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PURA D'OR 20% Vitamin C Serum for oily skin

Average

  • AverageOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for oily skin; other serums fit it 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

  • Offers moderate brightening for your oily skin due to ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, which provide antioxidant activity but do not fully address your primary concern of oily shine.
  • Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate offer general hydration benefits, which are supportive but not directly targeted at managing excess oil.
  • The product is safe for your oily skin, as it lacks harsh ingredients and poses no 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

★4.6Overall rating based on 32.6k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this serum is highly regarded for improving skin radiance, firmness, and texture, making it a popular choice for those targeting signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. While it is generally well-tolerated by various skin types, users emphasize the importance of consistent use and proper sun protection due to its active ingredients.

Highlights

  • Brightens skin Mostly Mentioned
    • “Complexion is brighter”
    • “noticeable glow”
    • “radiant appearance”
  • Great value Often Mentioned
    • “Generous amount”
    • “affordable price”
    • “lasts a long time”
  • Reduces lines Often Mentioned
    • “Softened fine lines”
    • “wrinkles less noticeable”
    • “firmer skin”
  • Oxidizes over time Often Mentioned
    • “Turns yellow/brown”
    • “loses effectiveness”
    • “must use quickly”
  • Lightweight texture Sometimes Noted
    • “Absorbs quickly”
    • “not greasy”
    • “no sticky residue”
  • Strong scent Sometimes Noted
    • “Noticeable chemical smell”
    • “citrus scent too strong”
    • “off-putting”
  • Packaging issues Rarely Noted
    • “Pump dispenser concerns”
    • “hard to finish bottle”
  • Potential irritation Rarely Noted
    • “Slight tingling”
    • “too intense for some”
    • “not for beginners”

Sources: lovi.care, purador.com, walmart.com, influenster.com, youtube.com, hwahae.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does PURA D'OR 20% Vitamin C Serum work for oily skin?

This serum works moderately well for oily skin by providing brightening and antioxidants, though it does not fully control excess shine. To better manage oily skin, a treatment of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to control sebum and target enlarged pores while keeping skin comfortable and balanced.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?

Ascorbic acid and ferulic acid make this serum a moderate fit for your oily skin by providing antioxidant protection and brightening, though it is missing ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA that directly control excess oil and shine.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008

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 Hyaluronic Acid do for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and sebum production without causing irritation. Clinical studies show it successfully balances oil levels while keeping the skin comfortable.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017

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

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Oily skin works best with products that provide lightweight hydration and ingredients specifically targeted at managing excess oil.

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

You can use this vitamin C serum with niacinamide by applying the vitamin C first and following with niacinamide once it absorbs. This combination is generally safe for oily skin, though this specific product needs ingredients that directly manage excess oil to be a better fit.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

How often should I use this serum?

You can use this treatment in your evening routine, applying it once a week at first and carefully increasing frequency if your skin tolerates it well. It is unlikely to cause irritation and helps improve brightness and texture.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014

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 has a safe profile without harsh ingredients that irritate. However, a product for this skin needs oil-balancing and shine-controlling ingredients to fully manage excess oil.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
  • A topical antioxidant solution of 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha-tocopherol, and 0.5% ferulic acid provides significant photoprotection against solar-simulated UV radiation in human skin compared to its vehicle.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008
  • Pretreatment with a topical antioxidant mixture of vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin attenuated ultraviolet-induced sunburn cell formation, thymine dimer formation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, p53 protein expression, and the suppression of CD1a-expressing Langerhans cells in human skin compared to vehicle control.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008
  • 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 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 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
  • 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
  • Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity.

    Journal of Controlled Release, 2018
  • Treatment with 14% ferulic acid and 12% l-ascorbic acid significantly reduced pigmentation and erythema while improving hydration and elasticity in 20 women with photoaged skin, with neither acid proving definitively more effective overall though ascorbic acid showed slightly greater skin lightening.

    Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
  • Combining fractional microneedle radiofrequency with a topical antioxidant serum significantly reduced wrinkle severity by 29.9% versus 18.0%, increased elasticity by 12.9% versus 2.3%, and improved aesthetic outcomes in 31 participants compared to radiofrequency and placebo.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
  • Topical ferulic acid-containing formulations effectively reduce skin erythema, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging in adults compared to baseline or alternative conditions.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025
  • A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events.

    Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
  • Topical application of an argan oil NLC-based hydrogel formulation increased skin hydration in healthy volunteers over a one-month period through a synergistic effect of NLC occlusion and argan oil hydration.

    International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014
  • Incorporating allantoin into argan oil enriched liposomes improved its accumulation in the dermis (~8.7μg/cm(2)) and permeation through the skin (~33μg/cm(2)) compared to conventional liposomes, water dispersion, and a commercial gel.

    International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2016

Why other serums fit oily skin better

  • A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Ingredients

Decolorized Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ascorbic Acid, Propanediol, Witch Hazel Bark Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract White Jelly Mushroom Extract, Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ferulic Acid, Dimethyl Sulfone, Tocopherol Vitamin E, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Argan Kernel Oil, Retinol Vitamin A, Jojoba Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Phytic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Polysorbate 20

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.

How does it fit your skin?

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How does it fit your skin?

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