# K-SECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-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: [K-SECRET](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/k-secret)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your combination skin, as Retinal and Bakuchiol provide anti-aging benefits while Glycerin and Niacinamide offer hydration to manage oily shine.
- Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil and Hydrogenated Lecithin provide emollient and humectant properties, supporting overall skin balance.
- The product is safe for your combination skin, with no harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin): Average (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Retinal, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

## What the research says

- 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/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Topical application of a serum containing supramolecular Bakuchiol and Terminalia chebula extract significantly improved barrier function, reduced redness and sensitivity, and improved wrinkles and elasticity in 34 Chinese subjects with sensitive skin after 28 days. ([Health Science Reports, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41424674/))
- Lecithin-based nanoemulsions result in significantly higher viability rates in human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts compared to anionic and non-ionic surfactants, while showing intermediate skin permeation. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31158455/))
- Lecithin-based nanoemulsions showed superior viability in human skin cells compared to SDS-based formulations, with components remaining in superficial stratum corneum layers indicating low skin irritation risk. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32165223/))
- Twice daily application of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams for 3 months improved skin texture and hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in 40 female Korean volunteers, with only the 0.1% cream significantly improving the melanin index. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29663701/))
- Topical retinaldehyde demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria both in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased bacterial counts without inducing resistance. ([Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12218231/))
- Topical 0.05% retinaldehyde applied over 1 year significantly increased epidermal thickness of the temple and cutaneous elasticity compared to an emollient control group in 40 aging skin patients. ([Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/))
- Enzyme-modified ginseng extract cream significantly reduced the global photo-damage score and various roughness measures including total roughness, smoothness depth, and arithmetic roughness average compared to placebo in 23 human subjects. ([Rejuvenation Research, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25867599/))
- A red ginseng hydrogel formulation with 1,2-hexanediol promoted selective growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and decreased Cutibacterium acnes in 20 female subjects. ([Journal of Ginseng Research, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35509819/))
- A 1% fermented black ginseng cream significantly reduced eye wrinkles and brightened skin color in twenty-three human subjects compared to control cream and baseline. ([Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32564709/))
- 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/))
- A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and mannitol improves inflammatory lesions, Investigator Global Assessment, and seborrhea intensity when added to adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25914553/))
- Bakuchiol functions as an anti-aging compound through retinol-like regulation of gene expression, producing significant improvements in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and photo-damage after 12 weeks of twice-a-day facial application without usual retinol therapy-associated undesirable effects. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24471735/))
- A nature-based bakuchiol-containing cleanser and moisturizer improved visual and tactile smoothness, clarity, radiance, overall appearance, global anti-aging, and skin moisture content by 16% in 60 female subjects with sensitive mild to moderate photodamaged skin over 4 weeks. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33346506/))
- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))

## What reviewers say

Users consistently praise this serum as a gentle yet effective entry-level retinoid that improves skin texture and radiance without the harsh irritation often associated with retinol. The combination of 2% liposomal retinal and black ginseng is frequently highlighted for its ability to smooth fine lines and even out skin tone while maintaining hydration, making it a favorite for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

- Liked: Gentle, non-irritating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight absorption (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow anti-aging results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Availability issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Bulky packaging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Initial breakouts (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does K-SECRET SEOUL 1988 Retinal Liposome 2% Dark Spot Serum work for combination skin?

This serum works moderately well for combination skin because Retinal and Bakuchiol smooth signs of aging while Glycerin and Niacinamide hydrate and help manage oily shine. A treatment for this skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or zinc PCA that regulate oiliness and boost radiance without causing excess oil or irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?

Retinal and bakuchiol provide anti-aging benefits while glycerin and niacinamide offer hydration to manage oily shine for your combination skin. A treatment of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or zinc PCA to regulate oiliness and provide hydration without excess oiliness or dryness.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Retinal do for combination skin?

Retinal helps smooth the skin and reduces signs of aging or breakouts when used regularly. It is unlikely to cause severe irritation when introduced gradually, keeping combination skin feeling calm and smooth.
Sources: [European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25219827/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21649816/)

### What does Ginseng Root Extract do for combination skin?

Ginseng root extract helps keep combination skin smooth and firm by supporting collagen and locking in moisture. It also helps calm the skin and keeps it looking bright and even.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16890388/), [Journal of Ginseng Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28123324/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after your cleansing toner and before your moisturizer. Putting it in the evening keeps things simple and provides extra safety around sun exposure.

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

You can use this serum with AHAs, but it is best to apply your AHA product first and follow with this treatment to help keep your skin comfortable. Because this formula contains active ingredients like Retinal, combining it with other strong acids may increase the likelihood of dryness or irritation.

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this treatment in your evening routine. Combination skin works best with products that provide active ingredients for aging alongside hydrating ingredients like Glycerin and Niacinamide to manage oily shine.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This serum is unlikely to cause major breakouts, though initial breakouts may happen for some users as your skin adjusts. A product for combination skin needs balancing ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin to manage oily shine while keeping dry areas hydrated.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Augustinus Bader The Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/augustinus-bader/the-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 1,348.00 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 715.99 at Amazon
- [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/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 365.22 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 84.53 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 145.00 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/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ae: AED 42.65 (https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B0CP3C7TTJ?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polyglycerin-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Betaine, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Adenosine, Disodium Edta, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Phytosteryl Behenyl Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Retinal, Silica, Aluminum Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Bakuchiol, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1
## 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/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-serum/for/combination-skin (this page)