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innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule for acne-prone skin

Average

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. 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 benefits for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts due to the presence of retinol and salicylic acid, which promote exfoliation and reduce inflammation for your combination skin.
  • Niacinamide and beta-glucan provide soothing effects and help regulate sebum, contributing to overall skin comfort and balance.
  • The product is safe for your acne-prone skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh ingredients and a good profile of soothing components.

How to apply

  • Use your serum as part of your PM routine and start 3x/week before working up to daily use.
  • Apply this treatment after cleansing and toner, and before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
  • Apply the product on clean, dry skin to help manage your breakouts safely.
  • Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 5.0k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this ampoule is highly recommended as a gentle introduction to retinol, particularly for sensitive skin. Users frequently report that it effectively hydrates and soothes, leading to smoother texture and fewer blemishes without causing irritation. However, individuals with advanced retinol experience may find the concentration too low for significant anti-aging effects, and some note that results can be subtle and require patience.

Highlights

  • Extremely gentle formula Mostly Mentioned
    • “0.0 irritation response for sensitive skin”
    • “super gentle, didn't dry out my skin”
    • “good beginner intro to retinol”
    • “no stinging sensation”
  • Hydrating and moisturizing Often Mentioned
    • “leaves my skin very moisturized”
    • “hydrating formula”
    • “feels like a regular moisture serum”
    • “skin felt hydrated and plump”
  • Lightweight absorption Often Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly”
    • “lightweight and cooling”
    • “non-sticky finish”
    • “glides on like butter”
  • Improves texture/blemishes Sometimes Noted
    • “smoothed out tiny bumps”
    • “faded blemishes slightly”
    • “pores looked smaller”
    • “reduced redness from mask-wearing”
  • Slow or subtle results Sometimes Noted
    • “didn't notice much difference”
    • “takes time to see effects”
    • “too weak for wrinkles”
    • “results are not dramatic”
  • Not for advanced Rarely Noted
    • “concentration is too low”
    • “did zilch for my skin”
    • “weak retinol”
    • “better for beginners only”
  • Pricey for amount Rarely Noted
    • “pricey for amount”
    • “wish they sold refills”
    • “expensive for the size”
    • “quantity is too less”

Sources: lovi.care, yesstyle.com, oliveyoung.com, reddit.com, sephora.in, nykaa.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Innisfree Retinol Cica Ampoule work for acne-prone skin?

This treatment works moderately well for your acne-prone skin, providing gentle exfoliation and soothing benefits that help manage breakouts. It is safe and unlikely to cause irritation, though acne-prone skin typically does better with products that include calming ingredients like niacinamide or propolis alongside targeted blemish fighters to ensure ideal balance and hydration.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

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

This serum contains retinol and salicylic acid, which help clear pores and calm breakouts on acne-prone skin. It also includes niacinamide and centella asiatica to soothe and balance your skin. Acne-prone skin works best with products that contain soothing ingredients like niacinamide and zinc pca or propolis to control oil and provide hydration without irritation.

Molecules, 2023Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

What does Retinol do for acne-prone skin?

Retinol helps clear acne-prone skin by speeding up cell turnover and keeping pores clear. It may also help smooth out uneven texture and fade marks left by breakouts over time. While it is very effective, it is important to start slowly to reduce the likelihood of dry skin, scaling, or stinging.

Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2020Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2022

What does Centella Asiatica do for acne-prone skin?

Centella asiatica helps calm acne-prone skin by reducing redness and soothing inflammation while supporting healing. It may also help manage breakouts by addressing factors like acne blemishes and irritation.

Molecules, 2023Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Acne-prone skin needs a product that provides soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and niacinamide alongside gentle exfoliants to clear breakouts without causing irritation.

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

You can use this serum with vitamin C, but it is best to apply vitamin C in the morning and this treatment at night to keep your skin calm. Using them at different times of day helps prevent dryness and irritation while still giving your skin clear, smooth results.

How often should I use this serum?

This treatment fits your acne-prone skin as an average option, working best when applied in the evening. To keep your skin calm and balanced, this type of product needs exfoliating ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid along with soothing components to manage breakouts safely.

Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause harsh irritation, and may help clear breakouts with retinol and salicylic acid. Acne-prone skin often does better with a product that provides stronger targeted blemish control and oil regulation.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023BioMed Research International, 2020

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
  • A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.

    BioMed Research International, 2020
  • Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
  • Skin care regimens containing beta-glucan improved hemoglobin index, skin hydration, and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in 20 patients undergoing fractional laser therapy.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Co-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, 2023
  • 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
  • Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.

    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020
  • 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
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Vp Copolymer, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cholesterol, Allantoin, Soybean Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Propanediol, Carrot Extract, Ethylhexyl-Glycerin, Adenosine, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Asiatic Acid, Retinol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mannitol, Ceramide Np, Beta-Glucan, Beta-Carotene, Phytosphingosine, Bht, Salicylic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11

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?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.