Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum for sensitive skin
Low
- HighNormal Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ConcerningSafety
A weak match for sensitive skin; the serums alongside fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. 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 redness and irritation due to the presence of centella asiatica extract and panthenol, which soothe and hydrate your sensitive skin. Retinol and retinal are included to address fine lines and wrinkles, but may cause initial irritation for sensitive skin.
- The formula is suitable for normal skin, with niacinamide supporting barrier repair and bakuchiol aiding in collagen stimulation.
How to apply
- Use your serum in the PM routine, starting 3 times a week before building up to daily use if your skin is happy.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏱ for it to soak in.
- Since your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, apply the serum on completely dry skin to help keep it calm.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid getting the serum too close to your eyes .
People Say
★4.7Overall rating based on 2.5k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this serum is widely celebrated as an ideal "starter retinol" for beginners and those with sensitive skin, frequently praised for delivering anti-aging benefits without the harsh irritation typical of retinoids. Users consistently report smoother skin texture, reduced acne, and a "glass skin" glow, though advanced users may find the formula too gentle for dramatic, rapid results.
Highlights
Extremely gentle Mostly Mentioned
- “Zero irritation or redness”
- “Perfect for first-time users”
- “Did not sting my sensitive skin”
- “Gentlest retinol I've tried”
Smoothes texture Often Mentioned
- “Skin feels baby soft”
- “Texture looks refined”
- “Helped with tiny bumps”
- “Face feels smoother the next morning”
Effective for acne Sometimes Noted
- “Helped clear my acne”
- “Pores look smaller”
- “Faded post-acne marks”
- “Reduced my breakouts significantly”
Hydrating and non-drying Sometimes Noted
- “Leaves a nice glow”
- “Very moisturizing finish”
- “Didn't dry me out at all”
- “Feels hydrating like an essence”
Noticeable fragrance Sometimes Noted
- “Smell is too strong”
- “Wish it was fragrance-free”
- “Scent lingers for a while”
- “Smells like soap/perfume”
Mild purging phase Rarely Noted
- “Broke out the first week”
- “Had some small whiteheads”
- “Purged for a few days”
- “Caused minor bumps initially”
Results take time Rarely Noted
- “Not strong enough for deep wrinkles”
- “Takes months to see difference”
- “Very mild results”
- “Better for maintenance than repair”
Tacky finish Rarely Noted
- “Leaves a sticky residue”
- “Takes a while to sink in”
- “Feels a bit tacky”
- “Heavy if layered too much”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, stylekorean.com, oliveyoung.com, gopicky.com, sokoglam.com, and more
Questions and answers
Why is Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum a weak match for sensitive skin?
This treatment is a weak match because its retinol and retinal may cause initial irritation and stinging on sensitive skin. A product for this skin needs soothing and hydrating ingredients like centella asiatica extract and panthenol, alongside gentle barrier-repair components that deliver benefits without causing discomfort.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for sensitive skin?
Retinol and retinal make this serum a weak match for sensitive skin because they may cause initial irritation. This type of skin needs soothing and hydrating ingredients that calm redness without irritation, along with a high compatibility with normal skin.
What does Retinol do for sensitive skin?
Retinol is generally too harsh for sensitive skin and may cause stinging, scaling, and irritation. A product for this skin needs gentle ingredients that smooth and calm without causing redness.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Toxicology Letters, 2003
What does Retinal do for sensitive skin?
Retinal helps smooth fine lines, improve texture, and even out skin tone while generally maintaining a good tolerance profile with a lower likelihood of irritation compared to stronger forms of vitamin A.
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine after your soothing toner and before your moisturizer. It is a weak match for sensitive skin and may cause initial irritation, so this type of product needs soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and panthenol to help calm the skin.
Can I use this serum with vitamin C, and in what order?
Using this serum with vitamin C may easily cause irritation on sensitive skin, so it is best to apply them on alternate nights or use vitamin C in the morning and this serum at night. A product of this type for sensitive skin needs soothing extracts and gentle hydrators like centella asiatica extract and panthenol to calm redness while helping prevent discomfort.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
How often should I use this serum?
This serum is a weak match for sensitive skin and may cause initial irritation. A product of this type needs soothing and hydrating ingredients like centella asiatica extract and panthenol to keep sensitive skin calm and comfortable.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?
This serum may cause a mild purging phase and initial irritation for sensitive skin due to retinol and retinal. To work well for sensitive skin, a product of this type needs soothing ingredients like centella asiatica extract and panthenol to calm redness while keeping pores clear.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
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, 2002Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Topical 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, 2019Topical 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, 2017Silicone 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, 2018Topical 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, 2017Twice daily application of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams for 3 months improved skin texture and hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in 40 female Korean volunteers, with only the 0.1% cream significantly improving the melanin index.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018Topical retinaldehyde demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria both in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased bacterial counts without inducing resistance.
Dermatology, 2002Topical 0.05% retinaldehyde applied over 1 year significantly increased epidermal thickness of the temple and cutaneous elasticity compared to an emollient control group in 40 aging skin patients.
Dermatology, 1999A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and mannitol improves inflammatory lesions, Investigator Global Assessment, and seborrhea intensity when added to adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015Topical application of a serum containing supramolecular Bakuchiol and Terminalia chebula extract significantly improved barrier function, reduced redness and sensitivity, and improved wrinkles and elasticity in 34 Chinese subjects with sensitive skin after 28 days.
Health Science Reports, 2025Bakuchiol functions as an anti-aging compound through retinol-like regulation of gene expression, producing significant improvements in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and photo-damage after 12 weeks of twice-a-day facial application without usual retinol therapy-associated undesirable effects.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005Topical 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, 2020A 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, 2017Moisturizer 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
Why other serums fit sensitive skin better
- Retinol in this serum
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
Ingredients
Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Poly C6-14 Olefin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Piper Methysticum Stem Extract Root Leaf, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract Berry, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Bakuchiol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Retinol, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Cetyl Alcohol, Bht, Collagen, Myristic Acid, Bha, Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Bifida Lysate Ferment, Ceramide Np, Saccharomyces Ferment, Retinal, Asiaticoside, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Madecassoside, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja Soybean Peptide, Resveratrol, Sucrose Distearate, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Peg-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.
-

Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.
