innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum for combination skin
Green Tea Enzymes
Ascorbic Acid
Niacinamide
Sodium Hyaluronate
Glutathione
Superior
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best serums for combination skin.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. 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
- Excellent suitability for your combination skin and oily shine concerns, as 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Niacinamide effectively target oil control and brightening. Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate further enhances this effect by providing potent antioxidant activity and melanogenesis regulation.
- The inclusion of Allantoin and Madecassoside offers significant soothing benefits, complementing the brightening action and ensuring comfort for your skin.
- This formula is safe for your skin, with no risk of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of beneficial compounds.
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 .
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 1.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this serum is highly praised for its gentle, lightweight formula that effectively brightens dull complexions and fades dark spots without causing irritation, making it a favorite for sensitive skin. Most users report a radiant glow and improved skin texture. A small number of users experienced breakouts or found the product slightly sticky or slow to show dramatic results.
Highlights
Lightweight formula Mostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly”
- “watery texture”
- “not sticky”
- “lightweight formula”
- “sinks in quickly”
Brightens skin Often Mentioned
- “instant glow”
- “faded dark spots”
- “brighter complexion”
- “glass skin effect”
- “radiant look”
Gentle on skin Often Mentioned
- “no irritation”
- “good for beginners”
- “didn't burn”
- “soothing”
- “safe for sensitive skin”
Hydrating Sometimes Noted
- “hydrates deeply”
- “plumped skin”
- “doesn't feel dry”
- “moisturizing”
- “good hydration”
Improves texture Sometimes Noted
- “smoother texture”
- “softens skin”
- “refined pores”
- “even skin tone”
- “makeup applies smoothly”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “broke me out”
- “caused redness”
- “tiny bumps”
- “bad reaction”
- “irritated my skin”
Expensive Rarely Noted
- “pricey”
- “expensive for size”
- “small bottle”
- “average value”
- “finish quickly”
Slow results Rarely Noted
- “didn't do anything”
- “no difference”
- “slow progress”
- “not strong enough”
- “expected more”
Sticky residue Rarely Noted
- “tad sticky”
- “oily sheen”
- “tacky finish”
- “sticky feeling”
- “greasy residue”
Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
- “herbal scent”
- “fragrance added”
- “smell isn't great”
- “strong scent”
- “dislike the smell”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, nykaa.com, influenster.com, yesstyle.com, spacenk.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum one of the best fits for combination skin?
This serum is one of the best fits because 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate effectively target oily shine and brighten the skin. Allantoin and Madecassoside also help soothe the skin and keep it comfortable without causing irritation.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?
This serum is a great fit for combination skin because 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, and Niacinamide help control oily shine and brighten the skin. Additionally, Allantoin and Madecassoside keep the skin calm and comfortable.
What does Green Tea Extract do for combination skin?
Green tea extract helps calm combination skin and keeps oil in check while soothing dry areas. It may also help reduce breakouts and improve skin clarity by targeting inflammation.
What does Vitamin C do for combination skin?
Vitamin C helps brighten dull areas and smooth out uneven texture on combination skin while protecting against daily environmental stress. It may also help keep pores clear and skin firm by supporting collagen production, though drier spots may need an added moisturizer to stay comfortable.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This serum goes in your evening routine, as treatments fit best then for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. It is applied after cleansing and toning, and before your moisturizer.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying this treatment first and following with your retinol on alternating nights or in separate routines to keep your skin calm. This formula is unlikely to cause irritation and helps brighten dark spots while managing oily shine.
How often should I use this serum?
This serum is used in the evening for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure, starting once a week to see how your skin responds. People who tolerate it well and see good results may carefully use it more often.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on combination skin, as it features a safe formula with low reviewer complaints and soothing ingredients like allantoin and madecassoside that help keep skin calm. It also contains gentle exfoliants like gluconolactone and green tea enzymes which are unlikely to cause heavy purging.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
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, 2002A multi-component dissolving microneedle patch loaded with glabridin, 3-O-ethyl-L-ascorbic acid, and tranexamic acid effectively reduced chloasma and age spots while demonstrating safety in clinical evaluation, alongside significant antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and melanin-reduction effects in vitro and in vivo.
Polymers, 2023Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023Hyaluronic acid extracts are safe and efficacious products for skin repair when used in tissue regeneration alone or in combination with herbal or Western medicine.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Topical 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, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical 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, 2022Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005Topical 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, 2011Topical 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, 2022Treatment 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, 2019Glutathione amino acid precursors effectively increase cellular glutathione levels, reducing oxidative stress, ATP depletion, and DNA damage in human keratinocytes, clinical subjects, and ex vivo skin compared to controls.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024Topical oxidized glutathione significantly decreases the skin melanin index and improves moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity compared to placebo in healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014Topical glutathione improves hyperpigmentation, reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema and wrinkles, decreases transepidermal water loss, and enhances antioxidant capacity.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025
Ingredients
Water, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus Lysate Ferment, Squalane, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Dextrin, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Gluconolactone, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract Tangerine Peel Extract, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract Carrot Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Metaphosphate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Cyclodextrin, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside, Hydrogenated Poly C6-20 Olefin, Protease, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Glutathione, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Hdi Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Beta-Carotene, Ferulic Acid
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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