# StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C 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/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-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: [StriVectin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/strivectin)
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 suitability for your dry skin as humectants like Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate provide some hydration, but the inclusion of Ascorbic Acid and Retinol may cause irritation and dryness, directly impacting your dry or flaky skin concerns.
- While the serum aims to brighten and smooth your skin texture with multiple vitamin C derivatives and retinol, it lacks sufficient emollient and occlusive ingredients to fully support your dry skin's hydration needs.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin): Low (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Retinol, Nia-114 Technology, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acerola Cherry Extract

## 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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/))
- 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 0.1% 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/))
- Topical treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/))
- Topical ascorbic acid application resulted in a statistically significant improvement in Ra and shadows north-south facial axis values as well as clinical, photographic, and patient self-appraisal scores compared with vehicle control in nineteen patients with mild to moderately photodamaged facial skin. ([Archives of Otolaryngology--head & Neck Surgery, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10522500/))
- Application of a 3% ascorbic acid oil-in-water emulsion significantly reduced oxidative stress, increased dermal papillae, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles in human skin compared to placebo and a vitamin C derivative. ([Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15258452/))

## 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 a very large amount of data, users frequently praise this serum for its lightweight, non-sticky texture and its ability to visibly brighten dull skin and smooth fine lines without causing irritation. A significant number of reviewers criticize the strong floral-citrus fragrance and report that the product tends to oxidize relatively quickly.

- Liked: Brightens & evens tone (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight & fast-absorbing (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Smooths texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle & non-irritating (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Plumping effect (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price tag (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Oxidation issues (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Ineffective on dark spots (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging complaints (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 Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum a weak match for dry skin?

This serum is a weak match because its Ascorbic Acid and Retinol may cause irritation and dryness, and it lacks sufficient soft and sealing ingredients to fully support your dry skin's moisture needs. Dry skin needs formulas rich in soothing and deeply hydrating ingredients, skin-repairing barriers like ceramides, and nourishing elements that provide significant hydration without the risk of irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Ascorbic acid and retinol may cause irritation and dryness, which is a concern for dry or flaky skin. To properly support dry skin, a product of this type needs rich moisturizing and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, soothing plant extracts, and heavier softening ingredients that lock in moisture without causing irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### 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/)

### 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/)

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

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, though it may cause irritation and dryness on dry skin. Because this product is a weak match, dry skin needs rich creams with soothing oils and butters alongside heavy protective barriers to fully lock in moisture.

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

You should avoid using this serum at the same time as an AHA because the combination of exfoliating acids and retinol may cause irritation and dryness on your dry skin. Instead, a product of this type needs rich, soothing ingredients and protective moisturizers to seal in hydration and prevent flaking.
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 dry skin, as its active ingredients may cause irritation and dryness while lacking enough rich softeners and barrier-sealing ingredients to fully support your skin's hydration needs. For this skin type, a product of this type needs soothing hydrators and heavy oils or butters to lock in moisture and prevent flaking.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry skin, but the retinol and ascorbic acid may cause dryness, stinging, and flaking. Dry skin needs rich creams with nourishing oils, butters, and heavy sealing ingredients to lock in moisture and prevent irritation from strong active ingredients.
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, limonene, linalool, geraniol, citral, and citronellol).

## 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$89.00 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B089ZK6SGD?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Shoppers Drug Mart: CA$101.15 (https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/strivectin-super-c-retinol-brighten-correct-vitamin-c-serum/p/BB_840356503004?variantCode=840356503004)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycereth-7 Triacetate, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbic Acid, Acerola Fruit Juice, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Myristyl Nicotinate, Tamarindus Indica Polysaccharide Seed, Orobanche Rapum Extract, Pyrus Malus Extract Cell Fruit Culture, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Bacillus Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Anhydroxylitol, Adenosine, Xylitol, Glucose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Maltodextrin, Rhizobian Gum, Mica, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Bht, Bha, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ci 77491 Iron Oxides, Ci 77891 Titanium Dioxide
## 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/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin