# Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [Drunk Elephant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/drunk-elephant)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin as niacinamide provides some oil regulation, while retinol and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate work to rejuvenate and minimize fine lines. Glycerin and other hydrating ingredients offer general skincare benefits that support your skin but do not directly target concerns like oily shine.
- The formulation includes peptides and antioxidants that contribute to skin rejuvenation and a smoother appearance.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no identified risks of irritation from harsh or prohibited ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin): Average (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Xanthophylls, Niacinamide, Ceramide Np, Triple Peptide Blend

## What the research says

- A peptide complex stimulated basement membrane protein expressions and significantly improved skin wrinkles at all five measured sites after two weeks in 22 healthy Asian female volunteers older than 40 years. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31861912/))
- A multi-modal methodology combining MALDI-MSI, in vivo RCM, echography, and histology revealed age-related decreases in extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction proteins and undulation depth, while a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 improved subepidermal low-echogenic band thickness, density, and extracellular matrix structure compared to placebo. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25817264/))
- A triple peptide complex synergistically stimulated collagen IV production in aged human fibroblasts and reduced periorbital wrinkle parameters compared to placebo in healthy Caucasian volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20618556/))
- Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity. ([Journal of Controlled Release, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/))
- Combined oral and topical administration of lutein and zeaxanthin provides the highest degree of antioxidant protection in human skin compared to individual routes. ([Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17446716/))
- Solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanoemulsions successfully delivered lutein dermally with minimal systemic absorption while protecting the active against UV degradation compared to lutein powder. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21596122/))
- Lutein reduced skin inflammatory responses including IL-6 from LPS-treated macrophages, COX-2 from IFN-gamma/TNF-alpha-treated HaCaT cells, and MMP-9 in UV-irradiated keratinocytes by inhibiting the AP-1 pathway through suppression of p38 and JNK activation. ([Mediators of Inflammation, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23533312/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Chronomodulated daytime application of baicalin and nighttime application of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 synergistically improved skin luminance by 16.29%, nasolabial fold depth by -36.35%, and firmness by 24.35% in 30 female participants. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41527525/))
- Grafting cell-surface binding motifs RGD and sOtx2 onto tripeptide-1 (GHK) to form RGD-GHK and sOtx2-GHK enhanced anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-aging efficacy compared to the non-targeting peptide GHK in cells and skin models. ([Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38027006/))
- Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10 significantly increased type III collagen levels in human dermal fibroblasts following UV exposure, with their combination demonstrating a greater effect in vitro and enhancing type I, III, and IV collagen levels in ex vivo skin tissues compared to individual components. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42683869/))

## Why other serums fit oily skin better

- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this 1% retinol cream is highly effective for improving skin texture and clarity, significantly reducing fine lines, acne marks, and dullness. Many users experience dramatic results, reporting smoother and clearer skin. However, a very high number of users note that this potent formula can cause significant irritation, peeling, and dryness, especially when first introduced, requiring careful application and ample moisturization. The packaging is also frequently criticized for its tendency to crack and leak.

- Liked: Smoother skin texture (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Severe irritation (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Fades dark spots (often mentioned)
- Liked: High potency (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Poor packaging (often mentioned)
- Liked: Little goes long way (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces fine lines (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Not for sensitive skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream work for oily skin?

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream works moderately well for your oily skin, as niacinamide helps control oil while retinol and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate smooth fine lines. A product of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to manage excess oil and enlarged pores, along with ceramides and soothing extracts to keep the skin barrier healthy.

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily skin?

Niacinamide helps make this cream a good fit for oily skin by providing some oil regulation, while retinol and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate work to rejuvenate and smooth the skin. Oily skin of this type needs ingredients that control oil and target shine, such as niacinamide, zinc PCA, and ferulic acid, paired with soothing extracts and lightweight hydrators.

### What does Retinol do for oily skin?

Retinol helps oily skin by keeping pores clear and balancing sebum production, which may reduce shine and breakouts. Because it can sometimes cause dryness or peeling in the beginning, starting slowly is recommended.
Sources: [Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21914489/)

### What do Xanthophylls do for oily skin?

Xanthophylls help protect oily skin from sun-induced damage and oxidation. A product of this type needs lightweight antioxidants and oil-controlling ingredients to keep skin clear and balanced.
Sources: [Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 1994](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7844638/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Oily skin of this type needs lightweight hydrators and oil-regulating ingredients like niacinamide to manage shine while keeping skin balanced.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461548/)

### Can I use this cream with AHA, and in what order?

You can use this cream with an AHA, but because both ingredients are strong, alternate the nights you use them to help prevent skin irritation. Apply this treatment on clean skin in the evening, followed by your moisturizer, and save your AHA for a different night.

### How often should I use this cream?

This treatment fits into your evening routine, and since it is an exfoliating treatment, you should start using it once a week. If your skin tolerates it well and shows good results, you may carefully use it more often. To work better for oily skin, this type of product needs ingredients that directly target excess oil and shine.

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily skin, though starting slowly helps your skin adjust as retinol can sometimes trigger minor purging. Oily skin often benefits most from lightweight textures paired with ingredients that specifically control excess shine and balance oil production.

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/clinique/fresh-pressed-daily-booster-with-pure-vitamin-c-10/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 365.22 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/oily-skin) — High fit — AED 715.99 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — AED 89.30 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United Arab Emirates has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Stearic Acid, Coconut Alkanes, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Retinol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil Apricot Kernel Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Chrysin, Persea Gratissima Oil Avocado Oil, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Ceramide Np, Xanthophylls, Phytosphingosine, Phytosterols, Jojoba Esters, Physalis Pubescens Fruit Juice, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Rice Extract Rice Bran Extract, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Cetyl Palmitate, Trehalose, Lauric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Olea Europaea Oil Fruit Olive Oil Fruit, Glucosamine Hcl, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Pisum Sativum Extract, Tocopherol, Bambusa Vulgaris Stem Extract Leaf, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Laureth-23, Steareth-20, Propanediol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/oily-skin (this page)