Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Night Moisturizer for acne-prone skin
Retinol
Niacinamide
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Glycerin
Tropaeolum Majus Extract
Average
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers excellent moisturizing and anti-aging benefits for your combination skin due to retinol and niacinamide, which hydrate and smooth texture while regulating sebum production.
- Glycerin and dimethicone provide general skincare support, contributing to hydration and skin renewal, though they are not specifically targeted for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The product is safe for your acne-prone skin, as it lacks prohibited or harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.
How to apply
- Use your moisturizer twice a day in your AM and PM routines. Apply it daily to help keep breakouts under control.
- Apply after your cleanser and toner, and make sure to use your SPF right after in the morning.
- Gently spread a small amount of moisturizer over your face using soft motions. Let it absorb into the skin for a minute before getting dressed or applying makeup.
- Apply on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture. This keeps your combination skin balanced without feeling heavy.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Stop using if you feel any irritation.
People Say
★4.4Overall rating based on 300+ reviewsThis fragrance-free night cream is highly regarded for its hydrating and skin-smoothing properties, with many users reporting softer skin and reduced fine lines. A moderate number of users experienced breakouts or purging, and some found the jar packaging to be unhygienic.
Highlights
Improved skin texture Mostly Mentioned
- “skin looks smoother”
- “wrinkles less noticeable”
- “face feels tighter”
- “woke up to glowing skin”
Hydrating and non-drying Often Mentioned
- “kept skin from peeling”
- “very hydrated and moisturized”
- “no dry patches”
- “skin felt plump”
Luxurious texture Often Mentioned
- “creamy and silky”
- “absorbs quickly”
- “velvety texture”
- “glides on easily”
Fragrance-free formula Sometimes Noted
- “love that it's fragrance free”
- “no strong scent”
- “great for sensitive noses”
- “didn't irritate my allergies”
Breakouts or purging Sometimes Noted
- “breaking out like crazy”
- “caused cystic acne”
- “whiteheads appeared”
- “skin reacted badly”
Unhygienic packaging Sometimes Noted
- “don't like the jar”
- “hard to keep germ-free”
- “prefer a pump”
- “exposed to air”
Residue or pilling Rarely Noted
- “leaves a film”
- “pills under other products”
- “feels heavy”
- “didn't absorb fully”
Unpleasant smell Rarely Noted
- “smells like plastic”
- “weird chemical smell”
- “scent is off-putting”
- “smells like the container”
Sources: lovi.care, target.com, walmart.com, olay.com, youtube.com, skinsort.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Night Moisturizer work for acne-prone skin?
This moisturizer works decently for acne-prone skin, helping smooth texture and balance oil, though other products fit this skin type better. A product of this type needs soothing extracts and ingredients specifically targeted to clear breakouts and manage blemishes while keeping the skin hydrated.
Which ingredients make this moisturizer a good fit for acne-prone skin?
Retinol and niacinamide make this moisturizer a good fit because they help smooth texture and regulate oil production. A product of this type needs specific ingredients for acne-prone skin that target blemishes, provide soothing benefits, and keep the 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.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2022The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
What does Niacinamide do for acne-prone skin?
Niacinamide helps acne-prone skin by reducing both inflamed and uninflamed breakouts and calming redness. It is also very helpful for keeping oily skin balanced by cutting down on excess oil production, and it is well tolerated by most people.
Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, which keeps it simple and safe around sun exposure. It works for acne-prone skin, though this skin type needs a product with ingredients specifically targeted for blemishes and breakouts.
Can I use this cream with vitamin C, and in what order?
You can use this cream with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in the morning and this retinol treatment at night. Using them at different times of day helps prevent irritation while keeping your skin smooth.
How often should I use it?
Use this moisturizing treatment in the evening as part of your nighttime routine. It is safe for your acne-prone skin, though this skin type needs products with ingredients that directly target blemishes and breakouts.
Can this moisturizer clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
Yes, this moisturizer may cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin, as some reviewers frequently complain about this issue. A product for this skin needs oil-balancing ingredients like salicylic acid or soothing agents to help clear blemishes and prevent clogged pores.
Can I use it around the eyes or on my body?
This product works for the body, but the thin skin around the eyes needs gentle, lightweight formulas with calming ingredients and extra moisture to stay smooth and avoid irritation.
Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
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, 2017A 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, 2017Topical 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, 2019Silicone 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, 2018Topical 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, 2017Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012Oral and topical administration of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Nasturtium officinale aerial parts significantly reduced paw and ear edema in rat and mouse models of inflammation.
Pharmaceutical Biology, 2014Nasturtium officinale crude extract leaves topically applied reduced croton oil-induced skin inflammation, ear edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in mice via glucocorticoid receptor-dependent and NF-κB pathways without causing adverse effects.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019Benzyl isothiocyanate inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced superoxide generation in differentiated HL-60 cells and attenuated hydrogen peroxide levels, leukocyte infiltration, and the number of papillomas per mouse in mouse skin.
Carcinogenesis, 2004
Why other moisturizers fit acne-prone skin better
Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023A 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, 2024A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
Ingredients
Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Tapioca Starch, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Niacinamide, Tropaeolum Majus Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Dimethiconol, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-7, Disodium Edta, Polyacrylamide, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Titanium Dioxide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dmdm Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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