StriVectin AR™ Night Treatment for dry sensitive skin
Advanced Retinol
Sodium Hyaluronate
Peptides
Niacinamide
Vitamin EAverage
- HighDry Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ConcerningSafety
Works for dry sensitive skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. 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 hydration for your dry skin due to glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, but the inclusion of retinol poses a risk of worsening your sensitivity.
- Butyrospermum parkii butter provides emollient action, which is beneficial for dry skin, though the retinol's potential to increase sensitivity is a primary concern.
How to apply
- Use this PM routine for your evening skincare. Start using the serum 3 times a week and increase to daily use if your skin feels comfortable.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer. This step locks in deep hydration for dry skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin using your palms. Let it absorb completely for a minute ⏱ before applying your next product.
- Since your skin is sensitive, apply the serum on completely dry skin for better tolerance and less irritation.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Always do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 1.3k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this retinol treatment is highly regarded by users, particularly those with mature and dry skin. It is frequently praised for its effectiveness in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and for providing deep hydration without causing irritation. Many users report smoother, softer, and plumper skin by morning. Some users experience mild peeling or dryness, and a few mention an unpleasant scent or breakouts, but these are less common concerns.
Highlights
Deeply hydrating Often Mentioned
- “intense hydration”
- “skin feels moisturized, nourished”
- “hydrated very well”
- “rich creamy texture left my skin feeling great”
Reduces fine lines Often Mentioned
- “minimizing my fine lines”
- “fine lines are not as noticeable”
- “reduces the depth of wrinkles”
- “deeper lines have improved somewhat”
Gentle on skin Sometimes Noted
- “gentle enough to use every day”
- “doesn't cause me any irritation or redness”
- “no dry skin or peeling”
- “great retinol for sensitive skin”
Improves skin texture Sometimes Noted
- “smoother texture”
- “skin feels so soft and smooth”
- “refines texture and the look of pores”
- “rough texture has also improved”
Causes breakouts Rarely Noted
- “broke me out almost immediately”
- “caused some breakouts”
- “woke up with blemishes”
Causes peeling/dryness Rarely Noted
- “new formula is causing peeling or drying”
- “experienced slight irritation from the retinol”
- “can only use it a couple nights a week or peeling begins”
Greasy residue Rarely Noted
- “oily residue that never really absorbed”
- “way too heavy for me”
- “woke up feeling really greasy”
High price Rarely Noted
- “comes at a pretty steep price”
- “price is too high for the regular size”
- “wish it was more affordable”
Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
- “could not get over the scent”
- “didn't love the color and scent”
- “has a noticeable fragrance”
Sources: lovi.care, macys.com, costco.com, dermstore.com, boots.com, lovelyskin.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does StriVectin AR™ Night Treatment work for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment works moderately well for dry skin by providing hydration, but the retinol inside may worsen your sensitivity. A product for this skin needs gentle, highly nourishing ingredients that provide deep moisture and barrier support without any risk of irritation.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
Which ingredients make this treatment a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and shea butter make this treatment a fit by providing moderate moisture and keeping your skin soft. However, a product for dry sensitive skin needs ingredients that hydrate and protect safely without any risk of irritation.
What does Retinol do for dry sensitive skin?
Retinol helps smooth fine lines and even out skin tone, but for dry and sensitive skin, it can sometimes trigger irritation. To make it work, this skin type needs soothing, barrier-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lock in moisture and keep the skin calm.
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for dry, sensitive skin because it brings a large boost in hydration, making the skin feel soft and smooth while improving barrier function. It helps calm tightness and dryness, and is unlikely to cause irritation.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Dermatology and Therapy, 2021
Where does this treatment go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine, applied after your toner and before your moisturizer. Because your skin is dry and sensitive, this product needs extra soothing ingredients, rich hydrators, and gentle retinol alternatives to keep your skin calm and smooth.
Can I use this treatment with glycolic acid, and in what order?
It is best to avoid using this treatment at the same time as glycolic acid, as combining them may easily irritate dry and sensitive skin. Instead, a product for this skin needs gentle hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid alongside soothing ingredients to keep the skin calm and comfortable.
How often should I use this treatment?
This treatment is intended for evening use, but for your dry sensitive skin, you should start by applying it just once a week to lower the chance of irritation. If your skin tolerates it well and stays calm, you may gradually use it more often. A product for this skin needs soothing, barrier-repairing ingredients and rich hydrators like ceramides and hyaluronic acid alongside any active ingredients.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can this treatment clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry sensitive skin, but the retinol in it may cause peeling or scaling. Products for this skin need gentle hydrators like glycerin and soothing ingredients to keep skin calm and smooth without irritation.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Is this treatment fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
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, 2019A 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 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, 2017Silicone 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, 2018Topical stabilized retinol treatment induced HAS gene expression and increased hyaluronic acid production in human skin in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo compared to vehicle.
Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017Topical 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 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 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, 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 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, 2024
Why other serums fit dry sensitive skin better
- Retinol in this serum
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
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium Edta, Parfum
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
How does it fit your skin?
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