Versus

Mary & May 6 Peptide Complex Serum Versus Mary & May Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Intensive Total Care Cream

Serum
General Moisturizer
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on January 07, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Intensive Total Care Cream

Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract 21%

Astringent

Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract 21%

Helps reduce irritation Icon

Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract 21%

Skin Protecting
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Skin Conditioning

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as oil and water.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

When to use

149 Routines
41% use in am
58% use in pm
87% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
231 Routines
49% use in am
51% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Mary & May 6 Peptide Complex Serum 17 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 5 ratings
Light (3) Absorbs Well (2) Great Value (2)
Lienay's avatar

Lienay

2 months ago
Review

Don’t get the bad reviews, yes, it is such thin and watery serum, but it delivers many peptides and visibly improves signs of aging. I do use other products for hydration and moisture and actually appreciate this doesn’t have any HA or other things as it’s easy to go overboard with those if you have sensitive skin. I like it, hasn’t caused any irritation or breakouts , does what it’s supposed to Show more

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
_liiaaanne's avatar

_liiaaanne

6 months ago
Review

thin texture

#broke me out
#light
#no scent

Mary & May Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Intensive Total Care Cream 45 ingredients

4.4 /5
from 7 ratings
Absorbs Well (3) No Scent (3) Great Value (2)
emiraibrahim's avatar

Emo Langley

5 months ago
Review

One of my best purchase. The texture is like a pudding. So it’s a cream type moisturizer but it’s light on face n It absorbs rather quick (surprisingly). And it last a long timeeee for me at least, also I have a dry skin so that’s really awesomeee. {ps: I’m waiting for the brightening effect tho because it takes time and consistency)

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
hunniehannah_840's avatar

hunniehannah_840

12 months ago
Review

Not greasy, feels luxurious & sits comfortably on my skin. Yet to see the brightening effect though

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent