# SU:M37 Secret Essence for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Low Risk.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-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: [SU:M37](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/su-m37)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate moisturizing for your oily skin due to glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which hydrate and plump without addressing excess shine.
- Ingredients like Glycereth-26 and Sodium Hyaluronate provide humectant action, but the formula lacks sufficient oil-controlling ingredients for optimal results on oily skin.
- The product is generally safe for your oily skin, though fragrance and essential oils may pose a slight risk of irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin): Average (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Curcuma Longa Root Extract

## What the research says

- 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/))
- Topical hyaluronic acid filler serum combined with Botulinum toxin type A lengthened the duration of the toxin's effect in reducing wrinkles compared to Botulinum toxin type A alone. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/))
- Topical treatment of nicotinamide, alone or in combination with other active ingredients, reduces the progression of skin aging and hyperpigmentation in clinical trials while being well tolerated. ([Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/))
- Hyaluronic 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, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25877441/))
- 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/))
- Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism. ([Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26273313/))
- Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25381913/))
- Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide. ([Advanced Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39783908/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))
- Topical treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/))
- 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/))
- Topical application of curcumin or turmeric treats various skin conditions by leveraging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. ([Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38008088/))
- Topical formulations of curcumin target oxidative damage and inflammation to improve wound healing in animal models. ([Drug Discovery Today, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28711364/))
- A curcumin-loaded spanlastic anti-aging gel utilizing formula F5 incorporated into 2% HPMC E50 demonstrated sustained release action, compatibility, and the ability to penetrate skin layers to a depth of about 112.5 um without signs of irritation. ([Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38178851/))

## Why other moisturizers fit oily skin better

- 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/))
- Epigallocatechin-3-gallate significantly improved acne in patients compared to the control side during an 8-week clinical trial. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23096708/))
- A peel-off facial mask containing myoinositol and trehalose-loaded liposomes improved adult female acne by decreasing lesion counts, sebum production, GAGS scores, and local androgen levels while increasing beclin-1 levels. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28342238/))

## What reviewers say

This product is frequently described as a "miracle water" that significantly improves skin texture, making it smoother, clearer, and dewier without feeling heavy. It is widely praised for its ability to balance hydration and refine skin tone, though those with sensitivity to fermented ingredients occasionally report breakouts.

- Liked: Refined texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Deep hydration (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight absorption (often mentioned)
- Disliked: High price point (often mentioned)
- Liked: Luxurious experience (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Soothing and balancing (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Heavy packaging (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Ferment sensitivity (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Herbal scent (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Subtle results (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
- Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
- Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does SU:M37 Secret Essence work for oily skin?

SU:M37 Secret Essence works as an average fit for oily skin, providing moderate hydration through glycerin and sodium hyaluronate without controlling excess shine. While generally safe, fragrance and essential oils may pose a slight risk of irritation. A product of this type needs lightweight hydration, oil-controlling ingredients like niacinamide, and soothing additions like allantoin to balance oily skin and improve texture.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this essence a good fit for oily skin?

Sodium hyaluronate and glycerin help provide moderate hydration for oily skin without adding heavy oils. However, since this product lacks sufficient oil-controlling ingredients, an oily skin type needs a lightweight hydrating formula with niacinamide to help manage shine and ceramides to keep pores clear.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Niacinamide do for oily skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily skin by significantly reducing excess oil production and shine. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture without clogging pores.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### What does Licorice Root Extract do for oily skin?

Licorice root extract helps calm redness and balances oil production, making it a great addition for keeping oily skin clear and comfortable. It is unlikely to clog pores and may help soothe irritation or breakouts associated with excess oil.
Sources: [Experimental Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25381913/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763437/)

### Where does this essence go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This moisturizing treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, though some treatments can also be used in the morning or twice a day. For oily skin, this product works for hydration but lacks sufficient oil-controlling ingredients, so an oily skin routine needs ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and clay to balance shine and manage oil.

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

You can use this moisturizing treatment with retinol by applying it before your retinol step to help calm and hydrate your skin. This type of product needs to include oil-controlling ingredients to manage excess shine for oily skin.

### How often should I use it?

You can use this moisturizing treatment in the evening as part of your routine. Daily application helps improve skin moisture and barrier function.
Sources: [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This product works for your oily skin by offering moderate moisture, though it lacks sufficient oil-controlling ingredients. To better suit oily skin, a product of this type needs dedicated oil-controlling ingredients to manage excess shine.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This moisturizing treatment is generally safe to use around the eyes or on your body, though fragrance and essential oils may pose a slight risk of irritation. Because oily skin needs a product that provides hydration and plumping without addressing excess shine, an ideal alternative for this skin would include oil-controlling ingredients.

### 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 oily skin

- [Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/revision-skincare/hydrating-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €252.17 at Amazon
- [Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid 97%](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/elizavecca/witch-piggy-hell-pore-control-hyaluronic-acid-97/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €14.50 at Notino
- [innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/innisfree/green-tea-seed-hyaluronic-acid-hydrating-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €25.90 at Notino

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €21.00 at Amazon
- 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/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €19.90 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €33.70 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.nl: €67.85 (https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0DCXZTG2L?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

2-Hexanediol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Glycosphingolipids, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract Carrot Root Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Oil, Lauryl Dimethicone Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract Raspberry Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Soybean Extract Ferment, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Allium Sativum Bulb Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Leuconostoc Radish Root Extract, Bergamot Leaf Extract, Betaine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Morus Bombycis Leaf Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Apricot Fruit, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Dandelion Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Ceramide Np, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil Flower, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Watermelon Fruit Extract, Spinach Leaf Extract, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Onion Bulb Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Oil Flower, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Water, Geranium Robertianum Extract, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Cholesterol, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyquaternium-51, Corthellus Shiitake Extract Mushroom Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract Sunflower Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Saccharomyces Xylinum Black Tea Ferment, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Tromethamine, Ferulic Acid, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Peg Ppg-17 6 Copolymer, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica Extract, Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Glechoma Hederacea Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorum Root Extract, Acer Palmatum Leaf Extract, Codonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract, Lactobacillus Water Hyacinth Ferment, Lactobacillus Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract, Monascus Rice Ferment, Brassica Rapa Leaf Extract Turnip Leaf Extract, Sasa Veitchii Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Plantago Major Seed Extract, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Akebia Quinata Extract, Crataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract, Peppermint Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Poloxamer 234, Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Extract, Saccharomyces Potato Extract Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Grape Extract Ferment, Lactobacillus Rye Flour Ferment
## 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/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/su-m37/secret-essence/for/oily-skin