Image Skincare the MAX™ Stem Cell Serum for oily acne-prone skin
Pyrus Malus Extract Cell Fruit Culture
Sodium Hyaluronate
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Average
- HighOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for oily acne-prone skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. 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 your oily skin due to Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract providing seboregulation and antioxidant activity, while Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 target fine lines and wrinkles.
- The serum provides general hydration and soothing effects, which are supportive but not directly targeted for your primary concerns of acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh or prohibited ingredients.
How to apply
- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 400+ reviewsUsers with mature, dry, or environmentally stressed skin frequently praise this serum for its hydrating, firming, and smoothing effects, which target fine lines and improve elasticity for a more youthful appearance. Some users note that consistent, long-term use is necessary to see the full benefits.
Highlights
Firms and tightens Often Mentioned
- “smooths and tightens my skin”
- “improves elasticity and skin structure”
- “skin looks firmer”
- “restores resilience”
Reduces fine lines Often Mentioned
- “makes my fine lines less noticeable”
- “drastically reduces fine lines”
- “diminishes the appearance of fine lines”
- “smooths expression lines”
Absorbs quickly Sometimes Noted
- “light, smooth texture absorbs quickly”
- “easily absorbed”
- “fast-absorbing formula”
- “lightweight and easy to layer”
Hydrates and smooths Sometimes Noted
- “leaves skin soft and refined”
- “alleviate the uneven dryness visually”
- “skin becomes smooth”
- “adds just the right balance”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “among the most expensive products”
- “serum that costs so much”
- “simpler serums may provide comparable results at a lower price”
- “results are gradual rather than dramatic for the price”
Faulty pump Rarely Noted
- “bad bottle dispenser”
- “it dispenses unevenly”
- “spurts out across the bathroom counter”
- “have to scoop it off the surface”
Slow to show Rarely Noted
- “not a miracle serum by any means”
- “results take 6-12 weeks”
- “not overnight wonder”
- “truly don't see much of a difference”
Sources: lovi.care, walmart.com, target.com, lovelyskin.com, dermstreet.com, skinmart.com.au, and more
Questions and answers
How well does the MAX™ Stem Cell Serum work for oily acne-prone skin?
This serum works moderately well for oily acne-prone skin because plant extracts help control excess oil and soothe the skin, while peptides target fine lines. Although it is safe and provides general hydration, it is not directly focused on treating acne and breakouts. Treatments that fit this skin type better need ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C to manage blemishes and excess oil while keeping the skin comfortable.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?
Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract make this serum a fit for your skin by providing oil control and antioxidant support, while Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 help target fine lines. To better fit oily acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or Vitamin C to directly target acne, blemishes, and breakouts without causing irritation.
What does Apple Fruit Cell Culture Extract do for oily acne-prone skin?
Apple fruit extract helps keep oily, acne-prone skin balanced and hydrated without clogging pores or feeling heavy. Because this type of skin needs lightweight moisture and antioxidant protection to stay calm and clear, a product for it should feature non-greasy hydrators and soothing plant extracts.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2019Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?
Hyaluronic acid helps calm oily acne-prone skin by reducing sebum production and lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands. It also supports skin barrier function and improves hydration while helping deliver treatments without causing irritation.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?
This treatment goes in your evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Oily acne-prone skin often needs a product of this type that features oil-controlling plant extracts and targeted acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or retinoids.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying your retinol product first and letting it absorb before putting on this treatment. This product provides general hydration and soothing effects, which are safe for your skin, though an oily acne-prone skin needs targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and oil-balancing agents for the best fit.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this serum in the evening as part of your routine. Oily acne-prone skin needs a product of this type that also includes ingredients for oil control and blemish soothing.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily skin, as it has a safe profile with no harsh ingredients. However, because it only offers general soothing and hydration rather than targeted acne care, oily acne-prone skin ultimately needs products with strong blemish-clearing ingredients and oil-balancing plant extracts to keep pores clear.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Argireline treatment twice daily for 4 weeks produced a significant anti-wrinkle effect with 48.9% total efficacy and decreased skin roughness in Chinese subjects compared with 0% efficacy and no decrease in roughness in the placebo group.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013Treatment with cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patches combined with acetyl hexapeptide-8 or epidermal growth factor significantly improved wrinkles and skin hydration compared to the patch alone in Korean females over 29 days.
Annals of Dermatology, 2019Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and tripeptide-10 citrulline demonstrated antiwrinkle efficacy and decreased transepidermal water loss in twenty-four healthy volunteers compared to control groups, though synergistic effects between the two peptides remained unclear.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017Topical formulations containing ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, coenzyme Q10, green tea polyphenols, and resveratrol reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines and attenuated inflammatory signs compared to untreated skin and vehicle in 25 Japanese volunteers exposed to sodium dodecyl sulfate.
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019A novel facial serum containing apple stem cell extract, pro-collagen lipopeptide, creatine, and urea improved mitochondrial function in human senescent cultured fibroblasts and demonstrated anti-wrinkle, dermal density, and skin elasticity benefits in 32 women with sensitive skin applied twice daily for 28 days compared to baseline.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2016Topical 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, 2011Topical 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, 2022Treatment 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, 2019Daily topical acetyl hexapeptide-8 showed a trend toward a longer time until return to baseline Jankovic Blepharospasm Rating Scale scores compared to placebo (3.7 months vs. 3.0 months) in 24 patients with blepharospasm receiving botulinum toxin therapy.
European Journal of Neurology, 2013Argireline applied twice daily for 4 weeks achieved a total anti-wrinkle efficiency of 48.9% and notably reduced wrinkle depth compared to placebo in Chinese subjects.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2013Dissolving microneedles loaded with 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-8 achieved higher cumulative transdermal delivery than aqueous solutions and significantly reduced photoaging signs while restoring oxidative balance in a UV/D-galactose-induced mouse model.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026A multi-modal methodology combining MALDI-MSI, in vivo RCM, echography, and histology revealed age-related decreases in extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction proteins and undulation depth, while a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 improved subepidermal low-echogenic band thickness, density, and extracellular matrix structure compared to placebo.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015Chronomodulated daytime application of baicalin and nighttime application of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 synergistically improved skin luminance by 16.29%, nasolabial fold depth by -36.35%, and firmness by 24.35% in 30 female participants.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10 significantly increased type III collagen levels in human dermal fibroblasts following UV exposure, with their combination demonstrating a greater effect in vitro and enhancing type I, III, and IV collagen levels in ex vivo skin tissues compared to individual components.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026Topical 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, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical 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
Why other serums fit oily acne-prone skin better
A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo.
Clinical Pharmacology, 2018Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo.
BioMed Research International, 2022
Ingredients
Water, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sucrose Palmitate, Polysorbate 20, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyrus Malus Extract Cell Fruit Culture, Plankton Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus L Callus Extract, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Argania Spinosa Extract Cell Sprout Culture, Superoxide Dismutase, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Peg-8 Smdi Copolymer, Pullulan, Glycine Soja Protein Soybean Protein, Isomalt, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Citric Acid, Pvp, Disodium Edta, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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