# Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum for skin with dark spots

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for skin with dark spots.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Low Risk.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots

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

Brand: [Sunday Riley](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/sunday-riley)
Category: [Eye care and eye patches](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/eye-creams)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for skin with dark spots; other eye cares fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Suitable for normal skin, this serum utilizes hydroxypinacolone retinoate and niacinamide to offer antioxidant activity and regulate desquamation, supporting your goal of addressing pigmentation.
- The inclusion of retinol and alcohol presents a moderate risk of irritation for your normal skin, though the concentrations are mild and generally well-tolerated.
- The product is generally safe for your skin type, with potential for mild irritation due to retinol and alcohol.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots): Average (this page)
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Retinoid Complex, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Papaver Somniferum Seed, Centella Asiatica

## What the research says

- Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/))
- Topical treatment of nicotinamide, alone or in combination with other active ingredients, reduces the progression of skin aging and hyperpigmentation in clinical trials while being well tolerated. ([Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/))
- 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 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 eye cares fit skin with dark spots 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 highly effective at smoothing fine lines and reducing milia, with many users appreciating its hydrating texture and cooling applicator. A significant number of users experience irritation, burning, or dryness, particularly with frequent use, indicating it may be a strong formula that requires careful introduction.

- Liked: Reduces fine lines (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Drying and peeling (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Irritation and burning (often mentioned)
- Liked: Cooling applicator (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Clears milia (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## Questions and answers

### How well does Sunday Riley 5 Stars Eye Serum work for skin with dark spots?

This eye serum works for skin with dark spots, though other products fit it better because retinol and alcohol bring a moderate risk of irritation. It helps brighten dark spots using retinoids and niacinamide, but skin of this type needs an option that is completely safe from irritation while deeply hydrating and smoothing without harsh ingredients.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for skin with dark spots?

This serum fits skin with dark spots because it uses niacinamide, hydroxypinacolone retinoate, and retinol to help fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. To work even better for this skin type without any risk of irritation, a product like this needs gentle brightening agents paired with soothing moisturizers.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

### What does Retinoid do for skin with dark spots?

Retinoid helps fade dark spots and uneven skin tone by encouraging cell turnover and reducing pigment. This process smooths out rough skin and improves overall brightness, though it may take several weeks of consistent use to see results.
Sources: [Skin Pharmacology, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8142114/), [Dermatologic Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17014483/)

### What does Niacinamide do for skin with dark spots?

Niacinamide helps fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation by slowing down the transfer of pigment in the skin. It is generally well tolerated and may improve overall skin brightness with consistent use.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?

This serum goes in the evening routine, as a treatment step before your moisturizer. To best help with dark spots, this skin type needs brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, or alpha arbutin alongside gentle exfoliants.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36607762/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

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

You can use this serum with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in the morning and this serum at night to avoid overloading your skin. Skin with dark spots works best with targeted brighteners like vitamin C alongside soothing ingredients and barrier-protecting ceramides.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

### How often should I use this serum?

This eye serum works well for skin with dark spots, though other products fit it better and this type needs extra brightening ingredients and soothing agents to truly transform uneven skin. Use it in your evening routine to keep things simple and safe around sun exposure.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?

This serum may cause minor peeling, stinging, and breakouts when you start using it due to the retinoids and alcohol inside. To work well on dark spots, this type of skin needs a product that brightens tone and smooths texture using gentle vitamins and plant extracts without triggering heavy irritation.
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 fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol).

## Alternatives for skin with dark spots

- [Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Under-Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-ccc-ferulic-brightening-under-eye-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — CA$71.84 at Amazon
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/roc/retinol-correxion-line-smoothing-eye-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — CA$39.99 at Amazon
- [MARY & MAY Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mary-and-may/tranexamic-acid-glutathione-eye-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — CA$17.83 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-deep-moisture-toner/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/allies-of-skin/peptides-and-antioxidants-firming-daily-treatment/for/dark-spots) — High fit — CA$98.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyglycerin-6, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Niacinamide, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris Trimethylsiloxy Silylethyl Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Peg-12 Dimethicone Ppg-20 Crosspolymer, Olea Europaea Oil Fruit Olive Oil Fruit, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Papaver Rhoeas Extract Red Poppy Extract, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Hieracium Pilosella Extract Hawkweed Daisy Extract, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ceramide Np, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Methylpropanediol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-80, Didecyldimonium Chloride, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate
## 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/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots