# StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/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: [StriVectin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/strivectin)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/serums)

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 serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your oily skin, as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Retinol provide seboregulation and keratolytic action, though their concentrations are more suited for general skincare than targeted acne treatment.
- The inclusion of Glycereth-7 Triacetate and Sodium Hyaluronate offers hydration and soothing effects, which are supportive but do not directly address your primary concerns of acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no significant risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of beneficial components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Retinol, Nia-114 Technology, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acerola Cherry Extract

## What the research says

- Topical combination of 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate and 0.2% retinol reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 29.28% at 4 weeks and 63.10% at 8 weeks, outperforming either agent alone. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/))
- Combined ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate treatment significantly reduced facial sebum secretions in healthy female volunteers compared to a placebo control over 90 days. ([Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/))
- Topical hyaluronic acid filler serum combined with Botulinum toxin type A lengthened the duration of the toxin's effect in reducing wrinkles compared to Botulinum toxin type A alone. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/))
- Hyaluronic acid extracts are safe and efficacious products for skin repair when used in tissue regeneration alone or in combination with herbal or Western medicine. ([Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25877441/))
- Optimized transfersomes loaded with epigallocatechin-3-gallate and hyaluronic acid increased cell viability while reducing lipid peroxidation, intracellular ROS, and MMP expression in HaCaT cells, and exhibited higher skin permeation and deposition compared to plain EGCG. ([Drug Delivery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28155509/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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 treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/))
- Topical ascorbic acid application resulted in a statistically significant improvement in Ra and shadows north-south facial axis values as well as clinical, photographic, and patient self-appraisal scores compared with vehicle control in nineteen patients with mild to moderately photodamaged facial skin. ([Archives of Otolaryngology--head & Neck Surgery, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10522500/))
- Application of a 3% ascorbic acid oil-in-water emulsion significantly reduced oxidative stress, increased dermal papillae, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles in human skin compared to placebo and a vitamin C derivative. ([Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15258452/))

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

- 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/))
- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users frequently praise this serum for its lightweight, non-sticky texture and its ability to visibly brighten dull skin and smooth fine lines without causing irritation. A significant number of reviewers criticize the strong floral-citrus fragrance and report that the product tends to oxidize relatively quickly.

- Liked: Brightens & evens tone (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight & fast-absorbing (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Smooths texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle & non-irritating (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Plumping effect (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price tag (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Oxidation issues (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Ineffective on dark spots (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging complaints (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Super-C Retinol Serum work for oily acne-prone skin?

StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum offers moderate benefits for oily acne-prone skin, as its ingredients help control oil and clear pores, though other products fit this skin better. An oily acne-prone product needs targeted acne-fighting ingredients like niacinamide and propolis alongside oil-controlling and soothing components to manage breakouts and excess shine effectively.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/)

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

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Retinol help make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin by controlling oil and clearing pores. To work best for this skin type, a treatment needs effective ingredients like niacinamide and propolis that target excess oil and blemishes without causing irritation.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/)

### What does Vitamin C do for oily acne-prone skin?

Vitamin C helps brighten skin, smooth out texture, and improve uneven spots for oily acne-prone skin. It may also help fade marks left behind by blemishes.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37128827/)

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

Retinol helps oily acne-prone skin by clearing up breakouts and smoothing the skin, though it may occasionally cause some mild scaling or stinging. This ingredient works by addressing the root causes of acne, making it a reliable choice for keeping pores clear and skin smooth.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30674002/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30586483/)

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

This serum goes in the evening routine, after cleansing and before moisturizing. Oily acne-prone skin needs products with stronger targeted ingredients and oil-balancing benefits to properly manage breakouts.

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

It is best to use this serum and your AHA at different times, or on alternate days, to help keep your oily acne-prone skin calm and smooth. Using both together is unlikely to cause major irritation because this formula is generally safe, but applying strong acids and retinoids at the same time can easily dry out or overwhelm the skin. An oily acne-prone skin type needs targeted treatments with active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to effectively clear breakouts.

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum works well when used in the evening, starting once a week and gradually using it more often if your skin tolerates it well. Oily acne-prone skin needs a product of this type to include targeted acne-fighting ingredients and oil-controlling components for best results.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/)

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

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on oily acne-prone skin because it features ingredients that help control oil and keep pores clear without harshness. To truly target breakouts and blemishes, oily skin needs a product specifically focused on clearing pores with stronger active ingredients.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/)

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

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

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$16.95 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$50.60 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — A$50.60 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
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$22.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$55.99 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B089ZK6SGD?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycereth-7 Triacetate, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbic Acid, Acerola Fruit Juice, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Myristyl Nicotinate, Tamarindus Indica Polysaccharide Seed, Orobanche Rapum Extract, Pyrus Malus Extract Cell Fruit Culture, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Bacillus Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Anhydroxylitol, Adenosine, Xylitol, Glucose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Maltodextrin, Rhizobian Gum, Mica, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Bht, Bha, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ci 77491 Iron Oxides, Ci 77891 Titanium Dioxide
## 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/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin