If you’re hunting for a game-changing skincare product, Mad Hippie Super A Serum is your ticket to glowy, youthful skin. I’ve been using this vegan, retinol-packed serum for months, and it’s smoothed my fine lines and brightened my complexion without irritation.
For $33, it’s a steal for clean, potent ingredients. You’ll love how it transforms your skin while being kind to the planet. Let me share my journey, break down what makes it shine, and help you decide if this serum deserves a spot in your routine.
My Experience With Mad Hippie Super A Serum
At 38, my skin was starting to show its age—fine lines around my eyes, some sun spots from my beach days, and a dullness that made me look tired.
I’d loved Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum, so when I spotted their Super A Serum on Amazon for $33, I grabbed it, hoping its retinoid blend would work magic. Spoiler: it’s been a total skin-saver.
The first night, I cleansed with a gentle foam, patted on two drops of the milky serum, and waited 10 minutes before layering my night cream. The texture was lightweight, sinking in fast without stickiness.
I started every other night to avoid irritation, as my sensitive skin can be a drama queen. By week two, I noticed my pores looked smaller, and my forehead felt smoother. After a month, those stubborn sun spots on my cheeks were fading, and my skin had a subtle glow that made me skip foundation some days. No redness, no flaking—just results. I did get a slight dryness at first, but adding a hyaluronic acid serum underneath fixed it. Now, I use it four nights a week, and my skin’s never looked better. It’s become my holy grail for anti-aging without the harshness of prescription retinoids.
What Makes Mad Hippie Super A Serum Special
Mad Hippie, founded by Sam and Dana in Portland, is a vegan, cruelty-free skincare brand focused on natural, sustainable ingredients. The Super A Serum (1.02 fl oz, $33) combines three retinoids—HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate), retinyl linoleate, and retinol—with bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, to fight wrinkles, discoloration, and rough texture. Hydrating actives like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, aloe vera, and oat beta-glucan soothe and plump. Free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, it’s ideal for sensitive skin. Packaged in a dark glass bottle with soy-inked, FSC-certified boxes, it’s eco-conscious and sold at Ulta, Amazon, and Mad Hippie’s site with a 60-day return policy.
Pros Of Mad Hippie Super A Serum
Potent Yet Gentle Formula
This serum’s a powerhouse without the sting. The trio of retinoids—HPR, retinyl linoleate, and retinol—tackles fine lines and sun damage, while bakuchiol boosts results without irritation. I saw smoother skin in weeks, and users with sensitive skin praise its “gentle” touch. Unlike prescription tretinoin, which left my friend’s face peeling, this serum eased my skin into retinoids with minimal dryness. You’ll love how it delivers anti-aging benefits without making your face feel like sandpaper, perfect if you’re new to vitamin A or have reactive skin.
Hydrating and Soothing
Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and aloe keep this serum from drying you out. My oily skin stayed balanced, and users with dry skin say it “plumps” without greasiness. Oat beta-glucan soothed my occasional redness, and phytoceramides locked in moisture. I layered it over a hydrating toner, and my skin felt dewy by morning. Compared to The Ordinary’s 2% Granactive Retinoid, which felt a bit stark, Mad Hippie’s formula is like a comforting hug. You’ll wake up to hydrated, glowy skin that’s ready to face the day.
Visible Anti-Aging Results
This serum delivers. After a month, my crow’s feet softened, and my sun spots faded noticeably. Users report smaller pores and even tone, with one 47-year-old saying it’s their “value-for-money” pick. Clinical claims boast reduced wrinkles and firmness, and my mirror agrees—my skin looks firmer, especially around my jawline. It’s not Botox, but for $33, it’s darn close to a professional treatment. You’ll see smoother, brighter skin that makes you ditch heavy makeup.
Affordable and Accessible
At $33 for 1.02 fl oz, this serum’s a steal compared to $100+ department store brands. I snagged mine on Amazon, but it’s at Ulta and Whole Foods too. Users call it “extremely affordable” for clean ingredients, and I love that it lasts two months with 2–4 drops nightly. Mad Hippie’s 60-day refund policy adds confidence. You’re getting premium actives without the premium price, making it easy to commit to long-term use without breaking the bank.
Eco-Friendly and Ethical
Mad Hippie walks the talk. The vegan, cruelty-free formula skips nasty chemicals like parabens and PEGs. Their dark glass bottle and soy-inked, FSC-certified packaging scream sustainability, and $1 per online sale supports conservation. Users adore the “clean, natural” vibe, and I feel good knowing my skincare’s kind to the planet. You’ll love supporting a brand that cares about your skin and the earth, all while getting top-notch results.
Cons Of Mad Hippie Super A Serum
Initial Adjustment Period
My skin needed a week to adjust, with mild dryness around my nose. Some users report slight irritation or redness at first, especially if they dive in nightly.
I eased in every other night, but if you’re retinol-shy, you might find the ramp-up annoying.
It’s not as harsh as Differin, but you’ll need patience to avoid a flaky phase. Starting slow is key to keeping your skin happy.
Slightly Drying for Some
While hydrating, the serum can still dry out sensitive or dry skin types. I countered this with a hyaluronic acid layer, but users with naturally dry skin say it’s “pretty drying” without heavy moisturizer. My oily skin loved it, but if your face craves moisture, you’ll need to double down on hydration to avoid tightness. It’s a small tweak, but it’s worth noting.
Subtle Scent Sensitivity
The serum’s light citrus-floral scent bugged me at first. It’s mild and fades fast, but users with fragrance sensitivities might flinch. I got used to it, but one reviewer called it “potpourri-like,” preferring scent-free options like The Ordinary. If smells bother you, you might hesitate, though it’s far less intense than perfumed creams. Test a sample if you’re super sensitive.
Not a Quick Fix
Don’t expect overnight miracles. My sun spots took a month to fade, and fine lines softened gradually. Some users wish for faster results compared to prescription retinoids, which can work in weeks. You’ll need 6–8 weeks of consistent use to see major changes, so if you’re impatient, this might feel slow. Stick with it, and the payoff’s worth it.
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Maintenance Tips For Mad Hippie Super A Serum
Start Slow and Build Up
To avoid irritation, I began with two drops every other night for two weeks, then bumped to four nights weekly. Mad Hippie suggests this for newbies, and users swear by “easing in” to prevent redness. Apply after cleansing on dry skin, wait 10 minutes, and follow with a moisturizer. You’ll want to introduce it gradually, especially if your skin’s sensitive, to let it adjust without freaking out.
Layer with Hydration
This serum loves a hydrated base. I use a hyaluronic acid toner or snail mucin before applying to combat dryness. Users with dry skin recommend a rich night cream or facial oil after to lock in moisture. If your skin feels tight, add a hydrating serum underneath. You’ll keep your face plump and avoid flaking, making the retinoids work better without discomfort.
Use at Night Only
Retinoids are sun-sensitive, so I apply this strictly at night. Mad Hippie’s label warns against daytime use, and users stress following with SPF 30+ in the morning. I slap on Mad Hippie’s Daily Protective Serum SPF 30 to shield my skin. Nighttime application maximizes potency and protects your skin from UV damage, so stick to evenings for best results.
Store Properly
I keep my serum in a cool, dark drawer to preserve its actives. The amber glass bottle helps, but users note that retinoids degrade in heat or light. Avoid steamy bathrooms or sunny shelves. If you’re traveling, pop it in a mini cooler bag. Proper storage ensures your $33 investment stays potent for the full two-month lifespan.
Cleanse Before Application
A clean face is non-negotiable. I use a gentle cleanser like Mad Hippie’s Jelly Cleanser to remove makeup and oil before applying. Users say skipping this step reduces absorption, wasting product. Pat your skin dry—don’t rub—to avoid irritation. You’ll get the most out of each drop if your skin’s a blank canvas, letting those retinoids sink in deep.
Comparison With Other Brands
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
The Ordinary’s 2% Granactive Retinoid ($10) is a budget star, and I tried it before Mad Hippie. It smoothed my skin but felt drying without extra hydration. Mad Hippie’s blend of three retinoids plus bakuchiol feels more robust, and its hydrating actives like hyaluronic acid make it gentler. The Ordinary’s scent-free and cheaper, but Mad Hippie’s eco-packaging and soothing formula won me over for daily use.
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol ($62) is a heavy hitter. I sampled it at a friend’s, and it tackled my fine lines fast but caused redness. Mad Hippie’s lower potency and bakuchiol make it less harsh, though Paula’s might edge out for stubborn wrinkles. Mad Hippie’s vegan ethos and $33 price point feel more accessible, but Paula’s is a go-to for aggressive anti-aging if you can handle it.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Drunk Elephant’s A-Passioni ($74) packs 1% retinol with peptides. I tested a travel size, and it brightened my skin but was too rich for my oily type. Mad Hippie’s lighter serum absorbs better and costs less, with similar wrinkle-fighting power. Drunk Elephant’s luxe feel is nice, but Mad Hippie’s clean ingredients and sustainability give it an edge for eco-conscious folks.
BYBI Bakuchiol Booster
BYBI’s Bakuchiol Booster ($15) is a natural retinol alternative. I used it for a month, and it was super gentle but slower to fade my sun spots. Mad Hippie’s retinoid-bakuchiol combo works faster and feels more hydrating. BYBI’s great for retinol-phobes, but Mad Hippie’s broader active lineup and visible results make it my pick for serious anti-aging.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Mad Hippie Super A Serum is a vegan, cruelty-free retinol serum with three retinoids (HPR, retinyl linoleate, retinol) and bakuchiol to reduce wrinkles, discoloration, and roughness. Hyaluronic acid, aloe, and oat beta-glucan hydrate and soothe. For $33, it’s a 1.02 fl oz anti-aging powerhouse for all skin types, sold at Ulta and Amazon.
Mad Hippie’s gentler than Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol, which can irritate. It’s more potent than BYBI’s Bakuchiol Booster but less intense than Drunk Elephant’s A-Passioni. Compared to The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid, it’s pricier but more hydrating. Mad Hippie balances efficacy, affordability, and eco-friendly packaging for sensitive skin.
It’s simple. Cleanse, pat dry, and apply 2–4 drops at night. Wait 10 minutes, then moisturize. Start every other night for two weeks, then increase to 4–5 nights weekly.
Conclusion
Mad Hippie Super A Serum has transformed my skin, fading sun spots and softening lines with a gentle, clean formula.
For $33, it’s a budget-friendly gem that rivals luxury brands while staying vegan and eco-conscious. You’ll love the glow and smoothness it brings.
Grab this serum, ease it into your nightly routine, and watch your skin thank you—it’s the anti-aging upgrade you’ve been waiting for.