# Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [Peter Thomas Roth](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/peter-thomas-roth)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few serums fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Excellent suitability for your oily skin is provided by glycolic acid and retinol, which effectively exfoliate and regulate oil production, complemented by niacinamide for enhanced oil control and barrier support.
- The serum offers moderate exfoliation for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts due to the resurfacing and pore-clearing properties of glycolic acid and retinol.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components like niacinamide and allantoin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High (this page)

## Key ingredients

Glycolic Acid Complex, Time-Released Microencapsulated Retinol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Ascorbic Acid

## What the research says

- A combination of dermapen and glycolic acid peel significantly decreased acne scar grades and resulted in higher patient satisfaction compared to either monotherapy in 30 patients. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548170/))
- Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene showed no hindrance compared to adapalene monotherapy and provided benefits in reducing complications in 25 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/))
- A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo. ([Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/))
- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- 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 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/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- Topical 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, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))

## What reviewers say

Users report this serum effectively resurfaces skin, leading to smoother texture and reduced fine lines. Many praise its hydrating qualities and ability to even skin tone. A minority of users experienced stickiness upon application or purging breakouts.

- Liked: Smoothes skin texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Evens skin tone (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Non-drying and gentle (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces fine lines (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Sticky after application (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: No visible results (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant smell (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum is a great fit because glycolic acid and retinol help exfoliate and control oil, while niacinamide supports your skin barrier. It also helps clear pores and reduce blemishes without causing irritation, thanks to soothing ingredients like allantoin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548170/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/)

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

Glycolic acid and retinol are the main ingredients that make this serum a great fit because they exfoliate the skin and help clear pores. Niacinamide also helps control oil and supports your skin barrier, while soothing components like allantoin keep your oily skin comfortable with a very low risk of irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548170/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/)

### What does Glycolic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycolic acid helps clear breakouts and smooth oily skin by exfoliating dead surface cells. It may reduce both inflamed and non-inflamed blemishes when used regularly, though a product of this type also needs soothing ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides to keep skin calm and comfortable.
Sources: [Dermatologic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24447110/), [Dermatologic Surgery, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18053051/)

### What does Retinol do for oily acne-prone skin?

Retinol helps clear breakouts and smooth oily skin by targeting clogged pores and reducing acne lesions. It is generally well tolerated, though an oily acne-prone routine needs ingredients that balance oil without causing irritation.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30674002/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30586483/)

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

This serum goes in your evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before applying your moisturizer. Lovi routines start exfoliating treatments once a week, and you can carefully use them more often if your skin tolerates them well.

### Can I use this serum with BHA, and in what order?

You can use this serum with BHA by alternating the nights you apply them to avoid overwhelming your skin with too much exfoliation at once. Applying both at the same time may increase the likelihood of irritation, so it is best to use them on separate days or use BHA in the morning and this serum at night.
Sources: [American Family Physician, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23062156/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/)

### How often should I use this serum?

Start using this treatment serum once a week in the evening, and if your skin feels comfortable and results look good, you can carefully use it more often. Glycolic acid and retinol help clear pores and regulate oil, while niacinamide and allantoin keep irritation low.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38406974/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548170/)

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

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts on oily skin, as it contains glycolic acid and retinol to help clear pores, along with soothing niacinamide and allantoin. Some reviewers do mention minor breakouts, and active ingredients like retinol may cause initial purging while clearing the skin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548170/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/)

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

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

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.25 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €37.67 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €37.67 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €11.35 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €17.47 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate, C9-12 Alkane, Arachidyl Alcohol, Zea Mays Starch, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Retinol, Collagen, Adenosine, Squalane, Allantoin, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Lecithin, Ceramide Np, Volcanic Soil, Pullulan, Sodium Phytate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Amylopectin, Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Sorbate, Sclerotium Gum, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Lysolecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Mica Ci 77019
## 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/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peter-thomas-roth/even-smoother-glycolic-retinol-resurfacing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin