# No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [No7](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/no7)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/serums)

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

Works for acne-prone skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for combination skin, as Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin provide hydration while Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 target fine lines and wrinkles.
- While the serum is safe for acne-prone skin with soothing Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, its primary anti-aging functions do not directly address your concerns with acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The product has a good safety profile, free from harsh ingredients and containing beneficial components like Sodium Hyaluronate.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Dimethicone

## What the research says

- A multi-modal methodology combining MALDI-MSI, in vivo RCM, echography, and histology revealed age-related decreases in extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction proteins and undulation depth, while a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 improved subepidermal low-echogenic band thickness, density, and extracellular matrix structure compared to placebo. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25817264/))
- 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Topical hyaluronic acid filler serum combined with Botulinum toxin type A lengthened the duration of the toxin's effect in reducing wrinkles compared to Botulinum toxin type A alone. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/))
- Cosmetic products containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol demonstrated a faster and more pronounced soothing effect on capsaicin-induced burning compared to those containing acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester in volunteers with sensitive skin. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26805418/))
- Hyaluronic acid extracts are safe and efficacious products for skin repair when used in tissue regeneration alone or in combination with herbal or Western medicine. ([Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25877441/))
- 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/))
- Over-the-counter retinol products provided only weak evidence for a mild ameliorating effect on fine facial skin wrinkle lines in randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials, and major methodological flaws call the validity of positive results into question. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34980969/))
- A cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate regimen significantly improved periorbital wrinkle appearance relative to a 0.02% tretinoin regimen at 8 weeks with comparable benefits at 24 weeks, while demonstrating significantly better tolerability in 196 women. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20374604/))
- A novel triple-active cosmetic formulation containing 4-hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to 0.02% tretinoin and reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing in female adults while causing less skin irritation. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38685700/))
- Rice protein hydrolysate and its characteristic peptides Leu-Leu-Lys, Leu-Pro-Lys, and pyroGlu-Lys reduced melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and ROS production in UVB-induced human epidermal melanocyte PIG1 cells by regulating the JNK/Β-Trcp/NFΗB-p65/MITF signaling pathway and lowering TRP-1 and TRP-2 expression. ([Food & Function, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32955075/))
- Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups. ([Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/))
- A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428946/))
- Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17137484/))

## Why other serums fit acne-prone skin better

- Topical nicotinamide plus an antibacterial adhesive agent and zinc-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid combined with adapalene significantly reduced noninflammatory acne lesions by the second week of therapy compared to placebo with adapalene in patients with moderate acne vulgaris. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Niacinamide 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with aging, dry, or combination skin frequently praise this serum for its silky texture and ability to instantly smooth and hydrate the skin. While many report visible improvements in fine lines and overall radiance after consistent use, results regarding deep wrinkles are mixed, with some users seeing significant firming and others noticing little change.

- Liked: Instant skin smoothing (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Silky, lightweight texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Quick absorption (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydration and radiance (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces fine lines (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Lack of visible results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Silicone-heavy feel (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Greasiness (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum as part of your PM routine and start 3x/week before working up to daily use.
- Apply this treatment after cleansing and toner, and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the product on clean, dry skin to help manage your breakouts safely.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum work for acne-prone skin?

This serum works moderately well for acne-prone skin, as it contains soothing ingredients like acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, but its primary anti-aging functions do not directly address blemishes and breakouts. To care for this skin type, a product needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and propolis to clear breakouts while keeping the skin balanced and hydrated without excess oiliness.
Sources: [Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26805418/)

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

This serum works for acne-prone skin because it contains soothing acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, though products that fit this skin better need ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and propolis to target breakouts and control oiliness.
Sources: [Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26805418/)

### What does Vitamin C do for acne-prone skin?

Vitamin C helps control oily skin by reducing facial oil and can significantly decrease inflammatory pimples when used consistently. It also works well with other acne treatments to fade dark spots left behind by breakouts.
Sources: [Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/)

### What does Retinyl Palmitate do for acne-prone skin?

Retinyl palmitate helps clear up acne-prone skin by reducing acne bumps and blemish counts. It is unlikely to cause heavy irritation, making it much gentler on the skin than stronger treatments.
Sources: [International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211271/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, as putting treatments in the evening keeps things simple and safer around sun exposure. Acne-prone skin needs a product of this type that also includes blemish-clearing and pore-clearing ingredients to directly target breakouts.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first and following it with your retinol. Because this product focuses on anti-aging rather than breakouts, acne-prone skin needs a treatment that includes ingredients to clear blemishes and unclog pores.

### How often should I use it?

You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. Acne-prone skin needs a product that targets breakouts and clears blemishes with ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids.

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

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on acne-prone skin, as it has a safe formula with soothing ingredients that calm the skin. However, because its main focus is fighting signs of aging rather than clearing blemishes, acne-prone skin needs products with clarifying ingredients that specifically target pimples and excess oil.
Sources: [Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26805418/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €14.94 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €52.57 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €185.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/b-lab/matcha-hydrating-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €13.40 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ie: €27.10 (https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B0719SCY9M?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Water, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Cetyl Peg Ppg-10 1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylparaben, Glycerin, Hexyl Laurate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Magnesium Sulfate, Medicago Sativa Extract, Methylparaben, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Peg Ppg-18 18 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Laurate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate
## 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/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-serum/for/acne-prone-skin