# innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [innisfree](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/innisfree)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

One of the best moisturizers for combination skin.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your combination skin, the retinol and niacinamide work to smooth texture and improve skin tone while managing oil production. Salicylic acid further aids in managing oil and exfoliation, offering moderate benefits for oily shine.
- The serum provides excellent moisturizing and treatment, enhancing your skin's overall appearance.
- The formulation is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin): High (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide Np

## 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/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Emulsions containing ceramides 1 and 3 improved skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin of fifteen healthy Asian women compared to a control emulsion. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/))
- 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 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/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this serum is a gentle, beginner-friendly option that effectively refines skin texture, reduces acne, and hydrates without causing irritation, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Some experienced retinol users find it too mild for significant anti-aging effects.

- Liked: Gentle, non-irritating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating, soothing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Clears acne (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Too mild (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Confusing rebranding (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this moisturizer in your AM and PM routine every day to control shine. Always pair with SPF in the morning.
- Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin and avoid harsh rubbing. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help it lock in moisture better. This keeps your combination skin balanced.
- Avoid the eye area when applying the moisturizer. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes innisfree Retinol Cica Serum a great fit for combination skin?

This serum is a great fit because retinol, niacinamide, and salicylic acid smooth your skin texture and manage oil production while keeping it calm. It also provides deep moisture to balance dry and oily areas without feeling heavy.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/)

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

Retinol and niacinamide help smooth texture and even out tone while managing oil on combination skin, and salicylic acid aids with extra oil and mild exfoliation. Centella asiatica and sodium hyaluronate also boost moisture and calm dry areas for balanced hydration.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/)

### What does retinol do for combination skin?

Retinol helps smooth out fine lines and uneven tone on combination skin. It works by encouraging cell turnover and boosting collagen, though it may cause some dryness or flaking for certain users.
Sources: [Archives of Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### What does centella asiatica do for combination skin?

Centella asiatica helps balance combination skin by calming red or irritated areas while boosting moisture in drier zones without feeling heavy. It supports skin barrier repair and is unlikely to cause irritation, making it very well-suited for skin types that are both oily and dry.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/), [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/)

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

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Putting it in the evening helps keep your skin safe around sun exposure while the retinol and niacinamide work.

### 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 retinol serum in your evening routine. Using them at different times of day helps you avoid irritation while getting the smoothing and brightening benefits of both ingredients.

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum is used in your evening routine. Daily application of this moisturizing treatment helps improve hydration, texture, and tone while managing oil production safely.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

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

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on combination skin, as it contains ingredients that help manage oil and smooth texture without harsh additives. The formula balances moisture and calm without triggering irritation.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### Can I use this serum around the eyes or on my body?

This serum is safe to use on the thin skin around your eyes and on your body because its gentle formulation provides deep moisture and treatment without irritation. The product is unlikely to cause any issues, helping to smooth texture and improve skin tone across different areas.

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/torriden/dive-in-low-molecular-hyaluronic-acid-serum/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €15.99 at Amazon
- [MEDI-PEEL Peptide 9 Volume White Cica All-in-one Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/medi-peel/peptide-9-volume-white-cica-all-in-one-essence/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €29.98 at Amazon
- [COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cosrx/hydrium-triple-hyaluronic-moisture-ampoule/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €17.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €39.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €104.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Cholesterol, Allantoin, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Propanediol, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract Carrot Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Asiatic Acid, Retinol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mannitol, Ceramide Np, Beta-Glucan, Beta-Carotene, Phytosphingosine, Bht, Salicylic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
## 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/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin (this page)
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/innisfree/retinol-cica-moisture-recovery-serum/for/combination-skin