SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Serum for dry skin
Average
- AverageDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for dry skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. 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 moderate brightening for you due to niacinamide and sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which help even skin tone, while glycerin and panthenol provide humectant action suitable for dry skin.
- The inclusion of Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Allantoin offers soothing benefits, and Sodium Hyaluronate supports general hydration for your dry or flaky skin.
- The product is safe for your dry skin as it lacks harsh ingredients and contains soothing components.
How to apply
- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, users with dull, dehydrated, or sensitive skin frequently praise this serum for its lightweight, hydrating formula that effectively brightens the complexion and fades hyperpigmentation over time. While many appreciate the 'glass skin' glow and gentle nature, some users note a sticky finish and mention that significant dark spot reduction requires consistent, long-term use.
Highlights
Pleasant citrus scent Mostly Mentioned
- “scent is heavenly”
- “refreshing citrus smell”
- “smells lovely and fresh”
Brightens skin tone Often Mentioned
- “skin is visibly brighter”
- “imparts a radiant glow”
- “complexion looks more even”
Gentle on sensitive skin Often Mentioned
- “gentle and non-irritating”
- “didn't break me out”
- “soothing on sensitive skin”
Hydrating and plumping Often Mentioned
- “skin looks plump and healthy”
- “deep hydration”
- “leaves skin soft”
Fades dark spots Sometimes Noted
- “fading acne scars”
- “reduction in appearance of marks”
- “helps with hyperpigmentation”
Slow results Sometimes Noted
- “haven't seen results yet”
- “needs consistent use”
- “no dramatic difference”
Sticky residue Sometimes Noted
- “leaves a bit of a sticky feeling”
- “tacky finish”
- “stickier than I would like”
Not moisturizing enough Rarely Noted
- “not enough for dry skin”
- “need a thicker cream over it”
- “lightweight but needs layering”
Scent sensitivity Rarely Noted
- “fragrance might be too much”
- “prefer unscented”
- “strong citrus smell”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, oliveyoung.com, stylekorean.com, yesstyle.com, youtube.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Serum work for dry skin?
This serum works moderately well for dry skin, providing some hydration and brightening, though other treatments fit this skin type better. It helps keep skin calm and hydrated with ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate. A treatment for dry skin needs rich hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, propolis, and peptides to properly nourish and protect dry skin.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry skin?
Glycerin, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate make this serum a good fit for dry skin by drawing in moisture and keeping the skin hydrated. To work best for dry skin of this type, a treatment needs rich hydrating ingredients, soothing components, and barrier-supporting elements like ceramides or peptides.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
What does Yuzu Fruit Extract do for dry skin?
Yuzu fruit extract helps keep dry skin hydrated and soft by supporting the skin's natural moisture factors and barrier proteins. This ingredient also delivers antioxidants that help protect skin from daily environmental stress and aging.
Antioxidants, 2022International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
What does Vitamin C do for dry skin?
Vitamin C helps make dry skin feel much softer and smoother by boosting moisture in the outer skin layer. Studies show that topical vitamin C formulations significantly improve skin hydration and dryness.
Experimental Dermatology, 2008Skin Research and Technology, 2008
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing, and before your moisturizer. Putting it in the evening helps keep your routine simple and adds extra safety around sun exposure.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying this treatment first and following with your retinol and moisturizer in your evening routine. This helps keep your dry skin calm and hydrated while minimizing irritation, though a product providing richer nourishment and stronger moisture-locking ingredients would fit your dry skin even better.
How often should I use this serum?
Use this serum in your evening routine. A product of this type works best for dry skin when it has rich hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep the skin soft and comfortable.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry skin since it is safe and free of harsh ingredients. However, a product for dry skin ideally needs richer moisturizing oils and heavier smoothing ingredients to fully comfort flaky areas.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and linalool).
What the research says
Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002A 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, 2017A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017A topical formulation containing panthenol, niacinamide, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate increased skin hydration by 74.1% and reduced transepidermal water loss by 13.5% at 28 days compared to baseline and untreated control in 35 individuals with xerosis.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Citrus junos callus extract decreased melanin content in melanocytes 1.85-fold compared with arbutin and promoted the proliferation of and procollagen synthesis by human fibroblasts by 154% and 176% at 500 μg/mL.
Molecules, 2017Yuja-peel fractions (ethyl acetate, hexane, and butanol) inhibited MMP expression, induced moisturizing factors filaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase, and decreased melanin content in UVB-irradiated HaCaT, HDF, and α-MSH-treated B16F10 cells.
Antioxidants, 2022Upcycled low-molecular-weight anionic peptides from Citrus junos seeds protected UVR-irradiated keratinocytes and reconstructed skin tissue by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing paracrine cytokines, inhibiting melanin synthesis and TRP-2 expression, and increasing filaggrin, laminin-5, and type I collagen expression.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024Topical 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, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical 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, 2022Topical 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, 2005Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018
Ingredients
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Water, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Carbomer, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Sodium Phytate, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caramel, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Limonene, Linalool
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
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