# Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Caution · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin

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

Brand: [Image Skincare](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/image-skincare)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/moisturizers)

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

A poor match for oily skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- This product offers moderate moisturizing and antioxidant support for your oily skin, with sodium hyaluronate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate providing hydration and brightening effects.
- However, it lacks specialized ingredients to manage oily shine and contains occlusive ingredients like dimethicone and caprylic capric triglyceride that can exacerbate oiliness and pore congestion for oily skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Retinyl Palmitate Vitamin A, Ceramide Np, Squalane

## What the research says

- 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/))
- Combination with acetyl zingerone stabilizes tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate against oxidative degradation, preventing its pro-inflammatory effects and reduced keratinocyte viability while enhancing collagen production and antioxidant protection. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34445461/))
- 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/))
- Over-the-counter retinol products provided only weak evidence for a mild ameliorating effect on fine facial skin wrinkle lines in randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials, and major methodological flaws call the validity of positive results into question. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34980969/))
- A cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate regimen significantly improved periorbital wrinkle appearance relative to a 0.02% tretinoin regimen at 8 weeks with comparable benefits at 24 weeks, while demonstrating significantly better tolerability in 196 women. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20374604/))
- A novel triple-active cosmetic formulation containing 4-hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to 0.02% tretinoin and reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing in female adults while causing less skin irritation. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38685700/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

It is widely loved for its ability to lock in moisture overnight and its signature citrus scent, though some find the fragrance too strong or the formula too heavy for oily skin.

- Liked: Deep hydration (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Citrus scent (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Soothes sensitivity (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Counterfeit concerns (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Heavy feel (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
- Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
- Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème for oily skin?

This product may not be the best fit for your oily skin because it contains heavy, sealing ingredients like dimethicone that can worsen shine and clog pores. To properly care for oily skin, a moisturizing treatment needs lightweight textures, ingredients that manage excess oil, and barrier-supporting components without any heavy oils.

### Which ingredients make this cream a poor fit for oily skin?

This cream is a poor fit for oily skin because it contains dimethicone and caprylic capric triglyceride, which can exacerbate oiliness and clog pores. Oily skin needs a product with a lightweight texture, peptides and hydrating agents, and no heavy oils.

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and sebum production without causing irritation. Clinical studies show it successfully balances oil levels while keeping the skin comfortable.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28163068/)

### What does Ascorbic Acid do for oily skin?

Ascorbic acid helps oily skin by providing antioxidant protection and preventing sebum oxidation, which is important since vitamin C can degrade rapidly under oxidative stress unless properly stabilized. A product of this type for oily skin needs oil-balancing and antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C combined with stabilizers to keep the skin clear and calm.
Sources: [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34445461/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492184/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This cream is a poor match for oily skin because it contains heavy ingredients that can clog pores and worsen shine. Oily skin needs a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with ingredients that balance oil and keep pores clear.

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

This cream is a poor match for oily skin because it lacks ingredients to manage shine and contains heavy oils and silicones that may clog pores, so a moisturizer designed for oily skin that controls oil and includes lightweight hydrators is needed instead.

### How often should I use this cream?

This cream is a poor match for your oily skin because it lacks ingredients to manage shine and contains heavy, sealing ingredients that can clog pores, so a moisturizer for oily skin needs lightweight hydrators and oil-control ingredients instead.

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This moisturizing treatment contains heavy ingredients like dimethicone that can make oily skin more slick and clog pores. Oily skin needs lightweight, oil-free products with ingredients that help control shine and clear pores.

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

This moisturizing treatment is not an ideal fit for oily skin because it contains heavy sealing ingredients like dimethicone that can clog pores and increase shine. An eye or body product for oily skin needs lightweight, oil-balancing ingredients and hydrators that do not feel heavy.

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene). Cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.99 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/oily-skin) — High fit — CA$16.20 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon
- SPF: [La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/anthelios-clear-skin-dry-touch-sunscreen-spf-60/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$35.95 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$28.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.50 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Tatcha Clarifying Clay Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tatcha/the-clarifying-clay-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Peg-100 Stearate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Limonene, Brassica Campestris Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Stearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tocopherol, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Squalane, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glucosamine Hcl, Hexylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Peg-8, Butylene Glycol, Phytic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Pisum Sativum Extract, Allantoin, Retinyl Palmitate, Bambusa Vulgaris Stem Extract Leaf, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil Mandarin Orange Peel Oil, Yeast Polysaccharides, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzoic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pyruvic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Grape Seed Extract
## 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/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-repair-creme/for/oily-skin