# Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser for acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [Image Skincare](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/image-skincare)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/cleansers)

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

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

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts due to the presence of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Retinyl Palmitate, which support skin health for your combination skin. Glycerin and Caprylic Capric Triglyceride provide humectant and emollient actions, though additional ingredients would optimize results for all areas of your combination skin.
- The cleansing action is excellent, with decyl glucoside and coco-caprylate caprate effectively decongesting pores without causing irritation.
- The safety profile is good, with no risks of irritation for your acne-prone skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components like Glycerin and Tocopherol.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/mature-skin): Superior
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate Vitamin E, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Grape Seed Extract

## 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, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/))
- Retinyl palmitate ethosomal hydrogel reduced non-inflammatory and total acne lesion counts significantly better than marketed tretinoin while improving tolerability with minimal skin irritation in patients with acne vulgaris. ([International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211271/))
- Combined 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- 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/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Over-the-counter retinol products provided only weak evidence for a mild ameliorating effect on fine facial skin wrinkle lines in randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials, and major methodological flaws call the validity of positive results into question. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34980969/))
- A cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate regimen significantly improved periorbital wrinkle appearance relative to a 0.02% tretinoin regimen at 8 weeks with comparable benefits at 24 weeks, while demonstrating significantly better tolerability in 196 women. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20374604/))
- A novel triple-active cosmetic formulation containing 4-hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to 0.02% tretinoin and reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing in female adults while causing less skin irritation. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38685700/))
- 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/))
- Topical CE Ferulic plus resveratrol BE serum following ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment reduced erythema index (308.9 vs. 325.3), shortened complete scabbing detachment time (6.0 vs. 6.5 days), decreased melanin index (-7.4% vs. +0.2%), and improved skin hydration compared to normal saline in 51 Chinese patients. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38828801/))
- Resveratrol cream improved skin hydration and tightening compared to cream without resveratrol in a group of probands. ([Acta Biochimica Polonica, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31518087/))
- Topical application of a water-in-oil emulsion containing 2% Muscat hamburg grape seed extract significantly improved melanin, elasticity, and sebum content compared to a placebo in human volunteers over 8 weeks, with no reported skin hypersensitivity. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25402429/))

## What reviewers say

While the potent citrus scent and lotion-like texture are favorites for most, some users with oily skin or those who prefer a sudsy lather may find it leaves a residue or fails to feel "clean" enough.

- Liked: Deeply hydrating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle on sensitive skin (often mentioned)
- Liked: Invigorating citrus scent (often mentioned)
- Liked: Creamy texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Effective makeup removal (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Does not lather (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging pump issues (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Leaves residue (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it.
- This cleanser is the first step in your morning routine and the second step after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Always follow up with a toner and moisturizer .
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face in circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help it work effectively against breakouts. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water .
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser work for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser works for your acne-prone skin, though other products fit it better. It helps clear breakouts with vitamin forms and leaves your skin feeling calm and smooth, but this skin type needs a cleanser with powerful ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to fully balance oily and dry areas.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211271/)

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

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate and retinyl palmitate make this cleanser a good fit for acne-prone skin because they help clear breakouts and support overall skin health. To work best for this skin type, a product of this type also needs powerful ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid to balance oil and moisture.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/), [International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211271/)

### What does Vitamin C do for acne-prone skin?

Vitamin C helps brighten skin, smooth out uneven tones, and fade dark spots left behind by breakouts. It is also packed with antioxidants that may help protect acne-prone skin from everyday environmental stress.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37128827/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39231081/)

### What does Glycerin do for acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep acne-prone skin hydrated and calm without clogging pores or feeling heavy. It supports the skin barrier so it stays soft and smooth while handling everyday treatments.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [International Journal of Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/)

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

This cleanser fits in both your morning and evening routines, used right after your makeup remover at night. It helps clear pores without causing irritation, though acne-prone skin needs extra targeted ingredients and treatments to fully optimize your results.

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

You can use this cleanser in the same routine as your retinol, applying the cleanser first to wash your face before putting on your retinol treatment. It is unlikely to cause irritation for your acne-prone skin since it cleans pores gently and includes soothing ingredients.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. It gently washes away impurities and clears out pores without causing irritation, though acne-prone skin needs additional targeted treatments and balancing ingredients to achieve the best results.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for acne-prone skin because it gently washes away buildup without causing irritation, though a cleanser for this skin also needs ingredients that deeply clear pores and balance oil.

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this cleanser on your body and around the eyes because its gentle cleansing agents decongest pores safely without causing irritation. For the thin skin around the eyes and on the body, a product of this type needs soothing ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E along with gentle cleansers to keep skin comfortable.

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and eugenol). Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €21.00 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €79.88 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/daily-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €13.45 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.90 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.20 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €16.75 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate Dicaprate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Limonene, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycereth-26, C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Clove Oil Leaf, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Yeast Polysaccharides, Sodium Hydroxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Grape Seed Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Root Extract Leaf, Pentylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Superoxide Dismutase, Phenoxyethanol, Eugenol
## 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/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/image-skincare/vital-c-hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin