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SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Cream for oily acne-prone skin

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

SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Cream

Average

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. 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 benefits for your oily skin, as niacinamide and tranexamic acid help regulate oil production and melanogenesis, though the primary focus on brightening is less relevant to your main goal of treating acne and breakouts.
  • The inclusion of ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and panthenol provides general hydration and soothing effects that can support overall skin health.
  • The product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing agents like dipotassium glycyrrhizate.

How to apply

  • Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
  • Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
  • Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 100+ reviews

Based on limited data, this cream is widely appreciated for its fresh citrus scent and unique gel-cream texture containing tiny capsules that melt into the skin, providing immediate hydration and a subtle glow. While many users report a brighter complexion and fading of dark spots over time, those with oily skin often note a sticky finish, and significant pigmentation changes require consistent, long-term use.

Highlights

  • Pleasant scent Mostly Mentioned
    • “fresh citrus scent”
    • “smells lovely”
    • “heavenly scent”
    • “refreshing”
  • Brightens and glows Often Mentioned
    • “brighter complexion”
    • “fades pigmentation”
    • “glowing skin”
    • “lightens skin”
  • Hydrating texture Often Mentioned
    • “good moisture”
    • “leaves skin soft”
    • “smooth and effective”
    • “hydrating”
  • Gentle on skin Sometimes Noted
    • “non-irritating”
    • “good for sensitive skin”
    • “gentle formula”
    • “no breakouts”
  • Sticky finish Sometimes Noted
    • “sticky residue”
    • “tacky finish”
    • “sticky afterwards”
    • “feels sticky”
  • Not rich enough Rarely Noted
    • “not enough for dry skin”
    • “needs layering”
    • “light moisture”
  • Oily sensation Rarely Noted
    • “little oilier”
    • “uncomfortable for oily skin”
    • “heavy for oily skin”
  • Slow results Rarely Noted
    • “minimal brightening”
    • “needs consistent use”
    • “takes time”
    • “not instant”

Sources: lovi.care, skinfood.us, pickyw.com, korean-skincare.cs, youtube.com, yesstyle.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Cream work for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream works moderately well for oily skin, as niacinamide and tranexamic acid help control oil, though its main focus on brightening is less targeted to breakouts. It is safe and soothing for your skin type, but oily acne-prone skin needs products with targeted acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, along with lightweight hydrators and oil-controlling elements to properly manage blemishes and excess shine.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

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

Niacinamide and tranexamic acid help regulate oil production, while sodium hyaluronate and panthenol provide hydration and soothing effects. To fit oily acne-prone skin best, a treatment of this type needs acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or targeted extracts that directly treat breakouts without heavy components.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

What does Yuzu Fruit Extract do for oily acne-prone skin?

Yuzu Fruit Extract helps brighten dark spots and calms irritation from breakouts while keeping skin smooth. It is unlikely to feel heavy, but oily skin also needs lightweight hydrators and pore-clearing ingredients to stay balanced.

Antioxidants, 2022International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024

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

Vitamin C helps oily acne-prone skin by reducing breakouts, calming red spots, and controlling extra oil. Studies show that using it on the skin can help clear up acne pimples and keep oil production balanced.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009Drug Research, 2017

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, keeping it simple and safe around sun exposure. While it helps regulate oil and keeps your skin calm, it focuses mostly on brightening rather than clearing breakouts. To better fit oily acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs targeted ingredients that directly treat breakouts and unclog pores.

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

You can use this cream in the evening after applying your retinol, letting the retinol absorb first. This order helps keep your oily skin calm and hydrated while your skin adjusts to the retinol. Oily acne-prone skin needs a treatment that primarily targets breakouts with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, alongside lightweight, oil-controlling hydrators.

How often should I use this cream?

This treatment works well in the evening routine. Oily acne-prone skin needs a product that targets breakouts with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

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

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing agents that keep skin calm. However, an average fit for this skin type typically benefits more from products that directly target acne and breakouts alongside oil control.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and linalool). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

What the research says

  • Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

  • A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

  • Citrus junos callus extract decreased melanin content in melanocytes 1.85-fold compared with arbutin and promoted the proliferation of and procollagen synthesis by human fibroblasts by 154% and 176% at 500 μg/mL.

    Molecules, 2017

  • Yuja-peel fractions (ethyl acetate, hexane, and butanol) inhibited MMP expression, induced moisturizing factors filaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase, and decreased melanin content in UVB-irradiated HaCaT, HDF, and α-MSH-treated B16F10 cells.

    Antioxidants, 2022

  • Upcycled low-molecular-weight anionic peptides from Citrus junos seeds protected UVR-irradiated keratinocytes and reconstructed skin tissue by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing paracrine cytokines, inhibiting melanin synthesis and TRP-2 expression, and increasing filaggrin, laminin-5, and type I collagen expression.

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Glutathione amino acid precursors effectively increase cellular glutathione levels, reducing oxidative stress, ATP depletion, and DNA damage in human keratinocytes, clinical subjects, and ex vivo skin compared to controls.

    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024

  • Topical oxidized glutathione significantly decreases the skin melanin index and improves moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity compared to placebo in healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014

  • Topical glutathione improves hyperpigmentation, reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema and wrinkles, decreases transepidermal water loss, and enhances antioxidant capacity.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025

Why other serums fit oily acne-prone skin better

  • Adapalene 0.1%-benzoyl peroxide 2.5% fixed-dose combination gel provided significantly greater, synergistic efficacy and a faster onset of action compared with the vehicle, adapalene monotherapy, and benzoyl peroxide monotherapy in patients with acne vulgaris.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 2009

  • Topical benzoyl peroxide 5% gel treatment improved acne severity, sebum, stratum corneum hydration, and transepidermal water loss, while significantly reducing microbial diversity and the prevalence of Cutibacterium in 33 patients with acne vulgaris.

    Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

  • 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

Ingredients

Water, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Polydecene, Glyceryl Stearate, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Methicone, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Cyclohexasiloxane, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tromethamine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyglycerin-3, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Panthenol, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tranexamic Acid, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Butylene Glycol, Guar Gum, Ubiquinone, Tetrasodium Edta, Agar, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Glutathione, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Linalool

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?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play