# Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Brand: [Charlotte Tilbury](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/charlotte-tilbury)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your oily skin, as niacinamide helps regulate oil production and polyglutamic acid provides hydration without heaviness. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid further support your skin's moisture barrier, which is beneficial for acne and breakouts.
- While the formula provides general hydration and soothing effects suitable for your skin type, it lacks specific ingredients to directly target and treat acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risk of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components like aloe barbadensis leaf juice.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Gold

## 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Poly-gamma-glutamic acid derived from a novel Bacillus subtilis strain dose-dependently increased skin barrier markers, hyaluronic acid synthesis, and aquaporin 3 expression in keratinocytes, and elevated filaggrin, involucrin, CD44, and aquaporin 3 expression in a reconstructed skin model compared to the control. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940752/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Topical 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, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical 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, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- The 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten 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, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/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, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Topically delivered gold-coated silica microparticles combined with laser pulses reduced inflammatory lesions compared with sham treatments in patients with moderate-to-severe facial acne. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25748556/))
- Laser-activated gold microparticles combined with topical retinoids reduced inflammatory lesion counts by 68% at month 12 in 52 patients with mild-to-moderate inflammatory facial acne. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37943275/))
- Combined treatment with a micro-diamond and micro-gold topical serum and a 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser produced moderate clinical improvement and high participant satisfaction in 40% of participants for facial skin rejuvenation with minimal side effects. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35304935/))

## Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone skin better

- A Tris/Arg-formulated cleanser significantly decreased noninflammatory and inflammatory acne and pore size with keratotic plugs compared to an AEC/AC cleanser in male Thai subjects with mild to moderate acne over 4 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31347768/))
- A peel-off facial mask containing myoinositol and trehalose-loaded liposomes improved adult female acne by decreasing lesion counts, sebum production, GAGS scores, and local androgen levels while increasing beclin-1 levels. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28342238/))
- A 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, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users report this serum provides immediate hydration and a radiant, dewy glow, making it a great makeup base. Many also appreciate its plumping effects and lightweight texture. However, some users with sensitive skin experience irritation due to the fragrance, and a portion of reviewers feel the long-term anti-aging benefits do not justify the high cost.

- Liked: Radiant glow (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Intense hydration (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Expensive product (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Makeup primer (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: No anti-aging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
- Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
- Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir work for oily acne-prone skin?

Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir works moderately well for oily acne-prone skin, as niacinamide helps control oil and polyglutamic acid delivers hydration without feeling heavy. While it safely provides soothing moisture and supports the skin barrier, it lacks specific ingredients to directly treat active breakouts. A product of this type needs targeted acne-fighting ingredients alongside lightweight hydrators to properly balance and care for this skin.
Sources: [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940752/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps regulate oil production, and polyglutamic acid provides hydration without heaviness, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate support your moisture barrier. A product of this type needs ingredients that specifically target and treat acne and blemishes, alongside balanced hydration that does not clog pores.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940752/)

### What does Niacinamide do for oily acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/)

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps calm oily acne-prone skin by reducing sebum production and lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands. It also supports skin barrier function and improves hydration while helping deliver treatments without causing irritation.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28163068/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35796638/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, though some serums may also be used in the morning or twice a day. Oily acne-prone skin often works best with products that combine oil-controlling ingredients with targeted blemish-fighting actives.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to give your skin light hydration before your retinol treatment. Using a gentle hydrating product like this may help keep your skin comfortable and smooth while it adjusts to stronger acne treatments. Oily and acne-prone skin still needs ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to directly clear breakouts.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this treatment serum in the evening as part of your routine. Some serums can also be used in the morning or twice a day if your skin tolerates them well.

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin, as it contains soothing aloe and lightweight hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. However, because it lacks targeted acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, oily and acne-prone skin needs a product that includes acne-clearing treatments to actively manage breakouts.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940752/)

### Can I use this serum around the eyes or on my body?

This moisturizing treatment is safe to use around the eyes or on your body, as it provides gentle hydration with a very good skin tolerance. A product of this type needs lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep thin or body skin soft without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Polymers, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37896378/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol, parfum, limonene, geraniol, citronellol, linalool, and citral).

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid 97%](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/elizavecca/witch-piggy-hell-pore-control-hyaluronic-acid-97/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$25.90 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/torriden/dive-in-low-molecular-hyaluronic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$26.00 at Amazon
- [Isntree Green Tea Fresh Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/isntree/green-tea-fresh-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — A$34.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$42.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/anthelios-clear-skin-dry-touch-sunscreen-spf-60/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$27.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$463.00 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CF3KTQ4F?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Niacinamide, Glycereth-26, Triheptanoin, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Silica, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Quartz Powder, Amethyst Powder, Ruby Powder, Gold, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil Shea Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Benzyl Alcohol, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract, Peg-100 Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract Magnolia Grandiflora Fruit Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Saussurea Involucrata Callus Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyglutamic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Benzoate, Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Copper Gluconate, Hydrated Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Solanum Tuberosum Extract Pulp, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Citral
## 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/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin