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Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence for oily acne-prone skin

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

Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence
  • Fermented Honey
  • Pink Yeast Filtrate
  • Egcg
  • Firming Peptides
  • Apricot Extract

Average

  • AverageOily 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 with yeast ferment extract and camellia sinensis leaf extract providing antioxidant activity and mild astringent properties, while acetyl tetrapeptide-11 and acetyl tetrapeptide-9 work to firm and smooth your skin texture.
  • Glycerin and saccharide isomerate offer general hydration and soothing effects suitable for oily and acne-prone skin, though targeted ingredients for active blemishes are not present.
  • The formulation is safe for your oily skin, as it lacks harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like honey extract and yeast ferment extract, minimizing irritation risk.

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

★4.6Overall rating based on 700+ reviews

This peptide-infused essence is frequently described as a refreshing "power drink" for the skin, delivering immediate hydration and a noticeable healthy glow. While many report smoother texture and a plumper appearance over time, results vary for those with sensitive skin, with some experiencing irritation despite the microbiome-balancing claims.

Highlights

  • Hydrating and refreshing Mostly Mentioned
    • “instantly refreshing”
    • “delivers hydration”
    • “soaks in great”
    • “great pick-me-up”
  • Improves glow/texture Often Mentioned
    • “immediate healthy glow”
    • “skin felt very smooth”
    • “soft and fresh-faced”
    • “looks renewed”
  • Expensive for size Often Mentioned
    • “price is too high”
    • “small bottle (50ml)”
    • “ridiculously expensive”
    • “run through it quickly”
  • Beneficial ingredients Sometimes Noted
    • “love the peptides”
    • “fermented honey is great”
    • “good for microbiome”
    • “packed with nutrients”
  • Firming and plumping Sometimes Noted
    • “firmer/plumper”
    • “bouncier skin”
    • “tightens your face”
    • “improves elasticity”
  • Poor spray nozzle Sometimes Noted
    • “splatters of larger particles”
    • “aggressive spray”
    • “not a fine mist”
    • “spray issues”
  • Caused irritation Rarely Noted
    • “stung my face”
    • “allergic reaction”
    • “caused redness”
    • “skin got irritated”
  • No visible results Rarely Noted
    • “didn't do anything”
    • “doubtful results”
    • “not impressed”
    • “no firming effect”

Sources: lovi.care, dermstore.com, ulta.com, cultbeauty.co.uk, lovelyskin.com, spacenk.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Sunday Riley Pink Drink work for oily acne-prone skin?

Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence is an average fit for oily acne-prone skin, offering moderate firmness and hydration without targeting active breakouts. A product of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, benzoyl peroxide, or Vitamin C to effectively treat acne, control excess oil, and improve blemishes.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025

Which ingredients make this essence a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Yeast ferment extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, glycerin, and saccharide isomerate make this essence a good fit by offering antioxidant activity, soothing hydration, and mild astringent properties suitable for oily skin. Treatments that fit this skin type better need effective ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, benzoyl peroxide, or vitamin C to provide targeted benefits for active blemishes and excess oil without irritation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025

What does Fermented Honey do for oily acne-prone skin?

Fermented honey helps calm oily, acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and soothing redness. It brings great safety and strong suitability, making it a gentle option for everyday care.

Current Microbiology, 2026Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2013

What does Pink Yeast Filtrate do for oily acne-prone skin?

Pink Yeast Filtrate helps balance oil and keep pores clear for oily, acne-prone skin. It is lightweight and unlikely to clog pores, making it comfortable for everyday use.

Where does this essence go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This essence works well as an evening treatment applied after cleansing and before moisturizing, though oily and acne-prone skin also needs targeted ingredients for active blemishes.

Can I use this essence with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this essence with retinol by applying the essence first and following it with your retinol. This product is unlikely to irritate your oily skin, but oily acne-prone skin still needs targeted ingredients that treat active breakouts.

How often should I use this essence?

This essence works well in your evening routine, starting at once a week to see how your skin responds before using it more often. Oily acne-prone skin needs products with targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and oil-balancing components.

Can this essence clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This essence is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin, as it lacks harsh ingredients and includes soothing components that minimize irritation risk. To better target active blemishes, oily skin types need products that incorporate specialized acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Is this essence fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol).

What the research says

Why other serums fit oily acne-prone skin better

  • Adapalene 0.1%-benzoyl peroxide 2.5% fixed-dose combination gel provided significantly greater, synergistic efficacy and a faster onset of action compared with the vehicle, adapalene monotherapy, and benzoyl peroxide monotherapy in patients with acne vulgaris.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 2009

  • Topical benzoyl peroxide 5% gel treatment improved acne severity, sebum, stratum corneum hydration, and transepidermal water loss, while significantly reducing microbial diversity and the prevalence of Cutibacterium in 33 patients with acne vulgaris.

    Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

  • 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, 2018

Ingredients

Water, Yeast Ferment Extract Pink Yeast Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Honey Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside Egcg, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Ceramide Np, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Seed Extract, Sea Water, Sphingolipids, Laminaria Digitata Extract Kelp Extract, Zymomonas Extract Ferment, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract Apricot Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Phytosphingosine, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Coconut Fruit Extract, Triethyl Citrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Grapefruit Peel Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Jasmine Leaf Extract Flower, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract Raspberry Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Polyglycerin-6, Glycerin, Saccharide Isomerate, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, 1,2 Hexanediol, Matodextrin, Tris Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol Citrate, Alcohol, Sodium Phytate

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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