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Kate Somerville Kx Active Concentrates Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum for oily skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Kate Somerville Kx Active Concentrates Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum

Average

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

Works for oily skin; other serums fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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 benefits for your oily skin, with Zinc PCA helping to regulate oil production and Glycerin providing essential hydration without clogging pores. The bio-mimicking peptides like sh-oligopeptide-2 and sh-oligopeptide-1 are excellent for firming and plumping, though they do not directly address the primary concern of reducing oily shine.
  • The serum is formulated with soothing ingredients such as Panthenol and Glycerin, ensuring a gentle experience for your oily skin.
  • This product is safe for your skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and is free from irritants.

How to apply

  • Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
  • Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
  • Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 300+ reviews

Users with mature, dry, or dull skin frequently praise this serum for its ability to visibly smooth fine lines and improve skin elasticity, often describing a "tightening" effect. While many appreciate its lightweight, hydrating texture and lack of irritation, a significant number of reviewers feel the high price tag is not justified by the results, and recent feedback suggests the product may be difficult to find or discontinued.

Highlights

  • Improves skin texture Often Mentioned
    • “Smooths fine lines”
    • “Softens skin”
    • “Evens tone”
  • Lightweight hydration Often Mentioned
    • “Absorbs quickly”
    • “Non-greasy”
    • “Dewy finish”
  • High price Often Mentioned
    • “Better alternatives exist”
  • Firming effect Sometimes Noted
    • “Tighter skin”
    • “Botox in a bottle”
    • “Improves elasticity”
  • Gentle formula Sometimes Noted
    • “Non-irritating”
    • “Safe for sensitive skin”
    • “No breakouts”
  • Availability issues Sometimes Noted
    • “Hard to find”
    • “Discontinued”
    • “Out of stock”
  • Lack of results Sometimes Noted
    • “No visible difference”
    • “Average performance”
    • “Overhyped”
  • Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
    • “Rancid smell”
    • “Weird odor”
    • “Bad batch”

Sources: lovi.care, influenster.com, dermstore.com, reddit.com, thingtesting.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Kate Somerville Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum work for oily skin?

This serum works moderately well for oily skin, helping to manage oil and add hydration without clogging pores, though other products fit this skin type better. To work best for oily skin, a product needs ingredients like niacinamide and ferulic acid that control shine, manage excess oil and enlarged pores, and support skin health without causing breakouts.

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?

Zinc PCA and glycerin make this serum a good fit for oily skin by helping to control extra oil and providing hydration without clogging pores, while panthenol adds a gentle and soothing feel. For an even better fit, this skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, ferulic acid, or ceramide NP to manage oily shine and large pores while keeping the skin barrier healthy.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

What do Bio-Mimicking Peptides do for oily skin?

Bio-Mimicking Peptides help balance oily skin by supporting skin firmness and regulating oil without feeling heavy. They work well within your daily routine to keep your face feeling smooth and fresh.

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.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017

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

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, keeping it simple and safe around sun exposure. Oily skin works best with treatments that actively balance oil production and clear shine.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first and following it with your retinol. Because this product is gentle and free from harsh ingredients, it is unlikely to irritate your oily skin while you use them together.

How often should I use this serum?

This serum works well in your evening routine, but you may also use it in the morning or twice a day. Oily skin often benefits most from products that include ingredients like Zinc PCA to help manage oil and lightweight hydrators like glycerin that keep skin soft without feeling heavy.

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily skin, as it is free from harsh ingredients and contains soothing panthenol and glycerin to keep skin calm and hydrated. Oily skin often benefits most from lightweight, oil-balancing ingredients like zinc PCA and niacinamide, along with gentle exfoliants to help keep pores completely clear.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol).

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

  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

  • Topical 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, 2002

  • A 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, 2025

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Mangifera indica extract-loaded green nanolipid carriers in topical emulsion amplified overall antioxidant effectiveness and antiaging activity compared to vehicle in human volunteers over three months.

    Biomedicines, 2022

  • Mangifera indica extract reduced lipid production by 40% in sebocytes, improved sebum quality and quantity in Caucasian volunteers, reduced porphyrins expression, and decreased C. acnes lipase activity by 29% compared to placebo while protecting microbiota equilibrium.

    Molecules, 2022

  • Mango butter-based foot care cream repaired worn and cracked skin in all human volunteers and exhibited a significant healing response in rat excision and incision wound models compared to untreated conditions.

    Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2008

Why other serums fit oily skin better

Ingredients

Water, Ppg-24-Glycereth-24, Glycerin, Propanediol, Spondias Mombin Extract Pulp, Mangifera Indica Extract Pulp, Musa Sapientum Extract Pulp, Acetyl Glutamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acer Rubrum Extract, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Panthenol, Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract, Zinc Pca, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycine Soja Seed Extract Soybean Seed Extract, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bacillus Folic Acid Extract Ferment, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Silica, Adenosine, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Capryl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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How does it fit your skin?

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