# COSRX The Retinol 0.3 Cream for oily skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/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 United States.

Brand: [COSRX](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/cosrx)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/serums)

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 serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin as retinol and adenosine provide excellent wrinkle reduction and desquamation regulation, though it lacks sufficient seboregulating ingredients for optimal oil control.
- The inclusion of tocopherol and panthenol offers general hydration and soothing benefits, which you would notice.
- The safety profile is good, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin): Average (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Panthenol, Vitamin E, Sodium Hyaluronate, Shea Butter

## What the research says

- Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))
- A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability. ([The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/))
- 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 dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans. ([Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10965426/))
- Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two. ([Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32067777/))
- 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 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/))
- A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events. ([Lasers in Medical Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/))
- A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528438/))

## Why other serums fit oily skin better

- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))

## What reviewers say

Users with aging, acne-prone, and textured skin report visible improvements in skin smoothness and firmness, often noting a "glass skin" effect after consistent use. While highly effective for diminishing fine lines and clearing pores, the product requires a careful adjustment period to avoid common side effects like purging, peeling, and dryness.

- Liked: Effective anti-aging (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Defective packaging (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle potency (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Lightweight consistency (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial irritation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Small quantity (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does COSRX Retinol 0.3 Cream work for oily skin?

This cream works moderately well for oily skin by smoothing lines and helping keep skin calm, though it lacks enough oil-controlling ingredients for an ideal fit. A treatment for this skin type needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to manage extra shine and pores while keeping the skin comfortable.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

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

This cream works for your oily skin because retinol and adenosine help smooth wrinkles, while panthenol and vitamin E provide soothing hydration. To be a top fit for oily skin, a product of this type needs sebum-controlling ingredients like niacinamide.

### What does Retinol do for oily skin?

Retinol helps oily skin by keeping pores clear and balancing sebum production, which may reduce shine and breakouts. Because it can sometimes cause dryness or peeling in the beginning, starting slowly is recommended.
Sources: [Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21914489/)

### What does Panthenol do for oily skin?

Panthenol helps balance oily skin by regulating sebum while keeping it hydrated and calm. It also improves skin comfort and reduces redness with excellent suitability for sensitive skin types.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/)

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

This cream goes in the evening routine, applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. Because it is an average fit for oily skin, a product of this type needs more oil-controlling ingredients to properly manage shine.

### Can I use this cream with niacinamide, and in what order?

Yes, you can use this cream with niacinamide by applying your niacinamide serum first and following with this treatment. This combination is generally well tolerated and helps smooth and calm your skin, though an oily skin type also needs ingredients that balance oil production.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this cream in your evening routine, starting slowly once a week to let your skin adjust while helping smooth and calm it. Oily skin also needs enough oil-controlling ingredients to manage shine.
Sources: [Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24488631/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

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

This cream is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on oily skin because it has a good safety profile without harsh ingredients, though a product for this skin needs extra oil-controlling ingredients to manage shine.

### Is this cream 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

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $16.75 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $28.88 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/oily-skin) — High fit — $39.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $15.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $25.00 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM8M8HP8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Trehalose, Panthenol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Retinol, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Sulfite, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract Carrot Root Extract, Allantoin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol, Rice Bran Wax, Tocotrienols, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Palm Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione
## 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/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/the-retinol-0-3-cream/for/oily-skin