# Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-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: [Some By Mi](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/some-by-mi)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for dry skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent treatment for fine lines and wrinkles due to the presence of retinol and retinal, which are beneficial for your dry skin by promoting cell turnover and collagen production.
- The inclusion of glycerin and panthenol provides general hydration and soothing effects, addressing dryness and flakiness, though additional emollients would enhance moisture retention for your dry skin.
- The product is safe for your dry skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like niacinamide and panthenol.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin): Average (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Retinal, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract

## 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/))
- A 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/))
- 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/))
- Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))

## Why other serums fit dry skin better

- 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/))
- Treatment with 14% ferulic acid and 12% l-ascorbic acid significantly reduced pigmentation and erythema while improving hydration and elasticity in 20 women with photoaged skin, with neither acid proving definitively more effective overall though ascorbic acid showed slightly greater skin lightening. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34877760/))
- Treatment with cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patches combined with acetyl hexapeptide-8 or epidermal growth factor significantly improved wrinkles and skin hydration compared to the patch alone in Korean females over 29 days. ([Annals of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this serum is widely celebrated as an ideal "starter retinol" for beginners and those with sensitive skin, frequently praised for delivering anti-aging benefits without the harsh irritation typical of retinoids. Users consistently report smoother skin texture, reduced acne, and a "glass skin" glow, though advanced users may find the formula too gentle for dramatic, rapid results.

- Liked: Extremely gentle (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Smoothes texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective for acne (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating and non-drying (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Noticeable fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Mild purging phase (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Results take time (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Tacky finish (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum work for dry skin?

This serum works moderately well for dry skin, helping smooth fine lines with retinol and retinal while adding soothing hydration, though dry skin of this type needs richer moisturizing ingredients to truly lock in moisture.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

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

Retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol make this serum a good fit for dry skin by smoothing fine wrinkles and boosting skin firmness, while glycerin and panthenol provide hydration and soothing relief. To fit dry skin even better, a product of this type needs rich moisturizing and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and nourishing plant oils.

### What does Retinol do for dry skin?

Retinol is a poor fit for dry skin because it frequently causes scaling, stinging, and dryness. To care for dry skin properly, a product needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and keep the skin barrier calm and smooth.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### What does Retinal do for dry skin?

Retinal helps smooth dry skin and is unlikely to cause severe dryness when used properly, though it may occasionally lead to mild scaling or irritation as the skin adjusts. This ingredient works best when paired with gentle moisturizers to keep the face feeling soft and comfortable.
Sources: [Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/), [Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18046911/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

Apply this treatment in the evening after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Dry skin needs rich creams with extra softening ingredients to lock in moisture.

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

You can use this serum with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in the morning and this serum at night to avoid overwhelming your dry skin with too many active ingredients at once. A product for this skin type also needs rich emollients to lock in moisture and prevent flakiness.

### How often should I use it?

Use this treatment in your evening routine, starting just a couple of nights a week to let your skin adjust. Retinoids can occasionally cause dryness, so a product of this type needs rich hydrators and soothing ingredients to lock in moisture and keep dry skin comfortable.

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

This serum may cause a mild purging phase when you start using it, but it is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts. A product of this type needs extra rich moisturizing ingredients to properly lock in hydration and comfort dry skin.

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

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

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — AED 347.75 at Amazon
- [ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/ma-nyo/bifida-biome-complex-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — AED 99.12 at Amazon
- [KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/kravebeauty/great-barrier-relief/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — AED 164.35 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — AED 32.95 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — AED 34.80 at Amazon
- SPF: [Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-g/green-mild-up-sun/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — AED 81.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ae: AED 46.72 (https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B0BXGW8DRP?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Poly C6-14 Olefin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Piper Methysticum Stem Extract Root Leaf, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract Berry, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Bakuchiol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Retinol, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Cetyl Alcohol, Bht, Collagen, Myristic Acid, Bha, Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Bifida Lysate Ferment, Ceramide Np, Saccharomyces Ferment, Retinal, Asiaticoside, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Madecassoside, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja Soybean Peptide, Resveratrol, Sucrose Distearate, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Peg-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin
## 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/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin (this page)