketing, not an independently verified clinical result.

The general mechanism (niacinamide inhibiting melanosome transfer and regulating sebum at 5-10% concentrations) is well-supported by published cosmetic-chemistry literature broadly, independent of this specific product's own testing.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Conditional. The formula contains five fatty-acid-ester emulsifiers on standard Malassezia-feeding watchlists: Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sorbitan Oleate, and Hydrogenated Lecithin. This does not mean it will cause fungal acne for everyone, but those with a known FA-prone history should patch test on the jawline first.

Assessment: Low-Medium. The acrylate-copolymer thickeners that give this serum its emulsion-like body can pill if applied over another film-forming product without enough wait time. Mitigation: apply on slightly damp skin, wait the full 30-60 seconds, pat rather than rub the next layer on, and use a slightly lighter amount if you're already running a multi-step routine.

Fresh color is white/off-white. A yellowing or browning shift can indicate oxidation of the Vitamin C derivative or Vitamin E — oxidized actives can generate free radicals instead of neutralizing them, so discard if you notice this.

Storage: keep out of direct sun and away from bathroom humidity/heat where possible — Mauritius's tropical humidity accelerates degradation of Vitamin-C-derivative-containing formulas faster than a temperate climate would. Spoilage signs: color change, separation that won't remix on shaking, or a sour/off smell replacing the normal faint scent. When in doubt, discard.

Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours, then behind the ear for 24 hours, before full facial use — this matters more than usual here because of the 10% active load.

72-hour barrier reset: if you get an adverse reaction, stop all actives. For 72 hours use only a gentle cleanser, plain moisturizer, and mineral SPF — no acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential oils. After 72 hours, reintroduce one product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care.

1. Starting at twice-daily use instead of easing in. 2. Skipping SPF and expecting brightening results anyway. 3. Layering a separate pure Vitamin C serum directly on top instead of waiting or splitting AM/PM. 4. Rubbing it in instead of patting, which increases irritation at this active strength. 5. Assuming "brightening" means it will lighten your natural skin tone rather than fade excess pigment.

Overuse threshold: more than twice daily does not speed results — it raises the odds of flushing and barrier strain.

At 2-3 drops per application, an 80ml bottle used once daily lasts several months; used twice daily (AM+PM), expect roughly half that. Overdosing to "speed up" results (using far more than 2-3 drops) shortens the bottle's life without improving outcomes. Reorder roughly two weeks before you expect to run out, to allow for shipping time.

This serum does its job best as the "treatment" step in an otherwise simple routine — it does not need a complicated stack around it. Biologically, it sits in the water-phase treatment lane, applied after toner/essence and before moisturizer.

AM: Cleanse (if needed) → this serum (2-3 drops, wait 30-60s) → moisturizer → SPF50+ PA++++. PM: Double cleanse → this serum (2-3 drops, wait 30-60s) → moisturizer.

If your barrier currently stings on moisturizer, pause and use Mary&May Centella Asiatica Serum for 1-2 weeks first, then reintroduce this serum. If you're in air conditioning most of the day, seal this serum with an occlusive moisturizer, since its humectants can otherwise pull moisture from your own skin in dry AC air. If you're layering a separate Vitamin C or peptide serum, split AM/PM per the Conflict Solver above rather than stacking them.

Stock-true bundle: This serum + Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream + SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum — a complete brightening-and-protect AM routine, all independently verified in stock.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with Mary&May Rice Niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

If 10% niacinamide feels like too much, too soon, Mary&May's own Niacinamide+Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum 30ml (~2% niacinamide, verified in stock) delivers a gentler dose of the same active family, built on a genuinely short 8-ingredient formula. Two more verified in-stock alternatives at similarly gentle strength: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide (~2% niacinamide) and Anua Peach 77% Niacin Essence Toner (lighter toner-format niacin exposure).

Choose Mary&May Rice Niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum over the gentler ~2% alternatives if you need higher-dose sebum regulation and pigment support in one step and your skin has already tolerated niacinamide before without flushing.

Upgrade if: you've used a ~2% niacinamide product for at least 4-6 weeks with zero irritation; you have visible sebum/oiliness or dullness that a gentler dose hasn't resolved; your barrier is currently intact and SPF-consistent.

Don't upgrade yet if: your barrier stings on moisturizer right now; you're new to actives entirely; you're not yet using daily SPF; you're already running a separate strong Vitamin C or acid product and don't want to manage a third active lane.

If you match two or more upgrade triggers above, this is worth choosing. If not, the ~2% alternative is sufficient and safer. Consistency beats complexity.

Within Mary&May's own niacinamide lineup, there is a real strength ladder: start at Niacinamide+Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum (~2%) if new to the active, and graduate to this 10% Rice Niacin serum once tolerance is established over several weeks.

This product's primary function is: high-dose niacinamide brightening and sebum regulation. You do not need this if you already own another 8-10% niacinamide serum that you haven't finished. Finish your current product before purchasing — niacinamide's effect plateaus at this concentration, so running two 10% niacinamide serums side by side gives no additional benefit (No Benefit tier — same mechanism, same active).

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Brand Name: Mary&May. Parent Company: none identified — independently Seoul-founded. Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea. Philosophy: stated "Less but Better" positioning — fewer ingredients, simpler formulas, targeted actives, with EWG-green-grade ingredient sourcing and eco-conscious packaging. Manufacturing: in-house vs. contract status not independently confirmed.

Mary&May's catalog is built around single-active-pairing serums and creams (Tranexamic Acid+Glutathione, Idebenone+Blackberry, 6-Peptide Complex, Marine Collagen, Centella Asiatica, and both a gentle ~2% and this higher-strength 10% Niacinamide line) rather than one signature hero ingredient. The brand markets itself broadly as cruelty-free and vegan, but our own SKU-by-SKU research across this brand consistently finds that claim does not hold universally — several Mary&May products contain Beeswax or Hydrolyzed Collagen. This exact serum's own INCI, independently checked, shows no animal-derived ingredients.

No dedicated Reddit thread (r/AsianBeauty, r/SkincareAddiction) was found specifically discussing this exact SKU at the time of writing. Findable commentary across iHerb, Amazon, and comparison-aggregator sites (skinsort.com) skewed positive: multiple independent sources describe the texture as a white, quick-absorbing emulsion that feels moisturizing despite the 10% niacinamide load, with visible improvement in pore appearance and skin smoothness reported after roughly three weeks of consistent use. One aggregator-level caveat recurs across sources: individuals with reactive or sensitive skin should patch test first, since 10% is a strong dose. No specific critical/negative review theme was surfaced this pass — this may reflect genuinely limited critical feedback rather than an exhaustive survey of every platform, and Community reviews specific to this exact 80ml SKU remain relatively new to Western retail compared with the brand's older lines.

Is 10% niacinamide too strong for beginners? It can be. If you've never used a niacinamide product before, consider starting with a ~2% option and working up, or introduce this one every other day for the first two weeks.

Can I use this with Vitamin C? This serum already contains a Vitamin C derivative (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), so you generally don't need a separate one. If you do run a separate pure L-Ascorbic Acid product, split it AM/PM from this serum rather than layering.

Does it contain fragrance? No — independently researched INCI and the brand's own retail listings confirm this is fragrance-free.

Is the "10,000ppm Glutathione" claim accurate? The INCI ordering suggests Glutathione sits below the typical 1% line in this formula, alongside other minor finishing ingredients — so while it is present, treat the marketed ppm figure with some caution rather than as a guaranteed 1%.

Is it safe during pregnancy? Based on the independently researched INCI, yes — no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical UV filters are present. As always, check with your own doctor for anything new in pregnancy.

Niacinamide

A form of Vitamin B3 that regulates oil production and slows the transfer of pigment to skin cells.

PIH

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — brown/tan marks left after a breakout heals.

PIE

Post-inflammatory erythema — red/pink marks from damaged capillaries, not pigment.

INCI

The standardized international naming system for listing cosmetic ingredients, always in descending order of concentration above 1%.

Fairy dusting

When a marketed "hero" ingredient is actually present at a trace, likely non-effective concentration.

FA-Conditional

Contains ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast in some people, potentially triggering fungal acne, but not universally.

Barrier (skin barrier)

The outermost skin layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out.

Patch test

Applying a small amount to a discreet area (inner forearm, behind ear) for 24 hours before facial use, to check for a reaction.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: anyone with dullness, uneven tone, early hyperpigmentation, or excess oil who has already tolerated niacinamide before and wants a stronger, single-bottle brightening step rather than stacking three separate actives.

Key benefits: a genuinely high-strength, INCI-position-corroborated 10% niacinamide dose; fragrance-free formulation; a fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture despite the active load; three complementary brightening/antioxidant actives (niacinamide, Vitamin C derivative, Vitamin E) in one step.

Keep in mind: this is not a beginner-strength niacinamide product — ease in gradually; the marketed Glutathione ppm figure likely overstates its actual concentration based on INCI position; pH is not disclosed by the brand.

Assessment: Consult Oncologist. While this formula is fragrance-free, retinoid-free, and uses a relatively minimal preservative system (1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone), the 10% niacinamide dose is a genuine clinical-strength active that can sting skin sensitized by chemotherapy or radiation even though it is gentler than acids or retinoids.

Consult your oncology care team before introducing any new skincare products during treatment.

Quick version: Week 1-2 — introduce alone, every other day, monitor for flushing. Week 3-4 — increase to daily if stable. Week 5+ — add one supporting product only if needed. If irritation occurs at any point, use the 72-Hour Barrier Reset above rather than repeating this schedule.

This product must be introduced as the ONLY new product. Wait 14 days before adding anything else.

Antioxidant pollution defense: the Vitamin C derivative (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) and Vitamin E (Tocopherol) in this formula are real antioxidants that help neutralize free-radical damage from UV and airborne pollution exposure — relevant year-round in Mauritius and especially during the July-November sugar cane burning season when PM2.5 rises.

AC/humidity swing interaction: the humectants in this formula (Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Glycerin) perform well in humid outdoor air but can pull moisture from your own skin during long hours in air conditioning. Seal with an occlusive moisturizer if you're in AC most of the day.