🇩🇪Germany

Rodan + Fields Intensive Renewing Serum for combination skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Rodan + Fields Intensive Renewing Serum

Average

  • AverageCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for combination skin; other serums fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. 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 suitability for your combination skin as retinal and palmitoyl hexapeptide-14 provide some benefits for skin renewal and collagen stimulation, but may lack sufficient ingredients for optimal results in all areas.
  • The formula provides general skincare benefits like hydration and cleansing, which you would notice, but these are mostly supportive and not directly targeted at your oily shine.
  • The safety profile is good, with no risks of irritation for your combination skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
  • Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
  • Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
  • Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .

People Say

★4.8Overall rating based on 5.6k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users frequently report that this serum effectively smooths skin texture, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promotes a firmer, more youthful complexion. While many appreciate the results for various skin types, some users feel the product is overpriced and note that similar results can be achieved with more affordable alternatives. This should be definitely taken into account.

Highlights

  • Reduces fine lines Often Mentioned
    • “Fine lines are significantly reduced.”
    • “Wrinkles are less noticeable.”
    • “Helps minimize appearance of wrinkles.”
  • Smoother skin texture Often Mentioned
    • “My skin looks so much smoother.”
    • “Noticeable improvement in skin texture.”
    • “Skin feels softer and more refined.”
  • High price point Often Mentioned
    • “Very expensive for the amount.”
    • “Too pricey for what it is.”
    • “Can find cheaper alternatives.”
  • Convenient capsule delivery Sometimes Noted
    • “Perfect amount in each capsule.”
    • “Easy to use single-dose.”
    • “Innovative delivery system.”
  • Effective, gentle formula Sometimes Noted
    • “Gentle enough for daily use.”
    • “Works well on my sensitive skin.”
    • “Potent but minimal irritation.”
  • Customer service issues Sometimes Noted
    • “Difficulties with canceled orders.”
    • “Issues with auto-ship programs.”
    • “Hard to manage subscriptions.”
  • Lack of results Rarely Noted
    • “Did not make a difference.”
    • “Never saw or felt a change.”
    • “Results were not noticeable.”

Sources: lovi.care, rodanandfields.com, ulta.com, ebay.com, consumeraffairs.com, whatthefab.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Intensive Renewing Serum work for combination skin?

Intensive Renewing Serum works moderately well for your combination skin because retinal and palmitoyl hexapeptide-14 help with skin renewal and firmness, but it may lack targeted ingredients to manage oily shine. Treatments that fit combination skin better need effective ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and propolis to regulate oiliness and enhance radiance without causing irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2011

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

Retinal and palmitoyl hexapeptide-14 make this serum a good fit by providing moderate benefits for skin renewal and collagen stimulation. Since this product only offers an average fit for your skin, a treatment for combination skin needs effective ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to regulate oily shine while maintaining balanced hydration.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2011

What does Retinal do for combination skin?

Retinal helps smooth the skin and reduces signs of aging or breakouts when used regularly. It is unlikely to cause severe irritation when introduced gradually, keeping combination skin feeling calm and smooth.

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2014Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2011

What does Retinyl Palmitate do for combination skin?

Retinyl palmitate helps smooth fine lines, even out skin tone, and improve texture on combination skin. Because it works gently, it is unlikely to cause irritation while helping keep both dry and oily areas looking clear and firm.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2011

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine, after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing, for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. It is safe from irritation for combination skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

Can I use this serum with glycolic acid, and in what order?

You can use this serum with glycolic acid, but apply them on alternating nights to help prevent skin irritation. This product works for your combination skin, though an average fit means this skin type needs targeted ingredients that control oily shine and help balance oil.

How often should I use this serum?

Use this treatment in your evening routine, applying it once a week initially and gradually increasing frequency if your skin tolerates it well. Treatments like this are typically placed in the PM for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure, and this product is unlikely to cause irritation.

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

This serum is unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts on combination skin due to its safe formula, but it may not fully target your oily shine. A product for this skin needs ingredients that better balance oil while supporting renewal.

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Twice daily application of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams for 3 months improved skin texture and hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in 40 female Korean volunteers, with only the 0.1% cream significantly improving the melanin index.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018

  • Topical retinaldehyde demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria both in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased bacterial counts without inducing resistance.

    Dermatology, 2002

  • Topical 0.05% retinaldehyde applied over 1 year significantly increased epidermal thickness of the temple and cutaneous elasticity compared to an emollient control group in 40 aging skin patients.

    Dermatology, 1999

  • Over-the-counter retinol products provided only weak evidence for a mild ameliorating effect on fine facial skin wrinkle lines in randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials, and major methodological flaws call the validity of positive results into question.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021

  • A cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate regimen significantly improved periorbital wrinkle appearance relative to a 0.02% tretinoin regimen at 8 weeks with comparable benefits at 24 weeks, while demonstrating significantly better tolerability in 196 women.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010

  • A novel triple-active cosmetic formulation containing 4-hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to 0.02% tretinoin and reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing in female adults while causing less skin irritation.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024

  • Treatment with 2% bis-ethylhexyl hydroxydimethoxy benzylmalonate (HDBM) resulted in a significant reduction of sebum excretion and efficacy against inflamed/red lesions compared to placebo in 44 test subjects with blemished skin over 8 weeks.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2012

  • The combination of botulinum toxin and calcium hydroxylapatite applied together produced higher and earlier satisfaction rates and improved hydration in the lower face and neck region compared to calcium hydroxylapatite alone in 15 participants.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023

  • Topically applied calcium hydroxylapatite successfully penetrated fractional laser-induced skin defects and remained in the healing skin for at least six weeks, inducing collagen production around the microspheres in a human volunteer.

    Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2025

  • Calcium ions from nanophased hydroxyapatite embedded in collagen nanofibers significantly enhanced human dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and hMSCs growth and proliferation, prevented pathogenic bacteria adhesion, enabled hMSCs differentiation, and caused no adverse reaction in rat subcutaneous implantation.

    Nanomedicine, 2021

Why other serums fit combination skin better

  • Niacinamide 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

  • A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Ingredients

Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Hydroxyapatite, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, Polysilicone-11, Retinal, Retinyl Palmitate

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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How does it fit your skin?

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