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Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Antioxidant-C Serum for dry sensitive skin

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

Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Antioxidant-C Serum

High

  • HighDry Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for dry sensitive skin; a few serums fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. 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

  • Highly suitable for your dry and sensitive skin as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Niacinamide offer excellent brightening and antioxidant benefits while strengthening the skin barrier.
  • Glycerin and erythritol provide essential humectant action, deeply hydrating your dry or flaky skin and enhancing overall comfort.
  • The formulation is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use this PM routine for your evening skincare. Start using the serum 3 times a week and increase to daily use if your skin feels comfortable.
  • Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer. This step locks in deep hydration for dry skin.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin using your palms. Let it absorb completely for a minute ⏱ before applying your next product.
  • Since your skin is sensitive, apply the serum on completely dry skin for better tolerance and less irritation.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Always do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well.

People Say

★4.2Overall rating based on 400+ reviews

This serum is highly regarded for its gentle formulation, effectively addressing dullness, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Most users appreciate its quick absorption and the resulting brighter, more radiant complexion. Some users, however, have noted an unpleasant scent and occasional issues with product oxidation or a sticky feel.

Highlights

  • Gentle on skin Often Mentioned
    • “very effective yet gentle on skin”
    • “didn't break me out and it's gentle”
    • “Suitable for sensitive and delicate skin, did not cause irritation”
    • “clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin”
  • Absorbs quickly Sometimes Noted
    • “absorbs quickly and layers nicely”
    • “applies smoothly without leaving a sticky residue”
    • “Texture is thick enough but not too much”
    • “Doesn't leave a sticky feeling”
  • Fades dark spots Sometimes Noted
    • “post acne marks faded out”
    • “dark spots are diminishing”
    • “solved my concerns on blemishes”
    • “visibly reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation”
  • Improves radiance Sometimes Noted
    • “my skin feels smoother and more radiant”
    • “My skin is also brighter”
    • “Enhances skin's overall glow”
    • “immediate luminosity from the particles”
  • Unpleasant smell Sometimes Noted
    • “I couldn't get past the smell”
    • “smelled very weird like burnt coffee”
    • “Why does it smell like maple syrup??”
    • “The smell made me nauseated”
  • Arrives oxidized Rarely Noted
    • “product is in deep orange color”
    • “tube has an orange smudge in it”
    • “i got it oxidised so it won't work”
    • “This product it has gone bad”
  • Can feel sticky Rarely Noted
    • “wait for it to completely dry... or it'll become sticky”
    • “Some users feel the serum is too thick”
    • “leaves a sticky feeling if not dried”

Sources: lovi.care, cetaphil.com, walmart.com, influenster.com, iherb.com, skinsort.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Cetaphil Antioxidant-C Serum a great fit for dry sensitive skin?

This serum is a great fit because sodium ascorbyl phosphate and niacinamide brighten the skin and strengthen the barrier, while glycerin deeply hydrates dry areas to make the skin feel much more comfortable. The gentle formula is also safe and unlikely to cause irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry sensitive skin?

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate and niacinamide are a great fit for your dry sensitive skin because they brighten and protect while strengthening your skin barrier. Glycerin and erythritol also deeply hydrate flaky skin and enhance your overall comfort without causing irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

What does Niacinamide do for dry sensitive skin?

Niacinamide helps dry sensitive skin by calming irritation and keeping moisture locked in so your face feels soft and smooth. It works to build up your skin barrier and calm redness while being very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2013

What does Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate do for dry sensitive skin?

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate helps calm blemish-prone areas and prevents oil oxidation, but for dry sensitive skin it may not provide enough rich moisture or barrier support. A product of this type needs added soothing ingredients and heavy moisturizing agents like ceramides or nourishing plant oils to keep dry sensitive skin comfortable and smooth.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005

Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This serum goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. Putting it in the evening keeps things simple and helps avoid any extra sensitivity around sun exposure.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum in your morning routine and your retinol at night to avoid irritation. This approach helps brighten your skin and keep it comfortable while your nighttime routine handles cell renewal.

How often should I use this serum?

You can use this treatment in your evening routine, applying it after your toner and before your moisturizer. It is safe for your skin with no risks of irritation, making it gentle enough for regular use.

Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores, cause breakouts, or lead to purging on dry sensitive skin. Its formulation is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients, and features hydrating and skin-strengthening components that help keep your skin comfortable.

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol).

What the research says

  • Transdermal emulgel preparations containing 5% ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate both effectively reduced wrinkle depth and enhanced skin elasticity in human volunteers with no statistically significant difference between them.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

  • 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 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2008

  • Topical 2% niacinamide significantly decreased sebum excretion rate in Japanese individuals and casual sebum levels in Caucasian individuals compared to placebo or baseline.

    Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006

  • A non-hydroquinone topical formulation (SKNB19) improved hyperpigmentation by 28.5% in patient self-assessment and 27% in independent reviewer assessment compared with 4% hydroquinone in 18 adult subjects, while showing significantly less irritation and better tolerability.

    Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020

  • Lectins and niacinamide reversibly inhibit melanosome transfer to keratinocytes without affecting cell viability, and topical niacinamide reduces facial hyperpigmented spots in a dose-dependent and reversible manner.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2005

  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001

  • Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012

  • Topical application of Malva sylvestris hydroalcoholic extract and its constituent malvidin 3-glucoside reduced ear oedema, polymorphonuclear cell influx, and interleukin-1beta levels in mice with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate-induced ear inflammation.

    Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2013

  • Topical application of hydroalcoholic extract of Malva sylvestris reduced oedema, leukocyte migration, and keratinocyte hyperproliferation in a mouse ear model of chronic skin inflammation induced by multiple applications of TPA, and caused low toxicity and reduced cell proliferation by apoptosis in HaCaT keratinocytes.

    Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie, 2017

  • Topical administration of Malva sylvestris 1% aqueous extract improved cutaneous wound healing with less fibrosis, less scar formation, and less hair follicle damage compared to control groups in male BALB/c mice.

    Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 2015

Ingredients

Water, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Alcohol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Pca, Caprylyl Glycol, Malva Sylvestris Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Flower Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Veronica Officinalis Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Erythritol, Chondrus Crispus, Grapefruit Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbic Acid, Lemon Peel Extract, Bht

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

How does it fit your skin?

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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