# Mary Kay TimeWise Age-Fighting Moisturizer for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-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: [Mary Kay](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/mary-kay)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/moisturizers)

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

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for oily skin, as glycerin and betaine provide excellent hydration and enhance barrier resilience, but it lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control.
- While it offers general skincare benefits like hydration and soothing, these are irrelevant or mostly supportive for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts due to the lack of specialized ingredients.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Glycerin, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Betaine

## 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/))
- A combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf extract and trimethylglycine in a 1:1 mass ratio synergistically increased aquaporin 3 expression by up to 380% in keratinocytes and safely improved skin hydration in healthy volunteers. ([Molecules, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38611819/))
- 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/))
- Lecithin-based nanoemulsions showed superior viability in human skin cells compared to SDS-based formulations, with components remaining in superficial stratum corneum layers indicating low skin irritation risk. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32165223/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- A topical antioxidant serum significantly reduced air pollution-induced skin pigmentation and proinflammatory gene expression ex vivo, and improved skin aging signs in 40 healthy adult females after 90 days of daily use. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35150043/))
- Topical dry mouth products containing olive oil, betaine, and xylitol significantly increased unstimulated whole salivary flow rates, reduced xerostomia complaints, and improved quality of life in adults with polypharmacy-induced xerostomia compared to their normal routine care, with no clinically significant adverse events. ([Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17824884/))
- Soaps containing betaine caused the least skin irritation compared to other tested soaps in twenty-eight healthy subjects, though irritation did not decrease with increasing concentrations of betaine. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/))
- Mixed surfactant systems of sodium dodecyl sulfate and dimethyl dodecyl amido betaine significantly reduce acute skin irritation potential in human volunteers compared with the individual surfactants, demonstrating that irritation potential cannot be predicted by simple summation. ([Food and Chemical Toxicology, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9609395/))

## Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone 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/))
- Co-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, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763437/))

## What reviewers say

This moisturizer is widely praised for its lightweight, non-greasy formula that hydrates effectively and improves skin texture, making it a popular choice for those looking to address fine lines and maintain a radiant complexion. While many users with normal, combination, and oily skin report excellent results, some individuals with sensitive skin have experienced breakouts or irritation.

- Liked: Lightweight, non-greasy (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Quick absorption (often mentioned)
- Liked: Reduces fine lines (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Limited availability (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Causes sensitivity (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does TimeWise Age-Fighting Moisturizer work for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer works moderately well for oily acne-prone skin, as it provides hydration and keeps your skin comfortable without causing irritation, though it lacks specialized ingredients to actively control oil or breakouts. Oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight hydrators, oil-controlling agents, and pore-clearing ingredients to effectively manage blemishes and excess shine.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Molecules, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38611819/)

### Which ingredients make this moisturizer a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycerin and betaine make this moisturizer a fit by providing hydration and strengthening your skin barrier without irritation, though an oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight, oil-free formulations with specialized acne-fighting and oil-controlling ingredients for optimal care.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Molecules, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38611819/)

### 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.
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/)

### What does Dimethicone do for oily acne-prone skin?

Dimethicone helps protect oily, acne-prone skin from irritation, but it shows varying performance in keeping skin hydrated compared to other protectants. Because it can feel heavy, this type of skin often needs lighter ingredients like natural plant oils with a higher linoleic acid to oleic acid ratio to keep pores clear and the skin barrier strong.
Sources: [Ostomy/wound Management, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16439809/), [Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/)

### Where does this moisturizer go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer goes after your toner in the morning and after your treatment at night, as well as after your treatment during weekly routines. Oily acne-prone skin needs a moisturizer that balances hydration with oil-controlling and breakout-clearing ingredients.

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

You can use this moisturizer with retinol by applying your retinol treatment first and following with the moisturizer. This product helps keep your skin soft and provides good hydration while you use retinol, and it is unlikely to cause irritation since it lacks harsh ingredients.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this moisturizer?

You can use this moisturizer twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. It is very gentle on your oily skin and unlikely to cause irritation, though it lacks the oil-controlling ingredients needed to fully manage breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can this moisturizer clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer is unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation for your oily skin, as it has a very safe formula with no harsh ingredients. However, it may not help much with breakouts, because an oily acne-prone skin type needs targeted oil-controlling ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to truly clear up blemishes.
Sources: [Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/)

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

You can use this moisturizer on your body and around your eyes, as it is very safe and unlikely to cause irritation. Because the skin around the eyes is exceptionally thin, this gentle formula helps keep it soft and hydrated.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this moisturizer fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.88 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.50 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — $49.95 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United States has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Behenyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ceteareth-20, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Silica, Carbomer, Diazolidinyl Urea, Lauramine Oxide, Disodium Edta, Betaine, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Methylparaben, Sodium Pca, C9-15 Alkyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitol, Propylparaben, Serine, Threonine, Proline, Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Lysine, Glutamic Acid, Thermus Thermophillus 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/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mary-kay/timewise-age-fighting-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin