SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Serum for oily skin
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Niacinamide
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
AllantoinAverage
- HighOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for oily skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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
- Offers moderate brightening and evening of skin tone for your oily skin due to niacinamide and sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which help treat dark spots and provide antioxidant activity.
- While the formula is generally hydrating and soothing, it lacks specialized ingredients to directly address your oily shine concerns.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh or prohibited ingredients.
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.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, users with dull, dehydrated, or sensitive skin frequently praise this serum for its lightweight, hydrating formula that effectively brightens the complexion and fades hyperpigmentation over time. While many appreciate the 'glass skin' glow and gentle nature, some users note a sticky finish and mention that significant dark spot reduction requires consistent, long-term use.
Highlights
Pleasant citrus scent Mostly Mentioned
- “scent is heavenly”
- “refreshing citrus smell”
- “smells lovely and fresh”
Brightens skin tone Often Mentioned
- “skin is visibly brighter”
- “imparts a radiant glow”
- “complexion looks more even”
Gentle on sensitive skin Often Mentioned
- “gentle and non-irritating”
- “didn't break me out”
- “soothing on sensitive skin”
Hydrating and plumping Often Mentioned
- “skin looks plump and healthy”
- “deep hydration”
- “leaves skin soft”
Fades dark spots Sometimes Noted
- “fading acne scars”
- “reduction in appearance of marks”
- “helps with hyperpigmentation”
Slow results Sometimes Noted
- “haven't seen results yet”
- “needs consistent use”
- “no dramatic difference”
Sticky residue Sometimes Noted
- “leaves a bit of a sticky feeling”
- “tacky finish”
- “stickier than I would like”
Not moisturizing enough Rarely Noted
- “not enough for dry skin”
- “need a thicker cream over it”
- “lightweight but needs layering”
Scent sensitivity Rarely Noted
- “fragrance might be too much”
- “prefer unscented”
- “strong citrus smell”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, oliveyoung.com, stylekorean.com, yesstyle.com, youtube.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Serum work for oily skin?
This serum works moderately well for oily skin by helping fade dark spots and keeping skin bright and calm, but it lacks ingredients to directly control oily shine. A treatment for oily skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, zinc pca, and lightweight hydrators to manage excess oil and enlarged pores while keeping the skin comfortable.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Experimental Dermatology, 2012
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?
Niacinamide and sodium ascorbyl phosphate make this serum a good fit for oily skin by helping fade dark spots and providing antioxidant activity. However, because it lacks specialized ingredients to directly address oily shine, a treatment for this skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and ferulic acid to control excess oil and pores while boosting radiance.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Experimental Dermatology, 2012
What does Yuzu Fruit Extract do for oily skin?
Yuzu Fruit Extract helps brighten skin and supports firm, smooth skin by protecting against sun damage and boosting collagen. It is unlikely to feel heavy on oily skin, but because it tends to target dryness and aging, oily skin may also need lightweight ingredients that balance oil and clear pores.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024Antioxidants, 2022
What does Vitamin C do for oily skin?
Vitamin C helps oily skin by reducing unwanted oil production and preventing oil from oxidizing on your face. It also provides effective antimicrobial action that keeps breakouts under control and helps clear up acne lesions.
Drug Research, 2017International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine, after cleansing and before moisturizing, for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. For oily skin, a product of this type needs mattifying ingredients to help control excess shine.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to clean skin and following with your retinol product, or by using them on alternating nights to keep your skin calm. This product is safe for your skin, though an oily skin routine also needs specialized ingredients to control excess shine.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this treatment in the evening, and it is safe for your oily skin without risks of irritation. Oily skin also needs oil-controlling and mattifying ingredients to help manage shine.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily skin, as its formula avoids harsh or irritating ingredients. However, because it lacks oil-controlling ingredients, an oily skin routine also needs lightweight, oil-absorbing ingredients like salicylic acid or clay to fully manage shine.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and linalool).
What the research says
Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002The tetrapeptide PKEK exerts skin whitening effects by reducing UVB-stimulated mRNA expression of pigmentation-inducing mediators like POMC and tyrosinase, and significantly fades facial pigment spots when combined with sodium ascorbyl phosphate.
Experimental Dermatology, 2012Topical 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, 2021Citrus junos callus extract decreased melanin content in melanocytes 1.85-fold compared with arbutin and promoted the proliferation of and procollagen synthesis by human fibroblasts by 154% and 176% at 500 μg/mL.
Molecules, 2017Yuja-peel fractions (ethyl acetate, hexane, and butanol) inhibited MMP expression, induced moisturizing factors filaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase, and decreased melanin content in UVB-irradiated HaCaT, HDF, and α-MSH-treated B16F10 cells.
Antioxidants, 2022Upcycled low-molecular-weight anionic peptides from Citrus junos seeds protected UVR-irradiated keratinocytes and reconstructed skin tissue by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing paracrine cytokines, inhibiting melanin synthesis and TRP-2 expression, and increasing filaggrin, laminin-5, and type I collagen expression.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024Topical 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 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 2% niacinamide significantly decreased sebum excretion rate in Japanese individuals and casual sebum levels in Caucasian individuals compared to placebo or baseline.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016A 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, 2020An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018
Why other serums fit oily skin better
Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo.
BioMed Research International, 2022
Ingredients
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Water, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Carbomer, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Sodium Phytate, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caramel, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Limonene, Linalool
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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