# Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment 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/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/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: [Neutrogena](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/neutrogena)
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 moderate hydration for your dry skin due to glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, but the inclusion of retinol poses risks of irritation and worsening dryness.
- The formula lacks sufficient emollient and occlusive ingredients to fully address your dryness, though it is safe for your dry skin with no risks of irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin): Low (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Retinol Sa, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract

## What the research says

- 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 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 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/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Topical application of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid reduced acne relapses and helped maintain remission compared to a light moisturizing cream in adult females in the acne maintenance phase over 16 weeks. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36729399/))
- Topical treatments including podophyllotoxin, sodium nitrite, myrtle leaf extract, phenol, salicylic acid with lactic acid, SB206, and VP-102 were more efficacious than control in patients with molluscum contagiosum, whereas cantharidin, potassium hydroxide, and imiquimod showed varying degrees of efficacy. ([Clinics in Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34920817/))
- Topical Myrtle solution significantly reduced inflammatory lesions and acne severity index compared to 1% clindamycin solution in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. ([Journal of Pharmacopuncture, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33408898/))

## 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

Users with acne-prone skin report that this treatment effectively fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dark spots, often showing visible results within a few weeks. While many praise its ability to smooth skin texture and even out tone, a significant number of users experience initial dryness, flaking, or stinging as their skin adjusts to the retinol formula.

- Liked: Fades dark spots (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Small quantity (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fast absorption (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Prevents breakouts (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying and irritation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Ineffective on wrinkles (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (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 Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment a weak match for dry skin?

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment is a weak match for dry skin because retinol may cause irritation and worsen dryness, while lacking enough rich, softening ingredients to fully address your dry skin. A treatment of this type needs soothing, nourishing ingredients that provide deep hydration and support the skin barrier, such as ceramides, peptides, propolis, niacinamide, or vitamin C.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

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

Retinol is a poor fit for dry skin because it may cause irritation and make dryness worse. This skin type needs rich ingredients that deeply nourish, support the skin barrier, and provide lasting hydration with soothing components like ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, and propolis.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### What does Retinol SA do for dry skin?

Retinol SA helps dry skin by boosting hydration, making it feel softer and smoother over time while reducing dryness and flakiness. Consistent use of this ingredient improves skin texture and comfort, though it may take a few weeks to show its full hydrating and smoothing benefits.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36074511/), [Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42355603/)

### What does Vitamin C do for dry skin?

Vitamin C helps dry skin by boosting moisture and keeping the surface smooth and soft. It may also improve skin hydration and support the outer protective barrier over time.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19159387/), [Experimental Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/)

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Because dry skin needs products that provide heavy moisture and seal it in, a treatment of this type needs rich softening oils and protective sealing butters to fully address dry skin.

### Can I use this treatment with benzoyl peroxide, and in what order?

It is generally best to avoid using this retinol treatment at the same time as benzoyl peroxide, as combining them may greatly increase the likelihood of skin irritation and peeling. If you do use both in your routine, apply benzoyl peroxide and this treatment on alternate nights or separate them into different routines.

### How often should I use this treatment?

You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your nighttime routine. However, because it contains retinol, it may cause dryness and irritation on dry skin, so a product of this type needs richer, heavy creams and soothing, moisture-locking ingredients to keep skin soft and comfortable.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24488631/)

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

This treatment is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry skin, but the retinol inside may cause peeling, stinging, and worsening dryness. A product for this skin needs rich emollients and heavy sealants to lock in moisture and prevent flaking.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Stearyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [Missha The First Essence 5X](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/the-first-essence-5x/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$43.00 at Amazon
- [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

## 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$29.47 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09MKVZS5Y?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Shoppers Drug Mart: CA$27.99 (https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/neutrogena-stubborn-marks-pm-facial-treatment/p/BB_062600415622?variantCode=062600415622)
Prices checked 14 Oct – 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Ppg-15 Stearyl Ether, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Isohexadecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Chlorphenesin, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Bht, Retinol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Laureth-7, Sodium Hydroxide
## 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/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/neutrogena/stubborn-marks-pm-treatment/for/dry-skin