# Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream for acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/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: [Skinbetter Science](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/skinbetter-science)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/moisturizers)

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 moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation and hydration for your combination skin, with ethyl lactyl retinoate and sodium hyaluronate smoothing texture and providing moisture, though it lacks specialized ingredients to directly target acne and breakouts.
- Glycerin and bisabolol offer general skincare benefits supportive for acne and blemishes, but the presence of glycolic acid and ethyl lactyl retinoate may pose a risk of irritation for some.
- The product is generally safe for combination skin, with a moderate suitability profile.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane

## What the research says

- Optimized transfersomes loaded with epigallocatechin-3-gallate and hyaluronic acid increased cell viability while reducing lipid peroxidation, intracellular ROS, and MMP expression in HaCaT cells, and exhibited higher skin permeation and deposition compared to plain EGCG. ([Drug Delivery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28155509/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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/))
- Topical 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, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical 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, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment 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, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- 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/))

## Why other moisturizers fit acne-prone skin better

- Co-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, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763437/))

## What reviewers say

Users consistently praise this cream as a "game-changer" for sensitive and aging skin, noting visible improvements in texture, tone, and fine lines without the harsh side effects typical of retinoids. While highly effective for smoothing rough skin and clearing pigmentation, a small minority of users experienced initial purging or found the hydration insufficient for very dry skin types.

- Liked: Gentle & non-irritating (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: High price point (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective anti-aging (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture & tone (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating formula (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Packaging design (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial purging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Not moisturizing enough (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging malfunctions (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your moisturizer twice a day in your AM and PM routines. Apply it daily to help keep breakouts under control.
- Apply after your cleanser and toner, and make sure to use your SPF right after in the morning.
- Gently spread a small amount of moisturizer over your face using soft motions. Let it absorb into the skin for a minute before getting dressed or applying makeup.
- Apply on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture. This keeps your combination skin balanced without feeling heavy.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Stop using if you feel any irritation.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does AlphaRet Overnight Cream work for acne-prone skin?

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream works moderately well for acne-prone skin, offering some smoothing and moisture, though it lacks specialized ingredients to directly target breakouts and may cause irritation. For a better fit, this skin needs products with highly suitable ingredients for blemishes that carry no risk of irritation, feature soothing extracts, and provide balanced hydration and repair.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Glycerin and bisabolol help soothe and support acne-prone skin, while sodium hyaluronate adds much-needed moisture without causing heaviness. However, this product needs specialized ingredients that directly target breakouts and soothe irritation without relying on strong acids to be a top fit for this skin type.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Glycolic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and breakouts. It also helps fade dark spots left behind by acne and controls skin oiliness, with very few side effects when used properly.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/), [Dermatologic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24447110/)

### What does Niacinamide do for acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps acne-prone skin by reducing both inflamed and uninflamed breakouts and calming redness. It is also very helpful for keeping oily skin balanced by cutting down on excess oil production, and it is well tolerated by most people.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/), [Cureus, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38725769/)

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

This cream is a treatment that goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, though acne-prone skin needs products with specialized blemish-fighting ingredients to work best for breakouts.

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

This cream already contains a retinol derivative, so using it alongside another separate retinol product may increase your risk of irritation. To care for acne-prone skin, a treatment of this type needs soothing ingredients and components that directly target breakouts.

### How often should I use this cream?

This cream is used in the evening as a treatment step, starting at once a week and slowly increasing frequency only if your skin tolerates it well. For acne-prone skin, this type of product also needs specialized ingredients that directly target breakouts and blemishes.

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

This cream works for your acne-prone skin, though other products fit it better because it lacks specialized ingredients to directly target acne and breakouts. It provides moderate exfoliation and hydration with glycolic acid and ethyl lactyl retinoate, but these ingredients may cause irritation for some. An acne-prone skin routine needs specialized blemish-fighting ingredients and gentle, non-irritating hydrators.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/)

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

This cream is generally safe for your skin, but the thin skin around your eyes and body needs products formulated specifically for those delicate areas with lightweight, highly soothing ingredients.

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [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
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €14.07 at Amazon
- [belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/belif/the-true-cream-aqua-bomb/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €35.01 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
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €17.43 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Glycolate, Glycolic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Pentylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Sorbitan Olivate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Ceresin, Glycol Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ceramide Np, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Superoxide Dismutase, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Allantoin Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Sodium Pca, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol, Linolenic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Steareth-2, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Hydrated Silica, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Tromethamine, Disodium Edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891
## 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/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/acne-prone-skin