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The Nue Co. Skin Filter Serum for oily acne-prone skin

High

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few products fit it even better.

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

  • Offers excellent exfoliation for your oily skin and acne concerns, as glycolic acid and lactic acid work to renew and smooth the skin, while Zinc PCA helps regulate oil production.
  • The inclusion of bakuchiol and caffeine further supports skin renewal and provides antioxidant benefits, complementing the primary exfoliating agents.
  • The product is safe for your skin, with soothing ingredients like Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Sodium Hyaluronate preventing irritation.

How to apply

  • Use this exfoliant as part of your PM routine once a week to start, increasing frequency only if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but before your final moisturizer step.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
  • Apply the product directly onto clean, dry skin for the best results against breakouts.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area and always use a daily SPF since exfoliating makes skin more sensitive to the sun.

People Say

★4.1Overall rating based on 700+ reviews

This serum is frequently praised for delivering a radiant, filtered complexion and improving skin texture without irritation. Users often report brighter, more hydrated skin with diminished fine lines, making it suitable for sensitive and combination skin types. Some users find the price point high and note a sticky texture during application.

Highlights

  • Visible skin glow Mostly Mentioned
    • “Instant radiant glow”
    • “Skin looks filtered”
    • “Lovely healthy glow”
  • Gentle, non-irritating Often Mentioned
    • “No redness or irritation”
    • “Perfect for sensitive skin”
    • “Gentle retinol alternative”
  • High price Often Mentioned
    • “Pricey but good”
    • “Expensive for the size”
    • “Hard to justify cost”
  • Hydrating formula Sometimes Noted
    • “Skin feels plumped”
    • “Deeply hydrates skin”
    • “Not greasy or oily”
  • Improves texture Sometimes Noted
    • “Smoother skin texture”
    • “Refined visible pores”
    • “Evened out tone”
  • Mixed results Rarely Noted
    • “Didn't see major change”
    • “Not great for me”
    • “No noticeable difference”
  • Sticky texture Rarely Noted
    • “Feels a bit sticky”
    • “Takes time to absorb”
    • “Slightly tacky finish”

Sources: lovi.care, spacenk.com, lemon8-app.com, ipsy.com, lookfantastic.com, thenueco.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes The Nue Co. Skin Filter Serum a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant treatment is a great fit because glycolic acid and lactic acid renew and smooth the skin while zinc PCA helps regulate oil production. Bakuchiol and caffeine further support skin renewal and provide antioxidant benefits, and soothing ingredients help prevent irritation.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycolic acid and lactic acid renew and smooth your skin while zinc PCA helps control oil, making this serum a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin. Bakuchiol and caffeine further support skin renewal and provide antioxidant benefits, and soothing ingredients like dipotassium glycyrrhizate and sodium hyaluronate help prevent irritation.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015

What does Phyto-Retinal do for oily acne-prone skin?

Phyto-Retinal helps smooth out texture and calm breakouts on oily skin without the heavy flaking or stinging often caused by traditional retinol. It is unlikely to clog pores and may improve overall skin clarity with regular use.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

What does Glycolic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycolic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and soothing breakouts. It exfoliates the surface to keep pores clear and leaves the skin feeling smooth.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Dermatologic Surgery, 2014

Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum goes in your evening routine as a treatment step. You can start using it once a week, and if your skin tolerates it well, you may carefully use it more often.

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

You can use this serum with retinol, but it is best to apply them on different nights or keep retinol for your PM routine while using this treatment carefully to avoid irritation. Using strong exfoliating acids and retinol together may cause excessive dryness or redness on oily acne-prone skin, so alternating nights helps your skin stay calm and smooth.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024American Family Physician, 2012

How often should I use this serum?

Start by using this treatment once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin tolerates it well and sees good results, you may carefully use it more often. The glycolic acid and lactic acid renew and smooth your skin while helping with acne, and soothing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and dipotassium glycyrrhizate help keep irritation away.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

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 and is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts because its acids help renew and smooth the skin while zinc helps regulate oil. Soothing ingredients also help keep irritation low while the skin adjusts.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Topical nicotinamide plus an antibacterial adhesive agent and zinc-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid combined with adapalene significantly reduced noninflammatory acne lesions by the second week of therapy compared to placebo with adapalene in patients with moderate acne vulgaris.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
  • A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and mannitol improves inflammatory lesions, Investigator Global Assessment, and seborrhea intensity when added to adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015
  • Topical caffeine acts as an active cosmetic compound by preventing excessive fat accumulation through phosphodiesterase inhibition, protecting cells against UV radiation with antioxidant properties, increasing skin microcirculation, and stimulating hair growth via 5-alpha-reductase inhibition.

    Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2013
  • 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
  • A topical formulation containing panthenol, niacinamide, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate increased skin hydration by 74.1% and reduced transepidermal water loss by 13.5% at 28 days compared to baseline and untreated control in 35 individuals with xerosis.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026
  • Topical application of a serum containing supramolecular Bakuchiol and Terminalia chebula extract significantly improved barrier function, reduced redness and sensitivity, and improved wrinkles and elasticity in 34 Chinese subjects with sensitive skin after 28 days.

    Health Science Reports, 2025
  • Bakuchiol functions as an anti-aging compound through retinol-like regulation of gene expression, producing significant improvements in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and photo-damage after 12 weeks of twice-a-day facial application without usual retinol therapy-associated undesirable effects.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014
  • A nature-based bakuchiol-containing cleanser and moisturizer improved visual and tactile smoothness, clarity, radiance, overall appearance, global anti-aging, and skin moisture content by 16% in 60 female subjects with sensitive mild to moderate photodamaged skin over 4 weeks.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2020
  • Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks.

    International Journal of Dermatology, 2000
  • Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2017
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Bakuchiol demonstrated multidirectional antiageing efficacy in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, sharing features with retinol while uniquely stimulating extracellular matrix components, epidermal regeneration, and wound healing.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022
  • A 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil applied once daily decreased wrinkles by 11%, increased skin firmness by 8%, reduced redness by 70%, and improved overall skin quality and complexion in 103 female subjects over 28 to 84 days compared to baseline.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • A dermocosmetic serum combining bakuchiol and vanilla tahitensis extract synergistically protected against inflammaging and senescence in vitro, prevented glycosaminoglycan loss in skin explants, and improved clinical outcomes including face ptosis, firmness, and radiance in women with naturally aged skin.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020
  • Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.

    Cutis, 2004
  • Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992
  • A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Isoamyl Laurate, Heptyl Glucoside, Galactoarabinan, Sclerotium Gum, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Bakuchiol, Sodium Hydroxide, Maltodextrin, Caffeine, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Isoamyl Cocoate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Zinc Pca, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sugar Maple Extract, Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Nephelium Lappaceum Extract, Heptanol, Pinus Strobus Bark Extract

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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