# Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-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: [Murad](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/murad)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for acne-prone skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate brightening for your combination skin due to glycolic acid and ascorbic acid, which provide mild exfoliation and antioxidant effects to support your acne and breakouts.
- Glycerin and betaine offer humectant action, contributing to overall skin hydration and balance.
- The product is safe for your acne-prone skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing agents like gold and chlorella vulgaris extract.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Glutathione, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Hexylresorcinol

## What the research says

- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- A combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf extract and trimethylglycine in a 1:1 mass ratio synergistically increased aquaporin 3 expression by up to 380% in keratinocytes and safely improved skin hydration in healthy volunteers. ([Molecules, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38611819/))
- Topically delivered gold-coated silica microparticles combined with laser pulses reduced inflammatory lesions compared with sham treatments in patients with moderate-to-severe facial acne. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25748556/))
- 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/))
- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- Glutathione amino acid precursors effectively increase cellular glutathione levels, reducing oxidative stress, ATP depletion, and DNA damage in human keratinocytes, clinical subjects, and ex vivo skin compared to controls. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38189670/))
- Topical oxidized glutathione significantly decreases the skin melanin index and improves moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity compared to placebo in healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25378941/))
- Topical glutathione improves hyperpigmentation, reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema and wrinkles, decreases transepidermal water loss, and enhances antioxidant capacity. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41416233/))
- A formulation combining 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide significantly improved hyperpigmentation, skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, and firmness compared to niacinamide alone in Chinese subjects without adverse events. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34958693/))
- Topical 1% hexylresorcinol is equivalent to 2% hydroquinone in significantly reducing the appearance of facial and hand pigmentation in healthy female participants over 12 weeks, with both treatments showing no adverse effects. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36502500/))
- A novel triple-active cosmetic formulation containing 4-hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to 0.02% tretinoin and reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing in female adults while causing less skin irritation. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38685700/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users report this serum quickly provides a noticeable glow and smoother skin texture. It is effective at fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time. However, many reviewers mention the high price point and occasional issues with the dual-chamber pump mechanism.

- Liked: Brightens and adds radiance (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight absorption (often mentioned)
- Liked: Smoothes skin texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: High price point (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fades dark spots (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Good for makeup prep (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging pump issues (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Low Vitamin C % (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Oxidation concerns (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Potential irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum as part of your PM routine and start 3x/week before working up to daily use.
- Apply this treatment after cleansing and toner, and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the product on clean, dry skin to help manage your breakouts safely.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Murad Vita-C Serum work for acne-prone skin?

Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum works moderately well for acne-prone skin by offering mild exfoliation and antioxidants to support breakouts while keeping skin balanced. To fit acne-prone skin best, a treatment of this type needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or zinc PCA that provide excellent benefits for acne and blemishes, control oiliness, and ensure optimal hydration without causing excess oiliness or dryness.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for acne-prone skin?

Glycolic acid and ascorbic acid help brighten your acne-prone skin with mild exfoliation and antioxidants, while glycerin and betaine keep it balanced. To work even better for this skin, a treatment of this type needs soothing and balancing ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, or propolis to control oil and clear breakouts without irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### What does Vitamin C do for acne-prone skin?

Vitamin C helps brighten skin, smooth out uneven tones, and fade dark spots left behind by breakouts. It is also packed with antioxidants that may help protect acne-prone skin from everyday environmental stress.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39231081/)

### What does Glycolic Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Glycolic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and breakouts. It also helps fade dark spots left behind by acne and controls skin oiliness, with very few side effects when used properly.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/), [Dermatologic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24447110/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. When your skin is new to exfoliating acids, start using it just once a week and gradually increase the frequency only if your skin handles it well.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying them on alternating nights to keep your skin calm and smooth. This product needs soothing ingredients and gentle exfoliants that lift away dead cells without causing irritation, plus calming agents to keep breakouts comfortable.

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment serum works well when used in the evening once a week to start. If your acne-prone skin handles it comfortably and shows good results, you may carefully use it more often.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This serum is unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts on your acne-prone skin, as it contains soothing ingredients to keep things calm. However, because it includes exfoliating acids, a product of this type needs gentle balancing ingredients and soothing plant extracts to truly support and clear blemish-prone skin.

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

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

## Alternatives for acne-prone 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/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 365.22 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 715.99 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior 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/acne-prone-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/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 91.81 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ae: AED 281.96 (https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B084X5GGCJ?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Hdi Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Diisopropyl Sebacate, C13-16 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ascorbic Acid, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Glutathione, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Oleyl Alcohol, Silica, Hexylresorcinol, Polysilicone-11, Triheptanoin, Polyisobutene, Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture, Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower, Butylene Glycol, Mica, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Surfactin, Xymenynic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Peg-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Sorbitol, Tin Oxide, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Gold, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891
## 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/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/vita-c-glycolic-brightening-serum/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)