# SHANI DARDEN Cleansing Serum for oily skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/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: [SHANI DARDEN](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/shani-darden)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/cleansers)

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.

Works for oily skin; other cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for oily skin as glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide humectant action, but lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control to address your oily shine concerns.
- The cleansing agents C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside effectively remove impurities, offering general skincare benefits relevant to your oily skin.
- The safety profile is excellent, with oat kernel extract and olive leaf extract providing soothing benefits and no risk of irritation for your oily skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin): Average (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Sodium Hyaluronate, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract Oat Kernel Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract Olive Leaf Extract, Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract, Glycerin

## 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/))
- Topically applied Avena sativa and Avena Rhealba oatmeal extracts significantly reduced skin irritation parameters including a* parameter increase and blood flow increase compared to vehicle in 12 healthy individuals subjected to the sodium lauryl sulfate irritation model. ([Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11867969/))
- Colloidal oat extracts diminished pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and colloidal oat lotion improved skin dryness, scaling, roughness, and itch intensity in healthy female subjects compared to baseline. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/))
- A multiple W/O/W emulsion containing Rosmarinus officinalis L., Avena sativa L., and Linum usitatissimum L. extracts showed no irritant, phototoxic, inflammatory, or allergenic potential in human skin models and patch tests, establishing its safety as a cosmetic base. ([Pharmaceutics, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34065623/))
- 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/))
- A repair cream containing Rhealba oat plantlets extract, l-ALA-l-GLU dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid provided immediate relief and was judged by doctors as good or very good in 96.8% of cases for wound healing in 2,363 patients following dermatological acts. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30519069/))
- Colloidal oat increased the growth rate, metabolism, and lactic acid production of Staphylococcus epidermidis compared to Staphylococcus aureus in vitro, matching clinical increases in lactic acid on dry skin after 6 weeks of lotion use. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33500646/))
- A dermocosmetic product containing oat plantlet sap and Garcinia mangostana extract reduced retentional and inflammatory acne lesions by 21% and 35% respectively after 2 months in 54 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39051131/))
- Topical herbal treatments including lemon balm, olive leaf extract, propolis, and sage-rhubarb cream reduce pain, swelling, lesion size, and healing time in patients with herpes labialis compared with placebo or acyclovir. ([Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40526027/))
- Topical oleuropein formulations reduced erythema, transepidermal water loss, and blood flow by approximately 22%, 35%, and 30% in healthy volunteers with UVB-induced erythema. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18377620/))
- An oil-in-serum formulation containing olive extract standardized in hydroxytyrosol improved skin barrier function and significantly reduced hyperpigmentation in participants with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after 45 days of application. ([AAPS PharmSciTech, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41507660/))
- Cichorium intybus extract leads to smooth skin and positive excitement in treated subjects, evokes positive emotions in a person caressing them, and induces Staphylococcus epidermidis to secrete bioactive post-biotics that promote neurotransmitter release. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41427825/))
- Spirulina, Palmaria palmata, Cichorium intybus, and Medicago sativa extracts alone or combined present no in vitro toxicity or irritant potential, and provoke no skin barrier alteration or irritation in twenty human subjects. ([Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30821523/))
- 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/))

## Why other cleansers fit oily skin better

- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- Combined ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate treatment significantly reduced facial sebum secretions in healthy female volunteers compared to a placebo control over 90 days. ([Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/))

## What reviewers say

Based on limited data, this serum-to-foam cleanser is highly rated for its ability to cleanse without stripping, leaving skin feeling plump and hydrated, particularly for those with normal, dry, and sensitive skin. Users appreciate its luxurious texture and gentle, soothing properties. Some users with oily skin or those who wear heavy makeup find it too gentle for effective standalone cleansing, often requiring a double cleanse.

- Liked: Non-stripping, hydrating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Luxurious texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle, soothing (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Weak makeup removal (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (rarely noted)
- Disliked: High price point (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Not for oily (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
- Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
- You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
- Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Shani Darden Cleansing Serum work for oily skin?

Shani Darden Cleansing Serum works moderately well for oily skin, as it cleanses away impurities and provides gentle hydration, but it lacks enough ingredients to properly control oily shine. To work best for oily skin, a cleanser of this type needs ingredients that effectively manage oiliness and promote a clear complexion without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11867969/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/)

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

This cleanser works for oily skin because glycerin and sodium hyaluronate add moisture, while oat kernel extract and olive leaf extract help calm the skin without causing irritation. Oily skin needs a cleanser with ingredients that actively manage extra oiliness and keep a clear complexion.
Sources: [Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11867969/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and sebum production without causing irritation. Clinical studies show it successfully balances oil levels while keeping the skin comfortable.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28163068/)

### What does Avena Sativa Kernel Extract do for oily skin?

Avena Sativa Kernel Extract helps calm and soothe oily skin while keeping it balanced without feeling heavy. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may reduce redness and inflammation.
Sources: [Pharmaceutics, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34065623/), [Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11867969/)

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

This cleanser fits into both your morning and evening routines as the first step after removing makeup at night. To properly care for oily skin, a cleanser of this type needs ingredients that help balance excess oil and shine while washing away impurities.

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying the cleanser first on damp skin, rinsing it off, and then following with your retinol treatment once your face is completely dry. This cleanser washes away dirt nicely, but oily skin also needs ingredients that target extra shine and oil control.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. It washes away impurities well, though oily skin needs additional oil-controlling ingredients to properly manage shine.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11867969/)

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as it has an excellent safety profile with soothing oat and olive leaf extracts. Oily skin also needs ingredients that provide strong oil control to keep shine under control.
Sources: [Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11867969/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/)

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

You can use this cleanser on your body and around your eyes, as it is safe and gentle for those areas. A cleanser of this type needs soothing ingredients like oat kernel extract and mild cleansing agents to care for thin or body skin without causing irritation.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11867969/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $49.00 at Amazon
- [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- [Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/super-aqua-ultra-hyalron-cleansing-foam/for/oily-skin) — High fit — $9.20 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- 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
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $14.97 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $38.00 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXGJ75J3?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Peg-16 Macadamia Glycerides, Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract Oat Kernel Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract Olive Leaf Extract, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Phenethyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol
## 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/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shani-darden/cleansing-serum/for/oily-skin