MAC Hyper Real Serumizer for oily acne-prone skin
Average
- HighOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for oily acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. 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 exfoliation and hydration for your oily skin, with salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid helping to manage oiliness and breakouts, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide essential moisture.
- The inclusion of niacinamide further supports oil regulation, though the primary benefits are general skincare rather than a targeted approach to your specific acne concerns.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, featuring soothing ingredients like Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract and Algae Extract with no harsh or prohibited substances.
How to apply
- Use this AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
- Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
- Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple patch test before your first use.
People Say
★4.7Overall rating based on 8.7k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users with dry to combination skin widely praise this hybrid serum-moisturizer for its ability to provide lightweight hydration and create a smooth, radiant canvas that grips makeup effectively. The majority enjoy the immediate "lit-from-within" glow and improved skin texture. A subset of users with sensitive skin report irritation due to the strong fragrance and pearlescent shimmer particles.
Highlights
Excellent makeup base Mostly Mentioned
- “foundation glides on”
- “makeup lasts longer”
- “smooths texture”
- “no pilling”
Lightweight hydration Often Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly”
- “non-greasy feel”
- “hydrates dry patches”
- “feels like silk”
Radiant glow Often Mentioned
- “lit-from-within look”
- “instant radiance”
- “healthy sheen”
- “glowy finish”
High price point Often Mentioned
- “too expensive”
- “pricey for size”
- “not worth cost”
- “small bottle”
Softens skin texture Sometimes Noted
- “petal-soft skin”
- “blurs pores”
- “improves smoothness”
- “reduces roughness”
Strong fragrance Sometimes Noted
- “scent is overpowering”
- “too much perfume”
- “smells like cologne”
- “irritated sensitive nose”
Skin irritation/breakouts Rarely Noted
- “caused acne”
- “broke me out”
- “red bumps”
- “burning sensation”
Unwanted shimmer Rarely Noted
- “contains glitter”
- “sparkles on face”
- “shimmer visible”
- “don't want glitter”
Sources: lovi.care, boots.com, sephora.co.uk, macys.com, myer.com.au, influenster.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does MAC Hyper Real Serumizer work for oily acne-prone skin?
This moisturizer works reasonably well for your oily acne-prone skin, offering moderate hydration and oil control with salicylic and lactic acids, though other products fit your specific breakouts better. A product of this type needs targeted acne-fighting and barrier-supporting ingredients like niacinamide and lightweight humectants that balance oil without clogging pores.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?
Salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid help manage oiliness and breakouts, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide essential moisture. Niacinamide further supports oil regulation, and soothing ingredients like Paeonia Albiflora flower extract and algae extract keep your skin calm. Oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight, non-pore-clogging hydrators like hyaluronic acid and ceramides alongside targeted acne-fighting ingredients.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
What does Niacinamide do for oily acne-prone skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
What does Glycerin do for oily acne-prone skin?
Glycerin helps keep oily acne-prone skin hydrated without feeling heavy. It draws moisture into the skin while supporting the skin barrier so it stays soft and balanced.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Oily acne-prone skin needs a targeted treatment with ingredients like salicylic acid, retinoids, or benzoyl peroxide to effectively manage breakouts and clear pores.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum alongside retinol by applying the serum first to give your oily skin moisture and gentle exfoliation before your retinol. However, because this product features acids that may increase irritation when paired with strong treatments, an oily and acne-prone skin type needs a soothing, barrier-repairing hydrator with niacinamide and ceramides instead of multiple active acids.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this moisturizing treatment daily in your evening routine, applying it after cleansing and toning. Because it contains exfoliating acids, it helps manage oiliness, but this skin type needs a targeted acne approach with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or higher concentrations of specific actives for best results.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?
This product is unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts for your oily acne-prone skin, as reviewer complaints about skin irritation and breakouts are low and it contains soothing ingredients. However, because it offers a general approach rather than a targeted one, this skin needs products with dedicated blemish-fighting ingredients and oil-balancing agents to better manage breakouts.
Can I use this serum around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this moisturizing treatment on your body, but it is not formulated specifically for the thin skin around the eyes. While the product is safe and well-tolerated for general use, delicate areas typically need specialized formulas with lighter hydration and no strong exfoliating acids.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum, benzyl salicylate, limonene, and linalool).
What the research says
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, 2020Twice 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, 2024The 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, 2023Co-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, 2023Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005A 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, 2017The 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, 2020Ten 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, 2001Topical 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, 2011Topical 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, 2022Treatment 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, 2019Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.
Cutis, 2004Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone skin better
Gluconolactone 14% solution significantly improved mild to moderate acne by reducing inflamed and non-inflamed lesions similarly to 5% benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer side-effects in 150 patients.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Co-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, 2023A 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
Ingredients
Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Trisiloxane, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Trehalose, Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract, Cholesterol, Ceramide Ng, Linoleic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Algae Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Silybum Marianum Extract, Caffeine, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitol, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Peg-8, Sucrose, T-Butyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Oleth-10, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Jojoba Peg-120 Esters Wax, Sodium Hydroxide, Tromethamine, Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Silica, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Mica, Caprylyl Glycol, Bht, Disodium Edta, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
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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