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MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml vs COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml

MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml vs COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml

Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml and COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml.

Last verified: 07 Apr 2026 · Based on 28 reviews

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85.0

Quick Answer

MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml scores 85.0/100 vs COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml at 80.0/100. MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml wins on effectiveness, ingredient quality, texture experience. COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml is stronger on skin compatibility.

How Do the Scores Compare?

MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Gl...

COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Disc...

	MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Gl... MAELOVE	COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Disc... COSRX
Overall Score	85.0	80.0
Effectiveness	83.0/100 Best	74.0/100
Ingredient Quality	86.0/100 Best	81.0/100
Skin Compatibility	82.0/100	85.0/100 Best
Texture & UX	88.0/100 Best	83.0/100
Value for Money	93.0/100 Best	79.0/100
Best Price	£40.00 Amazon UK →	£21.89 Amazon UK → Cheapest
Form	N/A	N/A
Dose	N/A	N/A
Third-Party Tested	✗ No	✗ No
Reviews Analysed	13	15

MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Ma...

Pros

✓Gold-standard C+E+Ferulic Acid combination at clinically effective 15% L-Ascorbic Acid concentration
✓Fragrance-free and consistently reported as non-irritating, even on sensitive and acne-prone skin
✓Lightweight, water-like texture absorbs instantly without stickiness or pilling under SPF/makeup
✓Exceptional value versus comparable premium serums (SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic at 6–8x the price)

Cons

✗L-Ascorbic Acid is inherently unstable — at least one verified report of receiving an oxidized/degraded product; proper cold storage is critical
✗Aurantium dulcis (sweet orange) extract may contain trace limonene, a potential sensitizer for reactive skin types
✗No full INCI list provided in listing, making precise formulation depth (preservative system, pH stabilizers) impossible to independently verify
✗High L-AA concentration may cause initial tingling or mild purging in first-time Vitamin C users

Best For

hyperpigmentation and post-acne dark marks dull or sun-damaged skin seeking brightening anti-aging routine focused on UV damage prevention sensitive skin tolerant to L-Ascorbic Acid budget-conscious consumers seeking clinical-grade vitamin C formula

Amazon UK £40.00

View full review →

COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discolora...

Pros

✓Three complementary melanin-inhibiting actives (alpha-arbutin, tranexamic acid, niacinamide) target PIH via distinct pathways for broader, more reliable brightening
✓Fragrance-free and lightweight — absorbs quickly with no reported pilling, tackiness, or irritation even on sensitive and acne-prone skin
✓Ferulic acid and glutathione add antioxidant synergy, improve formula stability, and support scar healing acceleration
✓Layers well under moisturiser and SPF without disrupting other actives in a routine

Cons

✗Results are gradual — most users need 6–12 weeks of daily use; not suited to those expecting rapid visible change
✗No INCI list provided for this listing, making exact niacinamide percentage and full comedogenicity/safety assessment impossible
✗Miscategorised as a vitamin C serum — contains no L-ascorbic acid, MAP, or ethyl ascorbic acid; shoppers expecting classic vitamin C benefits will be misled
✗Alpha-arbutin can slowly hydrolyse to hydroquinone under UV exposure, making daily broad-spectrum SPF non-negotiable, not optional

Best For

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne breakouts Uneven skin tone and dullness Sensitive and acne-prone skin Users who want multi-active brightening without the instability of L-ascorbic acid Minimalist routines seeking to consolidate multiple brightening actives into a single step

Amazon UK £21.89

View full review →

What does the data say about MAELOVE Vitamin C Seru... vs COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2%...?

MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml Winner 85.0/100

MAELOVE Glow Maker is a well-formulated 15% L-Ascorbic Acid serum built on the same C+E+Ferulic Acid triad as high-end benchmarks like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, at a fraction of the price.

Effectiveness

MAELOVE Vitamin ..

83.0/100

COSRX Alpha-Arbu..

74.0/100

Ingredient Quality

MAELOVE Vitamin ..

86.0/100

COSRX Alpha-Arbu..

81.0/100

Skin Compatibility

MAELOVE Vitamin ..

82.0/100

COSRX Alpha-Arbu..

85.0/100

Texture & UX

MAELOVE Vitamin ..

88.0/100

COSRX Alpha-Arbu..

83.0/100

Value for Money

MAELOVE Vitamin ..

93.0/100

COSRX Alpha-Arbu..

79.0/100

What are the key differences?

MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum.. is best for: hyperpigmentation and post-acne dark marks, dull or sun-damaged skin seeking brightening

COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% .. is best for: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne breakouts, Uneven skin tone and dullness

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml or COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml? ▼

MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml scores 85.0/100 overall while COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml scores 80.0/100. MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml comes out ahead, scoring higher on effectiveness (83.0 vs 74.0). MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow is best suited for hyperpigmentation and post-acne dark marks and dull or sun-damaged skin seeking brightening. COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discolo is better for Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne breakouts and Uneven skin tone and dullness.

Is MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml worth the price compared to COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml? ▼

MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml costs £40.00 while COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml is £21.89. For value, MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml scores 93.0/100 vs COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml's 79.0/100. MAELOVE Vitamin C Serum, Glow Maker with Vitamins C, E, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance-Free, Award-Winning Highlighting and Moisturizing Face Serum, 50 ml delivers better value relative to its quality.