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Olay Super Serum Night Repair for acne-prone skin

High

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few serums fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. 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

  • Highly suitable for your combination, acne-prone skin as niacinamide and salicylic acid help regulate oil production and gently exfoliate pores. Lactic acid further aids in smoothing texture and improving overall skin tone.
  • The inclusion of rice bran extract and panthenol offers additional soothing and hydrating benefits, complementing the primary treatment for your skin concerns.
  • The formulation is safe for your skin, with no harsh or irritating ingredients present.

How to apply

  • Use your serum as part of your PM routine and start 3x/week before working up to daily use.
  • Apply this treatment after cleansing and toner, and before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
  • Apply the product on clean, dry skin to help manage your breakouts safely.
  • Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 1.2k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this serum is highly rated for its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated. It is frequently praised for its fragrance-free formula, which is beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin, leading to noticeable improvements in smoothness, fine lines, and skin tone over time. Some users find the bottle design inconvenient and the price point high, while a smaller number report it not being moisturizing enough for dry skin or experiencing slow results.

Highlights

  • Lightweight & non-greasy Mostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly”
    • “no sticky residue”
    • “lightweight formula”
  • Smoother, softer skin Mostly Mentioned
    • “velvety soft skin”
    • “reduced texture”
    • “smoother feel”
  • Fragrance-free Often Mentioned
    • “no scent”
    • “great for sensitive skin”
    • “fragrance-free”
  • Hydrating & plumping Sometimes Noted
    • “plump skin”
    • “deep moisture”
    • “looks hydrated”
  • Improves skin tone Sometimes Noted
    • “faded dark spots”
    • “brighter complexion”
    • “more even tone”
  • High price point Sometimes Noted
    • “expensive”
    • “pricey for size”
    • “value is disheartening”
  • Poor bottle design Sometimes Noted
    • “dropper is frustrating”
    • “can't reach bottom”
    • “product gets wasted”
  • Not enough for dry skin Rarely Noted
    • “needs moisturizer over it”
    • “not rich enough”
    • “slightly drying”
  • Potential sensitivity Rarely Noted
    • “tingling”
    • “slight burn”
    • “purging”
  • Slow results Rarely Noted
    • “takes time to work”
    • “saw no change”
    • “was underwhelming”

Sources: lovi.care, walmart.com, ulta.com, olay.com, cosmopolitan.com, supersavvyme.co.uk, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Olay Super Serum Night Repair a great fit for acne-prone skin?

This serum is a great fit because niacinamide and salicylic acid help regulate oil and gently clear pores, while lactic acid smooths texture and evens skin tone. Panthenol and rice bran extract further provide soothing and hydrating benefits to keep skin calm without irritation.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide and salicylic acid make this serum a great fit because they help regulate oil production and gently exfoliate pores. Lactic acid also aids in smoothing texture and improving overall skin tone, while panthenol provides soothing benefits without irritating acne-prone skin.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

What does Niacinamide do for acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps acne-prone skin by reducing both inflamed and uninflamed breakouts and calming redness. It is also very helpful for keeping oily skin balanced by cutting down on excess oil production, and it is well tolerated by most people.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Cureus, 2024

What does Lactic Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Lactic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions with regular topical use. It works well to smooth and calm the skin while managing breakouts safely over time.

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2002

Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Putting it at night helps keep things simple and adds safety around sun exposure, though some treatments may also be used in the morning or twice a day.

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

This treatment is a great fit for your acne-prone skin and can be used in your evening routine, but using it with retinol may cause irritation unless you alternate nights or check how your skin feels. Niacinamide and salicylic acid help regulate oil production and gently exfoliate pores, while ingredients like panthenol offer soothing and hydrating benefits.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

How often should I use this serum?

Start by using this treatment once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin feels comfortable and looks good, you can carefully use it more often. This gradual approach helps your skin adjust safely to active ingredients like acids and niacinamide.

Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This serum is a great fit for your acne-prone skin because niacinamide and salicylic acid help regulate oil and gently clear pores. Lactic acid further helps smooth texture, and the formula is considered safe with no harsh or irritating ingredients.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Twice 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, 2024
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.

    Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Application 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, 2004
  • Topical 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, 1992
  • A 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
  • Topical 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, 2003
  • Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.

    Journal of Periodontology, 2009
  • Topical 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, 2022
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7, Rice Bran Extract, 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Trehalose, Salicylic Acid, Peg-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Benzoate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide

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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