SOME BY MI Yuja Niacin Blemish Care Serum for dry skin
Yuja Extract
Niacinamide
Glutathione
Arbutin
Licorice Root ExtractAverage
- 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 suitability for dry skin, as Glycerin and Panthenol provide humectant action to hydrate, but it lacks sufficient emollient and occlusive ingredients for optimal moisture retention.
- The presence of niacinamide and arbutin effectively brightens and evens skin tone, though these benefits are secondary to the primary need for specialized ingredients targeting dryness and flakiness.
- The product is safe for your dry skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components like Glycerin, Panthenol, and Tocopherol.
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
★4.4Overall rating based on 900+ reviewsThis serum is highly effective at brightening dull skin and fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, with users frequently noting its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and refreshing citrus scent. It is particularly well-suited for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. Some users with dry skin found it necessary to layer with a moisturizer, and a small number reported minimal results or slight irritation.
Highlights
Lightweight, fast-absorbing Mostly Mentioned
- “It's lightweight, absorbs instantly, and makes my skin feel hydrated all day.”
- “I love how quickly this serum sinks in - I don't have a lot of time to wait around in the mornings.”
- “It's super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and my sensitive skin hasn't reacted negatively to it at all.”
- “Its light, weightless gel texture absorbs instantly without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.”
Brightens dull skin Often Mentioned
- “My skin looks visibly brighter, too.”
- “I can definitely see it brightened my skin a lot and helped me reduce the redness of acne scars.”
- “When I started to use the product my skin is brighter and no more pimples.”
- “Yuja Niacin Blemish serum rejuvenated my dull, tired skin giving it a fresh dewy feel and look.”
Fades dark spots Often Mentioned
- “This serum brightened my dark spots and evened out my skin tone beautifully.”
- “I especially noticed a difference in those stubborn dark spots that seemed impossible to get rid of.”
- “The 82.3% Yuja extract has worked wonders in brightening my complexion and fading dark spots.”
- “Go to serum at night for fading blemishes, the right percentage of Niacinamide for my skin.”
Refreshing citrus scent Sometimes Noted
- “The product has a gel consistency and a refreshing citrus scent.”
- “It has a refreshing citrus scent that uplifts your mood whether you are using the serum during the day or at night.”
- “Good serum, has a nice scent!”
- “The refreshing citrus scent is just an added bonus.”
Minimal dramatic results Rarely Noted
- “My results are pretty minimal to be very honest. My acne scars are still present, my freckles haven't changed in the slightest.”
- “I did NOT have the results nearly as dramatic and drastic as SOME BY MI claims.”
- “The previous serums I've tried that have less drastic claims as this serum actually worked significantly better.”
- “I truly question the validity of all their advertisements about this serum as these results don't seem reasonably obtainable.”
Needs extra moisturizer Rarely Noted
- “Those with dry skin paired it with a heavier moisturizer for added hydration.”
- “I have dry skin and needed to follow up with a thick cream.”
- “It's lightweight but not moisturizing enough on its own for winter.”
- “Needs to be layered with other hydrating products if you have dry skin.”
Potential breakouts Rarely Noted
- “After using this serum for a few days, I got a few pimples.”
- “I wouldn't apply this over active breakouts due to potentially irritating ingredients such as peppermint extract and citrus peel oil.”
- “Vitamin C can sometimes trigger sensitivity in some people.”
- “Irritation potential: high.”
Sources: lovi.care, gopicky.com, lemon8-app.com, kbeautyhobbit.com, boniik.com.au, littlewonderland.eu, and more
Questions and answers
How well does SOME BY MI Yuja Niacin Serum work for dry skin?
This serum works moderately well for dry skin, as ingredients like glycerin and panthenol provide hydration, but it lacks enough rich, softening ingredients to lock moisture in. It is safe and unlikely to cause irritation, but dry skin of this type needs formulations with richer hydrators, barrier-supporting ceramides, and heavy-duty sealants to truly thrive.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry skin?
Glycerin and panthenol help hydrate dry skin by drawing in moisture, while tocopherol helps soothe it. However, a product for this skin type also needs rich softening and sealing ingredients to lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss.
What does Yuja Extract do for dry skin?
Yuja Extract helps bring back a smooth, soft feel to dry skin by giving it a rich boost of moisture and vitamins. It works gently to help wake up tired-looking skin and leaves your face feeling refreshed.
What does Niacinamide do for dry skin?
Niacinamide helps dry skin by strengthening the skin barrier, increasing hydration, and reducing water loss. It supports ceramide production and helps keep the surface smooth and calm. This ingredient tends to be very well tolerated and is unlikely to irritate dry skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine for dry skin, applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. While it provides moderate hydration, dry skin also needs rich smoothing ingredients and protective barriers to lock in moisture.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first, letting it absorb, and then following with your retinol. Because this serum has a safe profile with soothing ingredients like glycerin and panthenol, it is unlikely to cause irritation when paired with retinol.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this serum in the evening as part of your routine. Dry skin needs a product that also brings rich oils and butters or heavier protective ingredients to lock in moisture.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry skin, as it has a very low risk of potential breakouts according to reviews and includes soothing ingredients like glycerin and panthenol. However, dry skin working best with this product still needs rich, smoothing ingredients and skin-softening oils to lock in moisture effectively.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and linalool).
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, 2017Niacinamide 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, 2002Topical 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, 2002A 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, 2025Citrus 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 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, 2005Glutathione amino acid precursors effectively increase cellular glutathione levels, reducing oxidative stress, ATP depletion, and DNA damage in human keratinocytes, clinical subjects, and ex vivo skin compared to controls.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024Topical oxidized glutathione significantly decreases the skin melanin index and improves moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity compared to placebo in healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014Topical glutathione improves hyperpigmentation, reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema and wrinkles, decreases transepidermal water loss, and enhances antioxidant capacity.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025A non-hydroquinone topical formulation (SKNB19) improved hyperpigmentation by 28.5% in patient self-assessment and 27% in independent reviewer assessment compared with 4% hydroquinone in 18 adult subjects, while showing significantly less irritation and better tolerability.
Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020Encapsulation of alpha arbutin in an optimized ethosomal gel significantly improved skin melanin reduction, moisture content, and elasticity in human volunteers compared to conventional formulations.
Heliyon, 2023Combining a home-based radiofrequency device and arbutin cream reduced mMASI scores by 25.6% and melanin index by 22.8% at 8 weeks compared to baseline in 38 participants.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Combining 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, 2025
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, 2020Treatment 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
Ingredients
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Water, Trehalose, C12-14 Pareth-7, Carbomer, Citrus Junos Peel Oil, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Agrimonia Eupatoria Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cellulose Gum, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Disodium Edta, Arbutin, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Glucose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Peppermint Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Panthenol, Glutathione, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Maltodextrin, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract Avocado Fruit Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine, Tocopherol, Cyanocobalamin, Linoleic Acid, Thiamine Hcl, Beta-Carotene, Riboflavin, Inositol, 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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