SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Cream for combination skin
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Tranexamic Acid
Niacinamide
GlutathioneAverage
- HighCombination 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 brightening and evening of skin tone for your combination skin, as niacinamide and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate work to regulate melanogenesis and address dark spots. Beta-Glucan and Panthenol provide general hydration and soothing benefits supportive for oily shine.
- The formula is highly suitable for combination skin due to the presence of niacinamide and tranexamic acid, which offer good melanogenesis regulation and anti-inflammatory action.
- The safety profile is excellent, 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
★4.5Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, this cream is widely appreciated for its fresh citrus scent and unique gel-cream texture containing tiny capsules that melt into the skin, providing immediate hydration and a subtle glow. While many users report a brighter complexion and fading of dark spots over time, those with oily skin often note a sticky finish, and significant pigmentation changes require consistent, long-term use.
Highlights
Pleasant scent Mostly Mentioned
- “fresh citrus scent”
- “smells lovely”
- “heavenly scent”
- “refreshing”
Brightens and glows Often Mentioned
- “brighter complexion”
- “fades pigmentation”
- “glowing skin”
- “lightens skin”
Hydrating texture Often Mentioned
- “good moisture”
- “leaves skin soft”
- “smooth and effective”
- “hydrating”
Gentle on skin Sometimes Noted
- “non-irritating”
- “good for sensitive skin”
- “gentle formula”
- “no breakouts”
Sticky finish Sometimes Noted
- “sticky residue”
- “tacky finish”
- “sticky afterwards”
- “feels sticky”
Not rich enough Rarely Noted
- “not enough for dry skin”
- “needs layering”
- “light moisture”
Oily sensation Rarely Noted
- “little oilier”
- “uncomfortable for oily skin”
- “heavy for oily skin”
Slow results Rarely Noted
- “minimal brightening”
- “needs consistent use”
- “takes time”
- “not instant”
Sources: lovi.care, skinfood.us, pickyw.com, korean-skincare.cs, youtube.com, yesstyle.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Cream work for combination skin?
SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Cream works moderately well for combination skin by helping brighten dark spots and keep oily shine calm. It is unlikely to cause irritation, but combination skin works best with a treatment that includes ingredients like propolis or zinc PCA to provide balanced hydration and manage oiliness without excess shine.
Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for combination skin?
Niacinamide and tranexamic acid make this cream a good fit by helping to even out skin tone and calm the skin, while beta-glucan and panthenol provide hydration that supports oily shine without feeling heavy. To be an even better fit for combination skin, a treatment of this type needs effective ingredients like propolis or zinc PCA that provide excellent skincare benefits, enhance radiance, and regulate oiliness without any risk of irritation or unsuitability.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
What does Yuzu Fruit Extract do for combination skin?
Yuzu Fruit Extract helps combination skin by boosting moisture and protecting against sun-related aging. It supports skin proteins to keep your face looking smooth and even.
Antioxidants, 2022International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
What does Vitamin C do for combination skin?
Vitamin C helps balance combination skin by controlling excess oil in shiny areas while keeping dry patches soft and smooth. It also brightens dark spots and helps smooth out fine lines, giving your face an even, healthy look.
Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, which keeps it simple and safe around sun exposure. Combination skin works best with products that offer targeted brightening and dark spot care along with lightweight hydration that supports oily shine.
Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?
This cream works for combination skin, though other products fit it better, and needs soothing ingredients like beta-glucan and panthenol alongside brightening agents like niacinamide to keep the skin calm and balanced. To use it with retinol safely without irritation, apply the retinol first, let it absorb, and then follow with this cream.
How often should I use this cream?
This treatment is used in the evening for your combination skin. A product of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide and tranexamic acid to brighten dark spots, plus soothing hydrators like beta-glucan and panthenol to keep oily shine calm.
Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
This cream is unlikely to clog pores, cause breakouts, or lead to purging on combination skin, as it has an excellent safety profile without harsh or irritating ingredients. To work even better for this skin type, a product needs ingredients like niacinamide and tranexamic acid to balance oil and brighten tone without heavy oils.
Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and linalool). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
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, 2002Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Citrus junos callus extract decreased melanin content in melanocytes 1.85-fold compared with arbutin and promoted the proliferation of and procollagen synthesis by human fibroblasts by 154% and 176% at 500 μg/mL.
Molecules, 2017Yuja-peel fractions (ethyl acetate, hexane, and butanol) inhibited MMP expression, induced moisturizing factors filaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase, and decreased melanin content in UVB-irradiated HaCaT, HDF, and α-MSH-treated B16F10 cells.
Antioxidants, 2022Upcycled low-molecular-weight anionic peptides from Citrus junos seeds protected UVR-irradiated keratinocytes and reconstructed skin tissue by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing paracrine cytokines, inhibiting melanin synthesis and TRP-2 expression, and increasing filaggrin, laminin-5, and type I collagen expression.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024Topical 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, 2022Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005Glutathione amino acid precursors effectively increase cellular glutathione levels, reducing oxidative stress, ATP depletion, and DNA damage in human keratinocytes, clinical subjects, and ex vivo skin compared to controls.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024Topical oxidized glutathione significantly decreases the skin melanin index and improves moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity compared to placebo in healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014Topical glutathione improves hyperpigmentation, reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema and wrinkles, decreases transepidermal water loss, and enhances antioxidant capacity.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025
Ingredients
Water, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Polydecene, Glyceryl Stearate, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Methicone, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Cyclohexasiloxane, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tromethamine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyglycerin-3, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Panthenol, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tranexamic Acid, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Butylene Glycol, Guar Gum, Ubiquinone, Tetrasodium Edta, Agar, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Glutathione, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Linalool
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
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PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
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Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
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Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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