# Skinbetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [Skinbetter Science](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/skinbetter-science)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your combination skin, with Niacinamide and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate providing antioxidant protection and general hydration, though these are not specifically targeted for oily shine concerns.
- The formula is highly suitable for combination skin due to ingredients like Niacinamide and Chlorogenic Acids, which offer antioxidant activity and seboregulation.
- The product is safe for your skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like Bisabolol and Licorice Root Extract to prevent irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin): Average (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ergothioneine, Superoxide Dismutase

## What the research says

- Topical formulations containing ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, coenzyme Q10, green tea polyphenols, and resveratrol reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines and attenuated inflammatory signs compared to untreated skin and vehicle in 25 Japanese volunteers exposed to sodium dodecyl sulfate. ([European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/))
- Chlorogenic acid-functionalized silver nanoparticles of Citrus sinensis in a gel matrix achieved a particle size of 71.78 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 79.42%, providing an effective drug carrier system for the topical treatment of acne. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36606381/))
- 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 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- A targeted skincare regimen containing active ingredients such as rhodophyceae extract, ergothioneine, and L-carnosine significantly reduced transepidermal water loss by 24.09%, improved skin elasticity, and decreased redness, dryness, and desquamation in thirty-five female Chinese participants over 4 weeks following advanced optimal pulse technology treatment. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40497421/))
- A triple combination of ergothioneine, collagen peptides, and sodium hyaluronate attenuated UV-induced skin damage ex vivo and improved facial skin hydration, elasticity, barrier function, and wrinkles in Chinese women. ([Frontiers in Nutrition, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42698538/))
- Ergothioneine at nanomolar concentrations ameliorated UVA-induced skin damage, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis in human keratinocyte-derived HaCaT cells by upregulating Nrf2/ARE-mediated antioxidant genes. ([Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26021820/))
- Topical application of TAT-SOD significantly suppresses UVB-induced erythema formation, blood flow rise, and apoptotic sunburn cell formation in human volunteers compared to a vehicle control. ([European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27460952/))
- Topical treatment with the synthetic SOD/catalase mimetic EUK-134 reduced lipid peroxide levels both at baseline on non-irradiated human skin and at the surface of UVA-exposed skin when applied before or after irradiation, compared to controls. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492138/))
- Topical superoxide dismutase formulations maintained physical stability and enzymatic activity for 6 months at 4 and 30 degrees C, and effectively inhibited UVB-induced skin erythema for 48 hours, whereas formulations combined with alpha-tocopherol were unstable. ([European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17196809/))

## Why other serums fit combination skin better

- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))

## What reviewers say

This serum is highly praised for its sophisticated formula that significantly enhances skin radiance, tone, and texture. Its elegant, non-tacky texture is frequently mentioned as a positive attribute, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines. The primary drawback noted by users is the high price point, with some experiencing low-frequency issues like dryness or a slight yellow residue.

- Liked: Elegant texture (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: High price point (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves radiance (often mentioned)
- Liked: Reduces redness (often mentioned)
- Liked: Non-irritating formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Potential dryness (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Rare reactions (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Yellow residue (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does skinbetter science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum work for combination skin?

This treatment works moderately well for combination skin by offering antioxidant protection and general hydration, though it is not specifically targeted for oily shine concerns. Combination skin of this type needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, and zinc PCA to provide balanced hydration and regulate oiliness without causing excess dryness or irritation.
Sources: [European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?

This serum fits your combination skin thanks to ingredients like niacinamide and chlorogenic acids that help balance oil and provide antioxidant protection. To work even better for this skin type, a product like this needs ingredients like propolis or zinc PCA to specifically target oily shine while keeping the skin balanced and calm.
Sources: [European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/)

### What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### What does Vitamin C do for combination skin?

Vitamin C helps brighten combination skin, smooth out uneven texture, and protect against daily environmental stress while keeping it balanced. It may also improve hydration and reduce redness in areas that tend to be dry or irritated.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/)

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

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Combination skin needs products with antioxidants and balancing ingredients like niacinamide and chlorogenic acids to help manage oil and protect the skin.

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

You may use this treatment alongside a retinol, applying the treatment first in your evening routine and following it with your moisturizer and retinol. This product is unlikely to cause irritation because it contains soothing ingredients like licorice root and bisabolol.

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment serum fits into your evening routine, where you can apply it safely after cleansing and before moisturizing. Combination skin works best with products that balance hydration while helping manage oily shine.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for combination skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like bisabolol and licorice root extract. However, because it offers moderate benefits that are not specifically targeted for oily shine, combination skin often needs a product that also provides oil control and targeted blemish-fighting ingredients.

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €37.99 at Amazon
- [Augustinus Bader The Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/augustinus-bader/the-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €380.10 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €129.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-althea/amino-acid-gentle-bubble-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €13.50 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [La Mer The Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-mer/the-tonic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €103.91 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/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €18.47 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Italy has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chlorogenic Acids, Niacinamide, Lauryl Lactate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Allyl Ester, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ergothioneine, Benzylidene Dimethoxydimethylindanone, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Carnosine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Grape Seed Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract Olive Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica Extract Cell Leaf Coffee Extract Cell Leaf, Crocus Sativus Extract Cell Leaf Culture, Superoxide Dismutase, Ubiquinone, Plankton Extract, Micrococcus Lysate, Arginine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Sea Whip Extract, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Pca, Pentylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Wax Seed Sunflower Wax Seed, Acacia Decurrens Wax Flower, Lecithin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Propanediol Dicaprylate Caprate, Polyglycerin-3, Ceteth-20 Phosphate, Diisostearyl Malate, Xanthan Gum, Steareth-2, Acacia Senegal Gum, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Carbomer, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dextran, Ricinoleth-40, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
## 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/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinbetter-science/alto-advanced-defense-and-repair-serum/for/combination-skin