ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense for dry sensitive skin
Retinol
Beta-Glucan
Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract
Tocopheryl Acetate
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Average
- HighDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for dry sensitive skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, 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 hydration and soothing benefits for your dry and sensitive skin, with glycerin and beta-glucan providing humectant and emollient actions, while safflower palm aminopropanediol esters oil nourishes deeply.
- The inclusion of Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract and Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture offers excellent protection against environmental stressors, complementing the general skincare benefits.
- The product is safe for your skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and poses no risk of irritation.
How to apply
- Use this PM routine for your evening skincare. Start using the serum 3 times a week and increase to daily use if your skin feels comfortable.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer. This step locks in deep hydration for dry skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin using your palms. Let it absorb completely for a minute ⏱ before applying your next product.
- Since your skin is sensitive, apply the serum on completely dry skin for better tolerance and less irritation.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Always do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well.
People Say
★4.8Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, this serum is highly regarded for its ability to repair the skin barrier, providing a healthy glow and improved texture. Most users appreciate its lightweight feel and hydrating properties. Some users report experiencing initial irritation or breakouts due to active ingredients, and the high price point is a frequent concern.
Highlights
Barrier repair Mostly Mentioned
- “healthy glow”
- “restored barrier”
- “calms skin”
- “looks resilient”
Lightweight & absorbent Often Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly”
- “silky finish”
- “not sticky”
- “great under makeup”
High price point Often Mentioned
- “very expensive”
- “pricey”
- “investment product”
- “wallet hurts”
Anti-aging results Sometimes Noted
- “firmer skin”
- “softens lines”
- “tighter pores”
- “youthful look”
Versatile hydration Sometimes Noted
- “perfect hydration”
- “doesn't clog”
- “balances oil”
- “good for acne-prone”
Initial irritation Sometimes Noted
- “purging phase”
- “caused breakouts”
- “burning sensation”
- “skin felt raw”
Counterfeit risk Rarely Noted
- “fake product”
- “watery consistency”
- “seal broken”
- “smudged label”
Scent/packaging Rarely Noted
- “perfume smell”
- “can't see amount”
- “pump issues”
Sources: lovi.care, influenster.com, skinsort.com, reddit.com, dermstreet.com, skincareessentials.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Daily Power Defense work for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment works for your dry sensitive skin, though other products fit it better because they offer stronger hydration and barrier support with ingredients like ceramides and multiple forms of vitamin C.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
Glycerin and beta-glucan help make this serum a fit for dry sensitive skin by providing moisture and soothing benefits. To work best for this skin type, a product of this type needs rich hydrating and nourishing ingredients, along with ceramides and multiple forms of vitamin C to support moisture retention and skin barrier strength without causing irritation.
What does Retinol do for dry sensitive skin?
Retinol is often too strong for dry sensitive skin because it may cause scaling and stinging, so a product of this type needs gentle soothing ingredients and extra moisture to keep the skin calm and smooth.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Toxicology Letters, 2003
What does Beta-Glucan do for dry sensitive skin?
Beta-glucan helps calm dry, sensitive skin while improving hydration and repairing the skin barrier to keep it soft and smooth. It works well for this skin type because it has soothing and moisturizing properties that are very unlikely to cause irritation.
Food Science & Nutrition, 2025Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. A product of this type for dry sensitive skin needs extra soothing ingredients and deep nourishing oils to provide better comfort.
Can I use this serum with vitamin C, and in what order?
You can use this treatment with vitamin C by applying vitamin C first in the morning and saving this treatment for your evening routine. This helps your skin stay calm while getting the full benefits of both products. To work best for dry sensitive skin, a product of this type needs rich nourishing oils, gentle soothing plant extracts, and deep daily hydration.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. Because this product is an average fit for dry and sensitive skin, a product of this type needs extra soothing ingredients and rich moisturizers to keep your skin calm and comfortable.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This product is unlikely to clog pores, but the retinol it contains may cause initial irritation or mild purging on dry sensitive skin. A product of this type needs rich moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and plant oils to keep dry skin feeling soft and calm.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum and limonene). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
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, 2017Skin care regimens containing beta-glucan improved hemoglobin index, skin hydration, and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in 20 patients undergoing fractional laser therapy.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Topical application of photolyase-containing liposomes followed by photoreactivating light decreased UVB-induced dimers by 40-45% and prevented immunosuppression, erythema, and sunburn-cell formation in healthy human subjects.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2000Topical 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, 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, 2018Treatment with topical formulations containing beta-glucan combined with nanofractional radiofrequency plus magnetic nanofractional radiofrequency showed the best efficacy and was tolerable and effective in Chinese women with abdominal stretch marks compared to control groups.
Dermatology and Therapy, 2023Topical beta-glucan mildly improved striae gravidarum, 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser showed better results than topical beta-glucan, and the combined strategy further improved striae gravidarum atrophy compared to single treatment.
The Journal of Dermatology, 2022Topical application of oat beta-glucan ameliorates epidermal hyperplasia and accelerates epidermal barrier recovery by promoting keratinocyte differentiation through dectin-1-mediated ERK and p38 signaling pathways that upregulate CaSR expression.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate.
Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024A multi-modal methodology combining MALDI-MSI, in vivo RCM, echography, and histology revealed age-related decreases in extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction proteins and undulation depth, while a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 improved subepidermal low-echogenic band thickness, density, and extracellular matrix structure compared to placebo.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015Chronomodulated daytime application of baicalin and nighttime application of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 synergistically improved skin luminance by 16.29%, nasolabial fold depth by -36.35%, and firmness by 24.35% in 30 female participants.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10 significantly increased type III collagen levels in human dermal fibroblasts following UV exposure, with their combination demonstrating a greater effect in vitro and enhancing type I, III, and IV collagen levels in ex vivo skin tissues compared to individual components.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026
Ingredients
Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Steareth-20, Safflower Palm Aminopropanediol Esters Oil, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Micrococcus Lysate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Lactose, Galactoarabinan, Schizophyllan, Beta-Glucan, Carbomer, Cellulose, Maltodextrin, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Ultramarines, Limonene
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.
-
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-
Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-
Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-
Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-
Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-
Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.