Olay Super Serum for oily acne-prone skin
Niacinamide
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Ascorbic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Peptide
Tocopheryl Acetate Vitamin E
High
- HighOily Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few moisturizers fit it even better.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
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
- Highly suitable for your oily skin, this serum effectively addresses acne and blemishes with lactic acid and niacinamide, which promote cell turnover and regulate oil production. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate further enhance skin texture and provide excellent moisturization.
- The inclusion of panthenol and trehalose offers additional soothing and hydrating benefits, complementing the primary treatment ingredients.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no reported risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh or prohibited ingredients.
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
★4.6Overall rating based on 9.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users consistently praise this serum for its ability to deliver an immediate "lit-from-within" glow and a velvety-soft finish that works exceptionally well as a makeup primer. Many reviewers with dull or uneven skin texture report smoother, brighter skin after consistent use, though some with very dry skin note that it requires an additional moisturizer.
Highlights
Fast absorption Mostly Mentioned
- “sinks in quickly”
- “no residue”
- “layers well”
- “dries fast”
Instant radiance Often Mentioned
- “iridescent glow”
- “brightens complexion”
- “dewy look”
- “healthy shine”
Luxurious texture Often Mentioned
- “silky feel”
- “velvety finish”
- “non-greasy”
- “lightweight”
Poor dropper design Often Mentioned
- “hard to dispense”
- “doesn't reach bottom”
- “messy application”
- “product waste”
Makeup compatibility Sometimes Noted
- “acts as primer”
- “prevents pilling”
- “smooth base”
- “grips makeup”
Skin smoothing Sometimes Noted
- “softer skin”
- “improved texture”
- “reduces roughness”
- “minimizes pores”
Price point Sometimes Noted
- “expensive for drugstore”
- “small bottle”
- “pricey per ounce”
- “not good value”
Strong fragrance Sometimes Noted
- “floral scent”
- “overpowering smell”
- “lingering perfume”
- “irritates nose”
Hydration limits Rarely Noted
- “not moisturizing enough”
- “needs lotion”
- “dry patches persist”
- “tight feeling”
Skin irritation Rarely Noted
- “breakouts”
- “allergic reaction”
- “burning sensation”
- “redness”
Sources: lovi.care, walmart.com, ulta.com, target.com, olay.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Olay Super Serum a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?
Olay Super Serum is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because it uses lactic acid and niacinamide to clear blemishes and keep oil in balance. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate hydrate your skin without heavy oils, while panthenol and trehalose help keep it calm.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?
This serum is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because it contains lactic acid and niacinamide, which help clear blemishes and control oil production. Ingredients like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and panthenol provide deep hydration and soothing benefits without clogging pores.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
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 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps brighten an even skin tone and reduces signs of aging on oily acne-prone skin. It delivers vitamin C effectively to the skin to support a clearer, more balanced complexion.
Where does it go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?
This moisturizing treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, keeping things simple and safe around sun exposure. It helps manage blemishes and excess oil with lactic acid and niacinamide while keeping skin hydrated.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to help clear breakouts and smooth your texture, followed by your retinol. This product is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because it uses lactic acid and niacinamide to keep oil under control without causing irritation.
How often should I use it?
Use this serum in your evening routine as part of your treatment step. Start using it once a week, and if your skin tolerates it well and shows good results, you can carefully use it more often.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?
This serum is a great fit for oily acne-prone skin because lactic acid and niacinamide help clear blemishes and control oil without harsh ingredients that might trigger breakouts. Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and panthenol keep your skin hydrated and calm, and the formula is unlikely to irritate your skin or clog your pores.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
Can I use it around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this moisturizing treatment on your body, but the thin skin around the eyes may require a milder formula to avoid irritation. Because body skin is thicker, it safely handles active ingredients like lactic acid and niacinamide, whereas the delicate eye area is much more sensitive to potent treatments.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
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, 2017Topical 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, 2002A 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, 2017A 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, 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 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, 2005Topical 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, 2022Topical 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, 2019Topical 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, 2025Topical 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, 2024A 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
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Trehalose, Peg-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Sodium Lactate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, 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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