Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm for oily skin
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-C14
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Retinyl Palmitate
Tocopherol- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Average
- AverageOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ConcerningSafety
Works for oily skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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 firming for your oily skin due to Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-C14 and Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, which help plump and minimize fine lines, but ingredients like Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone pose a risk of clogging pores and worsening oiliness.
- While Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil and Glycerin provide some emollient and humectant benefits, the formula lacks sufficient oil-controlling components for optimal results on oily skin.
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.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 300+ reviewsUsers with mature or dry skin frequently praise this product for its velvety, silicone-based texture that instantly smooths fine lines and acts as an exceptional primer for concealer. While many report visible firming and improved elasticity, some reviewers find the high price point hard to justify and others experienced no significant long-term reduction in deep wrinkles.
Highlights
Silky texture Mostly Mentioned
- “feels like velvet”
- “glides on effortlessly”
- “soft silky texture”
- “not greasy”
Makeup primer Often Mentioned
- “great makeup prep”
- “concealer goes on nicer”
- “prevents concealer caking”
- “smooth base”
Expensive product Often Mentioned
- “way too expensive”
- “pricey”
- “investment”
- “cost prohibitive”
Firms and smooths Sometimes Noted
- “softens fine lines”
- “skin is firmer”
- “fills out wrinkles”
- “improves elasticity”
Pleasant scent Sometimes Noted
- “smells like sweets”
- “refreshing citrus scent”
- “smells lovely”
- “fruity fragrance”
Causes irritation Rarely Noted
- “irritating to eyes”
- “caused redness”
- “sting or burn”
- “watery eyes”
Lack of results Rarely Noted
- “didn't notice change”
- “no dramatic results”
- “didn't help wrinkles”
- “average moisturizer”
Not hydrating Rarely Noted
- “not hydrating enough”
- “need extra moisturizer”
- “sat on top of skin”
Sources: lovi.care, dermalogica.com, dermstore.com, lovelyskin.com, sephora.com, ulta.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm work for oily skin?
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm works moderately well for oily skin by helping to firm and smooth fine lines, though some ingredients may clog pores and worsen oiliness. A treatment for oily skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, or tea tree extract to control excess oil and shine while keeping skin balanced.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily skin?
Palmitoyl hexapeptide-C14 and hydroxypinacolone retinoate help smooth fine lines and firm your skin. To truly suit oily skin, this type of product needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to control excess oil, along with soothing extracts and lightweight hydrators that balance the face without clogging pores.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
What does Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-C14 do for oily skin?
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-C14 is unlikely to directly fix oily skin, as peptides of this type are generally used to help smooth lines and support firmness rather than control shine. Oily skin needs ingredients that help balance sebum production and keep pores clear.
What does Ascorbyl Glucoside do for oily skin?
Ascorbyl Glucoside helps brighten skin and fade dark spots, making it a good fit for oily skin when you want a more even complexion. It is unlikely to feel heavy or greasy, but oily skin also benefits from lightweight hydrators and gentle exfoliants to keep pores clear.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning. Oily skin needs a product with strong oil-controlling ingredients and lightweight, non-clogging hydrators instead of heavy silicones.
Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cream with a separate retinol product, but apply your retinol first and follow with this treatment to help keep your skin smooth. However, because this product contains its own vitamin A ingredients, combining them may increase the likelihood of dryness or irritation. Oily skin needs a treatment that controls excess oil and unclogs pores without heavy silicones.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
How often should I use this cream?
You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. This product works for your oily skin, though an option of this type needs more oil-controlling components for optimal results.
Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
Yes, this cream may clog pores and worsen oiliness on oily skin because it contains ingredients like Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone. Oily skin needs lightweight, oil-controlling ingredients that keep pores clear while providing balance.
Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene).
What the research says
Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinyl propionate at a 5:9 weight ratio synergistically enhanced antiaging gene expressions in vitro and improved skin wrinkles, smoothness, transepidermal water loss, and elasticity in 42 Chinese urban women over an 8-week period without adverse reactions compared to retinol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023A topical serum containing hydroxypinacolone retinoate and peptides used twice daily for 16 weeks achieved parity or statistically significantly better improvement in facial aging parameters compared to a single fractional CO2 laser treatment in women with moderate global photodamage.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025A 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, 2017Topical 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, 2022Over-the-counter retinol products provided only weak evidence for a mild ameliorating effect on fine facial skin wrinkle lines in randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials, and major methodological flaws call the validity of positive results into question.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021A cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate regimen significantly improved periorbital wrinkle appearance relative to a 0.02% tretinoin regimen at 8 weeks with comparable benefits at 24 weeks, while demonstrating significantly better tolerability in 196 women.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010A novel triple-active cosmetic formulation containing 4-hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to 0.02% tretinoin and reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing in female adults while causing less skin irritation.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Topical 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, 2025Dermatological 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, 2021Topical 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
Why other serums 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, 2024An O/W cosmetic formula containing 2% Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract reduced the oily appearance of skin, pore size, and improved complexion evenness and radiance in Caucasian and Asian volunteers compared to a formula with 1% zinc gluconate.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011Niacinamide 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
Ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Tricaprylin, Tribehenin, Glycerin, Silica, Nylon-12, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Boron Nitride, Magnesium Ascrobyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Phosphatidyl Choline, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-C14, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Alba Cera, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Linoleic Acid, Beta-Sitosterol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Stearoxymethicone Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethyl Isorbide, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Water, Limonene
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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