# Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-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: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/paula-s-choice)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/serums)

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

A great choice for oily skin; a few serums fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your oily skin, this treatment utilizes retinol and willow bark extract for their keratolytic action and seboregulation, effectively addressing oily shine.
- The inclusion of oat kernel extract and licorice root extract further enhances its compatibility by providing soothing benefits, minimizing any potential irritation.
- This formula is safe for your skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and is designed to avoid irritation for oily skin types.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin): High (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/dark-spots): Superior
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Peptides, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide 2

## What the research says

- Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity. ([Journal of Controlled Release, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users report significant improvements in skin texture, reduction in fine lines, and fading of hyperpigmentation. Many users experience a harsh adjustment period with peeling and irritation, so slow introduction is recommended.

- Liked: Smoother skin texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Anti-aging results (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Dryness and peeling (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective packaging (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Even skin tone (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Lightweight formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Severe irritation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Breakouts/Purging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment a great fit for oily skin?

This treatment is a great fit for oily skin because it uses retinol and willow bark extract to control oily shine, while oat kernel extract and licorice root extract help keep skin calm. It is very unlikely to cause irritation since it avoids harsh ingredients.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/), [Planta Medica, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30690691/)

### Which ingredients make this treatment a good fit for oily skin?

This treatment is a great fit for oily skin because it uses retinol and willow bark extract to manage oil and keep your face feeling balanced. It also includes soothing oat kernel extract and licorice root extract, which help calm your skin and prevent irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/), [Planta Medica, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30690691/)

### What does Retinol do for oily skin?

Retinol helps oily skin by keeping pores clear and balancing sebum production, which may reduce shine and breakouts. Because it can sometimes cause dryness or peeling in the beginning, starting slowly is recommended.
Sources: [Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21914489/)

### What do Peptides do for oily skin?

Peptides help support skin health and may improve the look of oily skin, but this type of skin needs formulas with ingredients that balance oil production and keep pores clear.
Sources: [Advanced Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39783908/), [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40565185/)

### Where does this treatment go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This treatment goes in your evening routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Using it at night helps keep things simple and safe around sun exposure, while helping manage oily shine.

### Can I use this treatment with niacinamide, and in what order?

Yes, you can use this treatment with niacinamide, applying the niacinamide first and following with this treatment once it absorbs. This combination helps manage oily shine while soothing the skin to reduce any potential irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102855/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/)

### How often should I use this treatment?

This treatment is a great fit for oily skin and is meant for your evening routine, starting at once a week so your skin can adjust. Retinol and willow bark extract help manage oily shine while oat kernel and licorice root extracts soothe the skin to keep irritation unlikely.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38406974/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36798538/)

### Can this treatment clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This treatment is unlikely to clog pores, and reviews show that breakouts and purging are low for oily skin. It uses retinol and willow bark extract to help control oily shine and keep skin clear.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/), [Planta Medica, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30690691/)

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

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

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $16.75 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $28.88 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/oily-skin) — High fit — $39.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $15.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $48.75 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L5O2ZXK?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Castor Isostearate Succinate, Glyceryl Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Peg-33, Polysorbate 20, Behenyl Alcohol, Retinol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ceramide 2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract Oat Kernel Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Willow Bark Extract, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Lecithin, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Sorbitan Laurate, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Disodium Edta, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Tribehenin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Peg-100 Stearate, Peg-75 Shea Glycerides Butter, Ppg-12, Peg-10 Phytosterol, Peg-8 Dimethicone, Peg-14, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Sclerotium Gum, Arachidyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol
## 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/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/oily-skin