# No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator for combination skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-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: [No7](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/no7)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/exfoliators)

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 exfoliants fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your combination skin due to alumina, but ingredients like glycerin and caprylic capric triglyceride provide general hydration and cleansing that are not specifically targeted for your oily shine.
- The formula is moderately suitable for combination skin, as it lacks sufficient humectants to adequately hydrate drier areas.
- The safety profile is good, with no risks of irritation for your combination skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin): Average (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Alumina, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Mineral Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride

## What the research says

- Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization. ([Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/))
- 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/))
- Both sodium chloride and aluminum oxide microdermabrasion altered the epidermal barrier by significantly increasing transepidermal water loss and hydration at 24 hours in eight patients. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12030870/))
- Aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion resulted in mild subjective and clinical improvement, increased skin temperature, decreased sebum content, temporary increased roughness, decreased skin stiffness, increased skin compliance, and histological vascular changes in ten subjects with photodamaged skin compared to baseline measurements. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11737128/))
- Aluminum oxide microdermabrasion facial treatments in eleven volunteers resulted in clinical improvements in dyschromia, actinic changes, and fine rhytides, along with epidermal and dermal histological changes, compared to controls. ([The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19753741/))
- 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/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups. ([Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/))
- A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428946/))
- Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17137484/))
- Repeated application of concentrated water-in-oil emulsions over four weeks caused no skin irritation, positively affected skin properties, and delivered almost 50% of the applied fluorescein sodium, with isopropyl myristate showing superior penetration performance compared to liquid paraffin in healthy volunteers. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31525444/))

## Why other exfoliants fit combination skin better

- Chemical peels with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid effectively treated acne and reduced facial sebum secretion while improving skin hydration and barrier function in 25 patients. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35073439/))
- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- Daily treatment with a facial serum containing multiple acids reduced post-inflammatory hyperchromia lesion grade and number by 29.4% at 56 days, and decreased skin oiliness by 30.7% at 7 days in Brazilian patients with acne vulgaris. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/))

## What reviewers say

Users with dullness, fine lines, and acne scars frequently report significantly smoother, softer, and more radiant skin, often comparing the results to professional treatments. While highly effective for refining texture and minimizing pores, the physical exfoliation can be too abrasive for sensitive or active acne-prone skin if not used with caution.

- Liked: Soft and smooth skin (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective deep exfoliation (often mentioned)
- Liked: Radiant and glowing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Refines pores and texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused redness/irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: No visible improvement (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Too harsh/abrasive (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Worsened skin condition (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliant product in your PM routine starting once a week, then increase frequency carefully if your skin feels fine.
- Apply this exfoliant step after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and wait a minute before layering.
- Apply the exfoliant to clean, dry skin to help control your oily shine comfortably.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator work for combination skin?

This exfoliant works moderately well for your combination skin by offering decent polishing from alumina, but it lacks targeted ingredients for oily shine and enough hydrating ingredients for drier areas. Combination skin of this type needs a balanced product with effective ingredients that manage oil and refine pores while keeping dry spots hydrated without causing irritation.
Sources: [Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/)

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

Alumina makes this exfoliant a moderate fit for your combination skin by offering physical polishing, while glycerin and caprylic capric triglyceride provide basic hydration. However, this skin type needs products with targeted oil-controlling ingredients and stronger hydrating agents to properly balance drier patches and shiny areas without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/)

### What does Alumina do for combination skin?

Alumina helps manage combination skin by temporarily reducing oiliness and improving skin stiffness and compliance. However, a product of this type needs gentle balancing ingredients and hydrating agents to keep dry areas comfortable while controlling excess shine.
Sources: [Dermatologic Surgery, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11737128/)

### What does Glycerin do for combination skin?

Glycerin helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by pulling moisture in and keeping it there. It improves hydration and supports your skin barrier, which is unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This product goes into a weekly routine as an exfoliating step, typically used once a week to start. Combination skin needs an exfoliator that balances moderate smoothing for oily shine with enough hydrating ingredients to keep drier areas comfortable.

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

You can use this exfoliant in the same routine as retinol, but you should apply the exfoliant first, wait for it to absorb, and then follow with your retinol product. Because this product offers moderate exfoliation and general hydration, using it carefully alongside retinol is unlikely to cause irritation as long as your skin builds up tolerance gradually.

### How often should I use it?

Start using this exfoliator once a week, and if your combination skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you may carefully use it more often. A product of this type works best for combination skin when it balances oily shine and provides enough moisture for drier areas.

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

This exfoliant is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores for combination skin because it has a good safety profile without harsh ingredients. However, to work best for combination skin, this type of product needs extra hydrators that balance oily shine while moisturizing drier areas.

### Is it 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

- [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €139.77 at Amazon
- [BE THE SKIN BHA+ Pore Zero Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/be-the-skin/bha-pore-zero-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €26.10 at Amazon
- [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €124.67 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/amino-acid-gentle-bubble-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €19.20 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.nl: €19.83 (https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B00LG07I9E?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Alumina, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum Mineral Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Petrolatum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium Edta
## 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/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/no7/total-renewal-micro-dermabrasion-exfoliator/for/combination-skin