# ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [ISDIN](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/isdin)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/best/serums)

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

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

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your oily skin and acne concerns, as niacinamide helps regulate sebum and retinal promotes skin renewal, though the concentration may not be optimal for significant anti-aging effects.
- The inclusion of bakuchiol and Vigna aconitifolia seed extract provides additional support for skin texture and hydration, complementing the primary actives.
- The product is safe for your skin, with soothing ingredients like Melatonin and Rosemary Leaf Extract and no harsh or prohibited substances.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Retinaldehyde, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

## What the research says

- Twice daily application of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams for 3 months improved skin texture and hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in 40 female Korean volunteers, with only the 0.1% cream significantly improving the melanin index. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29663701/))
- Topical retinaldehyde demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria both in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased bacterial counts without inducing resistance. ([Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12218231/))
- Topical 0.05% retinaldehyde applied over 1 year significantly increased epidermal thickness of the temple and cutaneous elasticity compared to an emollient control group in 40 aging skin patients. ([Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/))
- 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 bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and mannitol improves inflammatory lesions, Investigator Global Assessment, and seborrhea intensity when added to adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25914553/))
- Topical application of a serum containing supramolecular Bakuchiol and Terminalia chebula extract significantly improved barrier function, reduced redness and sensitivity, and improved wrinkles and elasticity in 34 Chinese subjects with sensitive skin after 28 days. ([Health Science Reports, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41424674/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate. ([Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))
- 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/))
- Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10 significantly increased type III collagen levels in human dermal fibroblasts following UV exposure, with their combination demonstrating a greater effect in vitro and enhancing type I, III, and IV collagen levels in ex vivo skin tissues compared to individual components. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42683869/))

## What reviewers say

Based on limited data, users highly praise this biphasic night serum for its ability to smooth skin texture and soften fine lines, with many noting it's gentle and non-irritating, even for sensitive skin. While most users experience positive anti-aging results and appreciate its elegant texture, some find the price point to be high and a few report a short shelf life or slow results for deeper wrinkles.

- Liked: Gentle & non-irritating (often mentioned)
- Liked: Smoother skin texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Elegant texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Visible anti-aging (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial mild irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Short shelf life (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slow results for some (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does ISDIN Retinal Intense work for oily acne-prone skin?

ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum offers moderate benefits for your oily acne-prone skin because niacinamide helps balance oil while retinal promotes skin renewal. It is safe and may help improve your skin texture, though a treatment of this type needs more targeted oil-controlling ingredients and optimal active concentrations to be a better fit for your skin.

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

Niacinamide, retinaldehyde, bakuchiol, and melatonin make this serum a fit for oily acne-prone skin by helping regulate oil, renewing skin, and keeping it calm. This type of skin needs effective ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C that control oil, hydrate, and brighten without heavy or pore-clogging components, along with soothing extracts.

### What does Retinal do for oily acne-prone skin?

Retinal helps clear clogged pores, reduces bumps and pimples, and helps balance oil production for oily, acne-prone skin. It is generally well tolerated when used regularly as part of an acne skincare routine.
Sources: [Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10564319/), [European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25219827/)

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

Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/)

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

This serum goes in your evening routine, applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. Oily acne-prone skin needs a treatment with ingredients that regulate oil and promote gentle skin renewal, alongside soothing elements to keep the skin calm.

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

It is best to use this serum and AHAs on alternate nights rather than together to avoid making your skin very dry and irritated. Applying both at the same time may overwhelm oily acne-prone skin with too much active exfoliation.

### How often should I use this serum?

Use this treatment in the evening, starting once a week to see how your skin adjusts. If it tolerates the product well without irritation, you may gradually use it more often as part of your nightly routine.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38406974/), [Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24488631/)

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin, as it contains soothing ingredients and safe substances, though you may experience mild initial purging or irritation as retinal promotes skin renewal.

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

It contains fragrance (parfum) and drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €35.10 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €34.95 at Amazon
- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €24.75 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €29.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.16 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.47 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.it: €69.00 (https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0BD9DK6SC?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 4 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Dibutyl Adipate, Niacinamide, Isoamyl Laurate, Lauryl Peg Ppg-18 18 Methicone, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Alcohol Denat, Bakuchiol, 2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Ethylcellulose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Melatonin, Retinal Retinaldehyde, Silica, Disodium Edta, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Ci 77891 Titanium Dioxide, Ascorbic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tin Oxide, Chrysin
## 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/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin