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Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Maretinol Oil for combination skin

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

Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Maretinol Oil

Average

  • AverageCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for combination skin; other moisturizers 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 moisturizing and treatment for your combination skin, as Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil and Tocopherol hydrate and improve skin texture, though it is not specifically targeted for oily shine.
  • Retinol and tocopherol provide antioxidant activity and aid in desquamation regulation, but the formula lacks sufficient humectant and seboregulating ingredients for optimal results on combination skin.
  • The product is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

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

★4.5Overall rating based on 800+ reviews

Users describe this oil as a gentle, hydrating retinol that smooths texture and boosts radiance without irritation, making it suitable for sensitive or dry skin types targeting fine lines and dullness. Some users with oily skin found the marula oil base too heavy, and a moderate number of reviews mentioned an unpleasant smell.

Highlights

  • Hydrating and moisturizing Mostly Mentioned
    • “doused skin with moisture”
    • “super hydrating”
    • “leaves face soft”
    • “good for dry winter skin”
  • Gentle on skin Often Mentioned
    • “no flaking or redness”
    • “great for sensitive skin”
    • “zero irritation”
    • “gentle retinol”
  • Improves texture Often Mentioned
    • “skin feels silky smooth”
    • “woke up glowing”
    • “smoother complexion”
    • “restored bounce”
  • Good for beginners Sometimes Noted
    • “perfect gateway retinol”
    • “great introduction”
    • “easy to tolerate”
    • “best for newbies”
  • Greasy texture Sometimes Noted
    • “sits on top of skin”
    • “too oily”
    • “thick and sticky”
    • “doesn't absorb well”
  • Unpleasant smell Sometimes Noted
    • “smells rancid”
    • “stale cooking oil scent”
    • “smells like food”
    • “weird earthy odor”
  • Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “made me break out”
    • “cystic acne flared”
    • “clogged pores”
    • “bad reaction”
  • High price Rarely Noted
    • “too expensive”
    • “pricey for the size”
    • “not worth the money”
    • “better cheaper alternatives”

Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, drunkelephant.com, kohls.com, cultbeauty.co.uk, spacenk.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does A-Gloei Maretinol Oil work for combination skin?

This oil works moderately well for your combination skin by hydrating and improving texture, though it is not specifically targeted for oily shine. A product of this type needs effective brightening and moisturizing ingredients, soothing agents, and antioxidants that target hydration and brightness while reducing oily shine without irritation.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017

Which ingredients make this treatment a good fit for combination skin?

Retinol, ceramides, and marula oil make this treatment work for combination skin by smoothing texture and providing safe hydration. A moisturizing treatment for combination skin needs ingredients that reduce oily shine, brighten, and hydrate without causing irritation.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015

What does Retinol do for combination skin?

Retinol helps smooth fine lines, even out skin tone, and improve firmness in combination skin. It works by encouraging faster skin renewal and boosting collagen, though it may occasionally cause mild dryness or scaling while your skin adjusts.

Archives of Dermatology, 2007The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

What do Ceramides do for combination skin?

Ceramides help balance combination skin by supporting the skin barrier to keep dry areas hydrated without feeling heavy on oily zones. This type of skin needs lightweight hydrators and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and cholesterol to maintain a smooth and calm feel across both dry and oily areas.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003Scientific Reports, 2022

Where does this treatment go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Combination skin needs products that provide hydration and control excess oil while improving texture.

Can I use this treatment with vitamin C, and in what order?

You can use this treatment with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in your morning routine and this treatment at night, as using them apart helps prevent irritation. To work best for combination skin, a product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and ingredients that help balance oily shine.

How often should I use this treatment?

This treatment is used in the evening as part of your routine. A product of this type needs more water-attracting and oil-balancing ingredients to work best for combination skin.

Can this treatment clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This treatment is unlikely to cause irritation on combination skin, though some users report a low chance of breakouts. A product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and oil-controlling ingredients to manage oily areas without clogging pores.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015

Can I use this treatment around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this treatment around your eyes and on your body, as its safe formula is unlikely to cause irritation. However, because the skin on your eyelids is very thin and sensitive, you should apply it carefully and watch how your skin reacts.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002

What the research says

  • Topical application of Sclerocarya birrea nut oil is non-irritant, exhibits significant moisturising and hydrating effects on lipid-dry skin, and shows occlusive properties on normal skin in healthy caucasian adult female volunteers.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015

  • A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

  • 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

  • Novel beads of alpha-cyclodextrin and soybean oil achieved high adapalene encapsulation (>96%), demonstrated good skin tolerance without adverse reactions in human volunteers, and provided stratum corneum penetration in pig skin comparable to commercial gel and cream formulations.

    Pharmaceutical Research, 2008

  • 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

  • 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

  • Topical stabilized retinol treatment induced HAS gene expression and increased hyaluronic acid production in human skin in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo compared to vehicle.

    Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017

  • Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

  • Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate.

    Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021

  • Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Ingredients

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Retinol, Tocopherol, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Np

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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QR code: get the Lovi app
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