# Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin

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

Brand: [Medicube](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/medicube)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for dry skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent treatment for fine lines and wrinkles due to the presence of retinol and retinal, which can also provide some hydration benefits for your dry skin through ingredients like glycerin and squalane.
- The potent exfoliating properties of retinol and retinal, without sufficient complementary moisturizing agents, pose a risk of worsening dryness and flakiness for your dry skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin): Low (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Collagen Complex, Niacinamide, Squalane

## What the research says

- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 stabilized retinol treatment induced HAS gene expression and increased hyaluronic acid production in human skin in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo compared to vehicle. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/))
- A topical serum containing hydroxypinacolone retinoate and peptides used twice daily for 16 weeks achieved parity or statistically significantly better improvement in facial aging parameters compared to a single fractional CO2 laser treatment in women with moderate global photodamage. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39394831/))
- Combined probiotic supplementation and topical azelaic acid with hydroxypinacolone retinoate reduced non-inflammatory lesions from 11.5 to 7.3 and decreased microscopic acne features measured by reflectance confocal microscopy and dynamic optical coherence tomography in 20 patients over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510902/))
- Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinyl propionate at a 5:9 weight ratio synergistically enhanced antiaging gene expressions in vitro and improved skin wrinkles, smoothness, transepidermal water loss, and elasticity in 42 Chinese urban women over an 8-week period without adverse reactions compared to retinol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36762391/))
- Topical application of TAC/Collagen postbiotics gel improved skin moisture score and inflammation index, and reduced porphyrins and brown spots in 20 volunteers with acne vulgaris. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35818134/))
- Topical collagen tripeptide application improved skin wrinkles, elasticity, and density while reducing advanced glycated end products in 22 Asian women over 4 weeks. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35163025/))
- Marine collagen extracted from Greenland halibut skin showed a non-cytotoxic effect on fibroblast cells and provided a slight skin hydration effect when incorporated into cosmetic hydrogel formulations at dosages of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5% in 23 healthy volunteers. ([Marine Drugs, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36827098/))
- 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/))

## Why other serums fit dry skin better

- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Based on limited data, users find this serum to be an excellent beginner retinol, appreciated for its gentle and hydrating formula that minimizes irritation. It effectively smooths skin texture and refines pores, with many users reporting immediate brightening and a 'glass skin' effect. Deeper wrinkles are noted to improve with consistent, long-term use.

- Liked: Gentle, low irritation (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating, non-drying (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow wrinkle results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Mild purging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slightly sticky (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Small bottle size (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum a weak match for dry skin?

This serum is a weak match because its potent exfoliating ingredients pose a risk of worsening dryness and flakiness for dry skin. A product of this type needs highly effective, soothing ingredients that provide significant hydration, ceramides, and skin barrier support.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for dry skin?

Retinol and retinal make this serum a weak match for dry skin because their strong exfoliating properties may worsen dryness and flakiness. A product of this type needs soothing, highly effective hydrating ingredients, ceramides, and barrier-supporting components to nourish dry skin without causing irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### What does Retinol do for dry skin?

Retinol is a poor fit for dry skin because it frequently causes scaling, stinging, and dryness. To care for dry skin properly, a product needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and keep the skin barrier calm and smooth.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### What does Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate do for dry skin?

Hydroxypinacolone retinoate helps improve hydration and smoothness in dry skin while fighting signs of aging. It works well and is unlikely to cause irritation when used in a gentle routine.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41450017/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36762391/)

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

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Because dry skin needs extra care to avoid flakiness from strong ingredients, this type of product works best when paired with rich hydrating creams and soothing agents.

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

It is best to use vitamin C in your morning routine and this retinol treatment at night to help avoid irritation. Because this serum may worsen dryness and flakiness on dry skin, it needs extra soothing and hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid along with heavy moisturizers to protect your skin barrier.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum is a weak match for your dry skin because potent ingredients like retinol and retinal risk worsening dryness and flakiness. A product of this type needs rich moisturizing agents like squalane and glycerin to help keep dry skin comfortable and calm.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

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

This serum may cause mild purging when you start using it, but it is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts. A product of this type needs richer moisturizing and soothing ingredients to keep dry skin calm and smooth without flaking.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

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

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

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kravebeauty/great-barrier-relief/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$40.00 at Amazon
- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-tone-brightening-capsule-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.49 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/matrixyl-10-ha/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$14.40 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$27.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$38.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.09 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.09 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$33.90 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0H3KJ25GN?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Parfum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sucrose Palmitate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Allantoin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Oil Fruit Olive Oil Fruit, Jojoba Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil, Adenosine, Retinal, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium Edta, Retinol, Bakuchiol, Retinyl Palmitate, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ceramide Np, Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Retinyl Linoleate, Phytosteryl Behenyl Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Beta-Glucan, Aluminum Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Silica, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Retinyl Retinoate, Chitosan, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Tris Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol Citrate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
## 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/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/dry-skin