Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence for oily skin
Fermented Honey
Pink Yeast Filtrate
Egcg
Firming Peptides
Apricot Extract
Average
- AverageOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for oily skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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 oily skin, as yeast ferment extract and camellia sinensis leaf extract provide antioxidant benefits and mild astringency, while acetyl tetrapeptide-11 and acetyl tetrapeptide-9 work to firm and smooth your skin texture.
- The inclusion of glycerin and saccharide isomerate offers beneficial hydration to support your oily skin, though it lacks specialized ingredients for direct oil control.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing yeast ferment extract and honey extract.
How to apply
- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 700+ reviewsThis 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 skin?
Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence offers moderate suitability for oily skin, as it provides helpful antioxidants and hydration but lacks specialized ingredients for direct oil control. Oily skin works best with products that contain effective ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and tea tree extract to manage shine and excess oil.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Which ingredients make this essence a good fit for oily skin?
Yeast ferment extract and camellia sinensis leaf extract make this essence a fit for oily skin by providing antioxidant benefits and mild astringency, while glycerin and saccharide isomerate offer hydration. To best fit oily skin, this type of product needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and tea tree extract for oil control.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
What does Fermented Honey do for oily skin?
Fermented honey helps calm oily skin by fighting the bacteria that cause breakouts and reducing redness. It works well for this skin type because its antibacterial and soothing properties keep pores clear and the skin balanced.
What does Pink Yeast Filtrate do for oily skin?
Pink Yeast Filtrate helps balance oily skin by managing excess shine and supporting a clear, calm complexion. It works well within daily routines to keep the skin feeling fresh without feeling heavy.
Where does this essence go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
Apply this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. Because oily skin needs direct oil control, a product of this type works best for this skin when it includes specialized balancing ingredients alongside antioxidants and hydrators.
Can I use this essence with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this essence with retinol by applying the essence after cleansing and toning, and before your retinol treatment. This approach helps keep your oily skin hydrated and smooth while minimizing the likelihood of irritation.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
How often should I use this essence?
You can use this treatment in your evening routine, applying it after your toner and before your moisturizer. Oily skin often benefits from products of this type that also include ingredients for oil control.
Can this essence clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
This essence is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as it has a safe formula free of harsh ingredients and includes soothing honey extract. However, to better manage excess shine, this skin type needs a product that also features specialized oil-control ingredients.
Is this essence fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol).
What the research says
Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2009An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019A novel moisturizer containing saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier recovery, improves hydration, reduces erythema, and alleviates discomfort compared to a control moisturizer following intense pulsed light treatment in subjects with skin aging.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025A 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, 2017A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events.
Lasers in Medical Science, 2025Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017Topical application of green tea extract encapsulated chitosan microparticles improved skin elasticity, melanin index, and facial wrinkles compared to a placebo in female volunteers without causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022A moisturizing cream containing 2% l-carnitine and 5% EGCG significantly reduced sebum levels and improved skin hydration in ninety subjects with seborrhea over 4 weeks, showing greater anti-sebum efficacy in the combination group compared to the l-carnitine group alone.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023Bitter apricot essential oil inhibited human HaCaT keratinocyte growth with an IC50 of 142.45 ug/ml by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through death receptor, mitochondrial, and NF-kB pathways.
International Immunopharmacology, 2016Kombucha-mediated fermentation of apple, apricot, and cherry leaf agro-waste extracts increased phenolic content and enhanced antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties while reducing oxidative stress in skin cells without cytotoxicity compared to unfermented extracts.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026
Why other serums fit oily skin better
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, 2024An O/W cosmetic formula containing 2% Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract reduced the oily appearance of skin, pore size, and improved complexion evenness and radiance in Caucasian and Asian volunteers compared to a formula with 1% zinc gluconate.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011Niacinamide 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
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.
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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
How does it fit your skin?
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