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No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate for oily acne-prone skin

High

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few serums fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. 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 high suitability for your oily skin, as retinol and niacinamide work to regulate sebum production and promote cell turnover, addressing your concerns with acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
  • The presence of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and retinol also provides excellent treatment for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, further enhancing your skin's appearance.
  • The formula is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

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.

People Say

★4.7Overall rating based on 1000+ reviews

This potent 1% retinol concentrate is highly regarded by experienced users for effectively smoothing skin texture, reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles, and fading dark spots. While it delivers transformative results, it is a strong formula that requires careful introduction to avoid dryness and irritation.

Highlights

  • Effective anti-aging Mostly Mentioned
    • “Softened fine lines”
    • “reduced deep wrinkles”
    • “skin looks younger”
    • “transformed my skin”
  • Improves texture Often Mentioned
    • “Skin looks smoother”
    • “visibly improved texture”
    • “fresher, plumper appearance”
  • Causes dryness Often Mentioned
    • “Can be drying”
    • “very drying”
    • “needs a cream over the top”
  • Good value Sometimes Noted
    • “Best value retinol”
    • “brilliant price point”
    • “quality retinol”
  • Reduces dark spots Sometimes Noted
    • “Lightened sun spots”
    • “pigmentation look reduced”
    • “evened out skin tone”
  • Potential irritation Sometimes Noted
    • “Slight sensitivity and peeling”
    • “burning sensation”
    • “not for sensitive skin”
  • Requires care Sometimes Noted
    • “Not for beginners”
    • “must follow directions”
    • “faff to use two products”

Sources: lovi.care, no7beauty.com, ulta.com, getthegloss.com, beautyheaven.com.au, theaestheticsdoctors.co.uk, and more

Questions and answers

What makes No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This product is a great fit because retinol and niacinamide help control oil and speed up skin renewal to keep breakouts under control. It is also safe for your skin, as the formula is gentle and avoids harsh ingredients.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

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

Retinol and niacinamide make this treatment a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because they help regulate oil production and clear blemishes. The formula also includes soothing ingredients that keep your skin calm while helping smooth fine lines.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

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.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2019Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2018

What do Collagen Peptides do for oily acne-prone skin?

Collagen peptides help support skin moisture and elasticity for oily, acne-prone skin, while also helping to balance sebum production. Regular oral intake may improve overall skin texture and help maintain a healthy look without adding heavy oils.

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015

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

This treatment goes in your evening routine, applied after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Using it at night provides extra safety around sun exposure, while its ingredients work to regulate oil production and clear blemishes.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023

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

It is best to use vitamin C in your morning routine and this treatment at night to avoid overwhelming your skin. This approach helps you get the smoothing and clearing benefits of both ingredients safely.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

How often should I use this treatment?

This treatment is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin and can be used in your evening routine. Retinol and niacinamide help regulate oil production and clear blemishes, and the formula is unlikely to cause irritation.

Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014

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

This treatment is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because retinol and niacinamide help regulate oil and encourage skin renewal to keep blemishes at bay. While it works to clear pores and smooth fine lines, retinol may sometimes lead to initial dryness or mild irritation as your skin adjusts.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

Is this treatment fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

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

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
  • Chronomodulated daytime application of baicalin and nighttime application of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 synergistically improved skin luminance by 16.29%, nasolabial fold depth by -36.35%, and firmness by 24.35% in 30 female participants.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026
  • 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 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 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • A liquid formulation containing hydrolyzed collagen demonstrated structural stability, peptide mass distribution between 0.5 and 19.5 kDa, and faded forehead wrinkles in five volunteers while proving to be non-irritating and hypoallergenic.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Exposure to collagen peptides increased the expression of COL1A1, ELN, and VCAN genes and collagen protein levels in cultured human dermal fibroblasts compared to untreated controls.

    Frontiers in Medicine, 2024
  • Salmo salar and Tilapia nilotica skin collagen peptides accelerate wound healing in a rat murine wound model by reducing proinflammatory cytokines, upregulating BD14, NOD2, IL-10, VEGF, and beta-FGF, and favorably altering wound microflora colonization compared to untreated controls.

    Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2020
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.

    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020
  • 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
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000
  • Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.

    Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020
  • A combination serum containing galactomyces ferment filtrate, dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica effectively treated post-acne hyperpigmentation in subjects with colored skin by significantly increasing lightness scores in Fitzpatrick skin type V and reducing the melanin index in Fitzpatrick skin type IV compared to placebo.

    Skinmed, 2021

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Retinol, Phenoxyethanol, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Bisabolol, Caprylyl Glycol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Sucrose Laurate, Sorbitan Laurate, Potassium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Tetrasodium Edta, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Benzoic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Benzyl Alcohol

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.

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How does it fit your skin?

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