# StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-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 oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate brightening and smoothing for your oily skin, as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Retinol help regulate oil production and improve skin texture. Tamarindus Indica Polysaccharide Seed and Myristic Nicotinate further support skin tone evening and wrinkle reduction.
- The serum provides general hydration and antioxidant protection, beneficial for oily skin concerns and shine.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.

## 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 (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin): Low
- [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 combination of 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate and 0.2% retinol reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 29.28% at 4 weeks and 63.10% at 8 weeks, outperforming either agent alone. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/))
- Combined ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate treatment significantly reduced facial sebum secretions in healthy female volunteers compared to a placebo control over 90 days. ([Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/))
- Treatment with 14% ferulic acid and 12% l-ascorbic acid significantly reduced pigmentation and erythema while improving hydration and elasticity in 20 women with photoaged skin, with neither acid proving definitively more effective overall though ascorbic acid showed slightly greater skin lightening. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34877760/))
- Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18631247/))
- 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/))
- 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 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/))

## 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

- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Super-C Retinol Serum work for oily skin?

This serum offers moderate brightening and smoothing for your oily skin, as its ingredients help regulate oil production and improve skin texture while providing antioxidant protection. To fit oily skin even better, a treatment of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc to control shine and pores, alongside soothing and barrier-supporting agents that prevent breakouts.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?

This serum works for your oily skin because sodium ascorbyl phosphate and retinol help manage oil production and smooth out skin texture, while tamarindus indica polysaccharide seed and myristyl nicotinate even out your skin tone. To work best for oily skin, this type of product needs ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and lightweight hydrators to control shine and pores without causing breakouts.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/)

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

Vitamin C helps brighten skin tone and smooth texture while providing antioxidant protection that prevents sebum oxidation. For oily skin, this type of product typically needs to be paired with oil-controlling or pore-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid or plant extracts.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492184/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37128827/)

### What does Retinol do for oily skin?

Retinol helps oily skin by keeping pores clear and balancing sebum production, which may reduce shine and breakouts. Because it can sometimes cause dryness or peeling in the beginning, starting slowly is recommended.
Sources: [Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21914489/)

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Oily skin needs a product of this type to include ingredients that help regulate oil production, brighten tone, and smooth texture.

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

You can use this serum with AHAs, but it is best to apply AHAs and this treatment on alternating nights or times of day to keep your skin calm. Oily skin works best with lightweight hydrating serums and gentle oil-control ingredients that smooth texture without heavy layers.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102855/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/)

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum fits into your evening routine for simplicity and safety, and an oily skin type needs lightweight hydrating and oil-regulating ingredients like ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and retinol for the best results.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/)

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily skin, as it features ingredients that help manage oil and keep skin clear. Oily skin works best with lightweight formulas containing oil-balancing vitamins and gentle hydrators that keep pores clear without feeling heavy.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/)

### 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 oily skin

- [Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — CA$27.99 at Amazon
- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/oily-skin) — High fit — CA$24.44 at Amazon
- [ANUA PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/anua/peach-70-niacinamide-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — CA$33.50 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 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/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/strivectin/super-c-retinol-brighten-and-correct-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-skin