SU:M37 Secret Essence for combination skin

Average
- AverageCombination Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for combination skin; other moisturizers fit it better.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
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 moisturizing for your combination skin due to glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which provide humectant action, but lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control on your oily areas.
- The presence of licorice root extract and centella asiatica extract offers soothing benefits that support your combination skin.
- The product is safe for your combination skin as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components.
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.
People Say
★4.7Overall rating based on 500+ reviewsThis product is frequently described as a "miracle water" that significantly improves skin texture, making it smoother, clearer, and dewier without feeling heavy. It is widely praised for its ability to balance hydration and refine skin tone, though those with sensitivity to fermented ingredients occasionally report breakouts.
Highlights
Refined texture Mostly Mentioned
- “smoother skin”
- “softens rough patches”
- “even tone”
Deep hydration Often Mentioned
- “inner glow”
- “dewy finish”
- “plump skin”
Lightweight absorption Often Mentioned
- “water-like”
- “non-sticky”
- “absorbs instantly”
High price point Often Mentioned
- “expensive”
- “pricey”
- “an investment”
Luxurious experience Sometimes Noted
- “heavy glass bottle”
- “elegant packaging”
- “spa-like scent”
Soothing and balancing Sometimes Noted
- “calming redness”
- “balancing oil”
- “gentle on sensitive skin”
Heavy packaging Sometimes Noted
- “glass bottle is heavy”
- “not travel-friendly”
Ferment sensitivity Rarely Noted
- “small bumps”
- “breakouts”
- “irritation”
Herbal scent Rarely Noted
- “fermented smell”
- “herbal fragrance”
Subtle results Rarely Noted
- “did nothing”
- “overhyped”
- “results took too long”
Sources: lovi.care, hwahae.co.kr, gopicky.com, influenster.com, yesstyle.com, jolse.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does SU:M37 Secret Essence work for combination skin?
SU:M37 Secret Essence works reasonably well for combination skin, offering moderate moisture and soothing benefits from glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, licorice root extract, and centella asiatica extract. However, it lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control on your oily areas. To work best for this skin, a moisturizing treatment needs effective hydrating and skin-repairing ingredients that balance moisture levels without causing excess oiliness.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
Which ingredients make this essence a good fit for combination skin?
This essence fits your combination skin thanks to sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, which draw moisture into dry areas, alongside licorice root extract and centella asiatica extract, which help calm the skin. To work best for combination skin, a product of this type needs effective hydrating and skin-repairing ingredients that balance moisture levels without causing excess oiliness, alongside ingredients for managing oily shine.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.
What does Licorice Root Extract do for combination skin?
Licorice root extract helps calm redness and lower oxidative stress in combination skin. It is unlikely to irritate dry or oily areas while helping keep the skin balanced and comfortable.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2003
Where does this essence go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after your cleansing toner and before your moisturizer. It is also suitable for a weekly routine step in that same order after your hydrating toner.
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 product to help keep your skin comfortable. Using a hydrating and soothing formula of this type alongside retinol helps calm dry patches and supports your skin barrier while you use active ingredients.
Cutis, 2006Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
How often should I use this essence?
You can use this moisturizing treatment as part of your evening routine, applying it after cleansing and toning. Because it offers moderate hydration with ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate but lacks strong oil control, a product of this type for combination skin needs added balancing and oil-regulating ingredients to better manage shine on oily areas.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Health Science Reports, 2021
Can this essence clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
This essence is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on combination skin because it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components. To better suit this skin type, a product of this type needs additional ingredients for optimal oil control on oily areas.
Can I use this essence around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this moisturizing treatment around the eyes and on your body, as its gentle formula is safe and unlikely to cause irritation. Because the skin around the eyes is exceptionally thin, applying gentle hydrating products there helps manage fine lines and maintain moisture.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002Journal of Biomedical Research, 2017
Is this essence fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
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, 2017Cosmetic 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, 2016Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023Topical 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, 2005Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025Topical 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, 2020Moisturizer 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, 2019Topical treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline.
Experimental Dermatology, 2008Topical 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, 2011Topical 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, 2022Treatment 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, 2019Topical application of curcumin or turmeric treats various skin conditions by leveraging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2023Topical formulations of curcumin target oxidative damage and inflammation to improve wound healing in animal models.
Drug Discovery Today, 2017A curcumin-loaded spanlastic anti-aging gel utilizing formula F5 incorporated into 2% HPMC E50 demonstrated sustained release action, compatibility, and the ability to penetrate skin layers to a depth of about 112.5 um without signs of irritation.
Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 2024
Why other moisturizers fit combination skin better
A peel-off facial mask containing myoinositol and trehalose-loaded liposomes improved adult female acne by decreasing lesion counts, sebum production, GAGS scores, and local androgen levels while increasing beclin-1 levels.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017A 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
2-Hexanediol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Glycosphingolipids, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract Carrot Root Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Oil, Lauryl Dimethicone Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract Raspberry Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Soybean Extract Ferment, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Allium Sativum Bulb Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Leuconostoc Radish Root Extract, Bergamot Leaf Extract, Betaine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Morus Bombycis Leaf Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Apricot Fruit, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Dandelion Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Ceramide Np, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil Flower, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Watermelon Fruit Extract, Spinach Leaf Extract, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Onion Bulb Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Oil Flower, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Water, Geranium Robertianum Extract, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Cholesterol, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyquaternium-51, Corthellus Shiitake Extract Mushroom Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract Sunflower Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Saccharomyces Xylinum Black Tea Ferment, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Tromethamine, Ferulic Acid, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Peg Ppg-17 6 Copolymer, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica Extract, Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Glechoma Hederacea Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorum Root Extract, Acer Palmatum Leaf Extract, Codonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract, Lactobacillus Water Hyacinth Ferment, Lactobacillus Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract, Monascus Rice Ferment, Brassica Rapa Leaf Extract Turnip Leaf Extract, Sasa Veitchii Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Plantago Major Seed Extract, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Akebia Quinata Extract, Crataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract, Peppermint Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Poloxamer 234, Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Extract, Saccharomyces Potato Extract Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Grape Extract Ferment, Lactobacillus Rye Flour Ferment
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
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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