# Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin

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

Brand: [Some By Mi](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/some-by-mi)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

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

## Why this fit

- 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.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Low (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Retinal, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract

## 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, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))
- Cosmetic 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, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/))
- 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/))
- Twice 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29663701/))
- Topical retinaldehyde demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria both in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased bacterial counts without inducing resistance. ([Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12218231/))
- Topical 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, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/))
- A 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, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25914553/))
- Topical 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, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41424674/))
- Bakuchiol 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, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24471735/))
- 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/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/))
- 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/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))

## Why other serums fit sensitive 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 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.

- Liked: Extremely gentle (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Smoothes texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective for acne (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating and non-drying (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Noticeable fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Mild purging phase (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Results take time (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Tacky finish (rarely noted)

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

## 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.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### 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.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### 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.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Toxicology Letters, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14615068/)

### 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.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39496127/), [Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473963/)

### 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.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/), [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### 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.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36798538/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### 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.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/), [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### 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.

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/the-vitamin-c-23-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — CA$33.98 at Amazon
- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — CA$24.44 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/matrixyl-10-ha/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — CA$14.40 at Amazon

## Routine for sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/torriden/dive-in-mild-sunscreen/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$27.34 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Purito Centella Unscented Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/purito/centella-unscented-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.25 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$30.98 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — CA$157.17 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/anua/heartleaf-77-soothing-sheet-mask/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$10.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Purito Centella Unscented Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/purito/centella-unscented-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.25 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$30.98 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## 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
## 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/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/sensitive-skin