Anua Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum for oily skin
Ascorbic Acid
Green Lemon Extract
Niacinamide
Glutathione
Sodium Hyaluronate
High
- AverageOily Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for oily skin; a few serums fit it even 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
- This serum offers moderate suitability for your oily skin, as niacinamide and Barosma Betulina leaf extract help regulate sebum, while sodium ascorbyl phosphate targets blemishes and brightens your complexion.
- The inclusion of humectants like sodium hyaluronate provides hydration, which is beneficial for maintaining skin balance, though it may not fully address excessive oiliness.
- The product is safe for your skin, with soothing ingredients like Alpha-Bisabolol and Allantoin minimizing irritation risks.
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
★4.3Overall rating based on 400+ reviewsUsers report significant skin brightening and a reduction in dark spots and hyperpigmentation, with many seeing results within a few weeks. The product is noted for improving skin texture and providing a hydrating, glowing finish. A major drawback is the product's instability, leading to rapid oxidation and a short shelf life, often requiring refrigeration. Many also find the texture sticky and the scent unpleasant.
Highlights
Brightens skin Mostly Mentioned
- “visible reduction in dark spots”
- “skin tone is much fairer”
- “noticeably brighter and clearer complexion”
Rapid oxidation Mostly Mentioned
- “oxidizes pretty quickly”
- “change in colour after 1 month”
- “only has 3 months shelf life”
Sticky texture Often Mentioned
- “texture is relatively richer and stickier”
- “feels slightly sticky after application”
- “adheres to skin but feels thin”
Fast results Sometimes Noted
- “difference after just 2 weeks”
- “worked its magic over a short period”
- “immediate results”
Hydrating glow Sometimes Noted
- “gives healthy skin and glow”
- “leaves everything feeling hydrated”
- “glass skin effect”
Improves texture Sometimes Noted
- “pores around my nose are smaller”
- “skin feels so smooth”
- “lifting effect on sagging skin”
Inconvenient storage Sometimes Noted
- “troublesome to use -> need to refrigerate”
- “refrigerating it is a pain”
- “hard to remember to put back”
Unpleasant scent Sometimes Noted
- “smells like rotten orange”
- “iconic metallic scent”
- “bitter smell than normal lemon”
Potential irritation Rarely Noted
- “felt my skin getting worse”
- “tingling sensation”
- “acne marks got darker”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, stylekorean.com, skinsort.com, hikoco.co.nz, yesstyle.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Anua Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum a great fit for oily skin?
This serum is a great fit because niacinamide and Barosma Betulina leaf extract help manage oil, while sodium ascorbyl phosphate targets blemishes to brighten your complexion. Sodium hyaluronate adds lightweight hydration to keep skin balanced, and soothing ingredients like Alpha-Bisabolol and Allantoin help keep irritation away.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009Drug Research, 2017
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?
This serum is a good fit for oily skin because niacinamide and Barosma Betulina leaf extract help regulate sebum, while sodium ascorbyl phosphate targets blemishes and brightens your complexion. It also includes soothing ingredients like Alpha-Bisabolol and Allantoin to help minimize irritation risks.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009Drug Research, 2017
What does Vitamin C do for oily skin?
Vitamin C helps brighten skin tone and smooth texture while providing antioxidant protection that prevents sebum oxidation. For oily skin, this type of product typically needs to be paired with oil-controlling or pore-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid or plant extracts.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
What does Green Lemon Extract do for oily skin?
Green Lemon Extract helps calm oily skin by fighting blemish-causing bacteria and protecting against irritation. It provides great antioxidant benefits that support a clear, smooth complexion.
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine, placed after cleansing and before moisturizing. Putting treatments in the evening provides simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum alongside retinol, but it is best to apply them on alternate nights or separate times of day to keep your skin calm. Using active vitamin C products and retinol together may increase the chance of dryness or irritation.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this treatment in your evening routine, applying it after your cleansing toner and before your moisturizer. Some serums with active ingredients may also be used in the morning or twice a day, depending on how your skin responds.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as it features soothing ingredients that help minimize irritation risks. However, because it has a sticky texture, you may want to apply a thin layer to avoid feeling heavy on your skin.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene, linalool, and citral).
What the research says
Topical combination of 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate and 0.2% retinol reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 29.28% at 4 weeks and 63.10% at 8 weeks, outperforming either agent alone.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009Combined ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate treatment significantly reduced facial sebum secretions in healthy female volunteers compared to a placebo control over 90 days.
Drug Research, 2017A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020Topical 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, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical 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, 2022Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005Glutathione 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, 2024Topical 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, 2014Topical glutathione improves hyperpigmentation, reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema and wrinkles, decreases transepidermal water loss, and enhances antioxidant capacity.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025Topical 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, 2011Topical 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, 2022Treatment 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
Ingredients
Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Hydroxide, C12-14 Alketh-12, Alpha-Bisabolol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Water, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Glycerin, Glutathione, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil Flower, Litsea Cubeba Oil Fruit, Adenosine, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Disodium Edta, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Spearmint Oil Leaf, Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, N-Butyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sorbitol, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Glyceryl Stearates, Beta-Carotene, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Thioctic Acid, Lycopodium Clavatum Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Pyridoxine, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Ceramide Np, Ubiquinone, Cyanocobalamin, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Linoleic Acid, Hesperidin, Ergothioneine, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
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
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