# La Mer The Serum Essence for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/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: [La Mer](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/la-mer)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/serums)

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

A weak match for acne-prone skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for combination skin due to glycerin and sodium hyaluronate providing humectant action, but lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control on oily areas.
- The presence of Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 and Algae Extract aids in smoothing texture and enhancing barrier resilience, offering general skincare benefits like hydration and soothing.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin): Low (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Algae Extract, Niacin, Squalane, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

## 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/))
- Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 permeates the stratum corneum and epidermis, initiating gel formation via endogenous ions and strengthening and repairing the skin barrier after delipidation in human skin. ([ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39964201/))
- Topical application of 1% Fucus vesiculosus extract gel twice daily for five weeks significantly decreased skin thickness and improved elasticity in human cheek skin compared with controls. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11917251/))
- Treatment with lipid algae extract reduced the level of oxidized proteins in human keratinocytes and stratum corneum skin cells. ([Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15247018/))
- Topical astaxanthin-loaded algae extract hydrogel and lipogel formulations exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and successful in vitro release, suggesting their potential as anti-aging formulations. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29745467/))
- Antarctic marine algae extracts increased cell viability, protected against inflammation, and enhanced the barrier integrity of human intestinal and keratinocyte cell lines damaged by lipopolysaccharide or ultraviolet radiation. ([Marine Drugs, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36135751/))
- Treatment with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells combined with Cystoseira algae extract significantly improved wound closure, tissue thickness, layer density, and skin elasticity while reducing oxidative indicators, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune markers in immunosuppressed rats compared to the control group. ([PloS One, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38573954/))
- 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/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Argireline treatment twice daily for 4 weeks produced a significant anti-wrinkle effect with 48.9% total efficacy and decreased skin roughness in Chinese subjects compared with 0% efficacy and no decrease in roughness in the placebo group. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/))
- Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and tripeptide-10 citrulline demonstrated antiwrinkle efficacy and decreased transepidermal water loss in twenty-four healthy volunteers compared to control groups, though synergistic effects between the two peptides remained unclear. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/))

## Why other serums fit acne-prone skin better

- 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/))
- 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 nicotinamide plus an antibacterial adhesive agent and zinc-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid combined with adapalene significantly reduced noninflammatory acne lesions by the second week of therapy compared to placebo with adapalene in patients with moderate acne vulgaris. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/))

## What reviewers say

La Mer The Serum Essence is widely praised by long-term users for its ability to hydrate, firm, and improve the overall texture of aging skin. While many report a more youthful, plump, and resilient complexion, some users with sensitive skin or specific climate needs have experienced irritation or dryness, and the high price point remains a significant point of contention.

- Liked: Deeply hydrating (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Extremely expensive (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin firmness (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Poor bottle design (often mentioned)
- Liked: Refines skin texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Potential irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum as part of your PM routine and start 3x/week before working up to daily use.
- Apply this treatment after cleansing and toner, and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the product on clean, dry skin to help manage your breakouts safely.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is La Mer The Serum Essence a weak match for acne-prone skin?

La Mer The Serum Essence is a weak match for acne-prone skin because it lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control on oily areas. Acne-prone skin needs products with effective ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and propolis that target breakouts and control oiliness while providing balanced hydration.

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

This serum is a weak match for acne-prone skin because it lacks sufficient ingredients for oil control on oily areas. Acne-prone skin needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to provide hydration while controlling oiliness and managing blemishes.

### What does Algae Extract do for acne-prone skin?

Algae extract helps calm acne-prone skin and may reduce breakouts through its soothing and purifying properties. Because this type of skin is often easily upset, it needs lightweight hydrators and gentle ingredients that target swelling and clear pores without clogging them.
Sources: [Pharmaceutics, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34834345/)

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

Niacinamide helps manage acne-prone skin by calming redness and reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory breakouts. It also helps control excess oil production and supports the skin barrier while you use acne treatments.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/)

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine for acne-prone skin, after cleansing and before moisturizing. Because this product is a weak match for this skin, an acne-prone routine needs a product of this type that also provides targeted oil control and blemish-clearing ingredients.

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

You can use this treatment with retinol by applying the treatment after your retinol product in your evening routine. This helps keep skin calm and hydrated, though a product for acne-prone skin also needs ingredients that actively control oil and clear pores.

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. Acne-prone skin needs a product of this type that features oil-controlling and clarifying ingredients to manage breakouts effectively.

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

This product is a weak match for acne-prone skin because it contains heavy oils and silicones that may clog pores and trigger breakouts. Acne-prone skin needs lightweight, non-greasy hydrators and oil-controlling ingredients to stay clear and calm.

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

It contains fragrance (parfum, citronellol, geraniol, linalool, and limonene) and drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$16.95 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$52.32 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$50.60 at Amazon

## Routine for acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$13.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$34.66 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$24.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$80.43 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$13.99 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$59.95 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$16.95 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$24.00 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$80.43 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$13.99 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/amorepacific/treatment-enzyme-peel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — A$83.06 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$118.35 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$34.66 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$16.95 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Australia has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Algae Extract, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Polysilicone-11, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake Sunflower Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal Seed, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil Leaf Eucalyptus Oil Leaf, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Whey Lactis Du Petit-Lait Protein, Caffeine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Pisum Sativum Extract, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract Coffee Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Wheat Extract Germ Extract, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract Raspberry Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Sucrose, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract Soybean Seed Extract, Jania Rubens Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Polysorbate 20, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Sodium Pca, Urea, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Acrylamide Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycosaminoglycans, Parfum, Isohexadecane, Pentylene Glycol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tetracetylphytosphingosine, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Vinyl Dimethicone Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Squalane, Hydrogenated Oil, Ruby Powder, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Tourmaline, Hydrolyzed Algin, Potassium Sorbate, Gold, Glucosamine Hcl, Caprylyl Glycol, Yeast Polysaccharides, Polysorbate 80, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51, Hexylene Glycol, Yeast Faex Extrait De Levure Extract, Cholesterol, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Alcohol Denat, Xanthan Gum, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disodium Edta, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Limonene, Caramel, Red 4 Ci 14700
## 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/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-mer/the-serum-essence/for/acne-prone-skin