# Nécessaire The Body Retinol for acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/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: [Nécessaire](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/necessaire)
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.

A weak match for acne-prone skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your combination skin due to glycolic acid and mandelic acid, but lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target breakouts, posing risks of worsening your acne and blemishes.
- Niacinamide and retinol provide some skin renewal and seboregulation, but may not be in sufficient concentrations for optimal results on your combination skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/oily-skin): Caution
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/dry-skin): Warning
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/combination-skin): Caution
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/acne-prone-skin): Low (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Warning
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Caution

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate

## What the research says

- 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/))
- Topical stabilized retinol treatment induced HAS gene expression and increased hyaluronic acid production in human skin in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo compared to vehicle. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/))
- 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/))
- Treatment with 45% mandelic acid peel showed nearly equal overall efficacy as 30% salicylic acid peel in patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris, but with fewer adverse effects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/))
- Chemical peels using 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic-10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid reduce acne scores by 70.55%, 74.14%, and 69.7% respectively, and significantly decline the postacne hyperpigmentation index in Asian patients with mild to moderate acne. ([Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31619887/))
- Commonly used chemical peels showed no significant differences in effectiveness for acne vulgaris in most comparisons, though combined salicylic and mandelic acid peeling was superior to glycolic acid and glycolic acid was superior to placebo, based on twelve randomized controlled trials. ([BMJ Open, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705755/))
- 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/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## Why other serums fit acne-prone skin better

- Topical nicotinamide plus an antibacterial adhesive agent and zinc-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid combined with adapalene significantly reduced noninflammatory acne lesions by the second week of therapy compared to placebo with adapalene in patients with moderate acne vulgaris. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/))
- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- 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 body retinol is highly praised for improving skin texture and reducing crepey skin and hyperpigmentation. Users with various skin types find the formula gentle and non-irritating, though it is noted to function best as a treatment serum requiring a follow-up moisturizer for hydration.

- Liked: Improves skin texture (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Expensive price point (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Absorbs quickly (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle, non-irritating (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective for KP (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Not deeply moisturizing (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong scent (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

### Why is Nécessaire The Body Retinol a weak match for acne-prone skin?

Nécessaire The Body Retinol is a weak match for acne-prone skin because it lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target breakouts and may worsen your acne. A product of this type needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or zinc PCA that provide excellent benefits for acne and blemishes without irritation.

### Which ingredients make this treatment a poor fit for acne-prone skin?

This treatment is a weak match because it lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target breakouts, posing risks of worsening your acne and blemishes. Acne-prone skin needs products with ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, and zinc PCA that provide excellent benefits for acne while keeping skin balanced without irritation.

### What does Retinol do for acne-prone skin?

Retinol helps acne-prone skin by speeding up cell turnover and clearing pores to reduce breakouts. It regulates skin growth and fights inflammation, though it may cause some mild peeling or stinging when you first start using it.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35816067/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28318351/)

### 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 treatment go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, starting just once a week. Because this is a weak match for your acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs specialized blemish-fighting ingredients and soothing agents to help clear breakouts without making them worse.

### Can I use this treatment with vitamin C, and in what order?

You can use this treatment with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in the morning and this treatment at night, as using them together may easily irritate your skin. Acne-prone skin needs targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and gentle exfoliants to help clear breakouts without causing extra irritation.

### How often should I use this treatment?

Start by using this treatment once a week in your evening routine, as this lets your skin adjust safely to the exfoliating acids and retinol. If your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you may carefully use it more often. However, because this product lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target breakouts, acne-prone skin needs products with blemish-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid and soothing agents to help calm inflammation.

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

This treatment is a weak match for acne-prone skin because it lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target breakouts and may worsen your acne. To properly care for acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs targeted blemish-clearing ingredients that help keep pores clear and calm inflammation.

### Is this treatment 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 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

## Routine for acne-prone skin

### AM

- 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
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 92.70 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- 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
- Cleansing Toner: [REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/ren-clean-skincare/ready-steady-glow-daily-aha-tonic/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 220.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 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

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- 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
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 101.09 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/kora-organics/turmeric-brightening-and-exfoliating-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 122.93 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
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 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, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Coconut Alkanes, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Propanediol, Silica, Silica Silylate, Magnesium Stearate, Niacinamide, Retinol, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Bacillus Folic Acid Extract Ferment Filtrate, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, C13-14 Alkane, C15-23 Alkane, Tricaprylin, Acetyl Glutamine, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Lecithin, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil Fruit, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone
## 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/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/acne-prone-skin
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- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)