# The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-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: [The Ordinary](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/the-ordinary)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/serums)

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

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

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your oily skin, this solution utilizes Acetyl Glucosamine and Lactic Acid to provide mild exfoliation and skin renewal, effectively addressing your concerns with acne, blemishes, breakouts, and oiliness.
- The inclusion of Glycerin further enhances hydration, complementing the keratolytic action and ensuring your skin remains balanced.
- The safety profile is excellent, with Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder and the absence of harsh ingredients ensuring no irritation for your oily skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High (this page)

## Key ingredients

Aloe Barbadensis, N-Acetyl Glucosamine Nag, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Biosaccharide Gum-2, 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/))
- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief. ([Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29649056/))
- Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20569031/))
- N-acetylglucosamine dose dependently increased hyaluronan production in cultured keratinocytes, and its combination with retinoic acid or retinol exerted a synergistic effect. ([Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14976384/))
- Exogenous N-acetylglucosamine promotes hyaluronan production while having no effect on the expression of hyaluronan-synthesizing enzymes 1, 2, and 3 mRNA in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19247681/))
- Global gene expression profiling and in vitro biomarker approaches in human skin equivalent cultures successfully detected specific skin barrier, matrix, and hydration responses to topical compounds including niacinamide, hexamidine, Pal-KT, Pal-KTTKS, and N-acetylglucosamine. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19623777/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with acne-prone and sensitive skin frequently praise this serum for its ability to soothe redness and gradually fade post-acne marks without irritation. Many report improved skin texture and hydration, though some users find the results on older hyperpigmentation to be slow or unnoticeable.

- Liked: Soothing and calming (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Fades post-acne marks (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow or minimal results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Routine conflicts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Sticky finish (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This solution is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because it uses N-Acetyl Glucosamine and lactic acid to gently exfoliate and renew the skin while clearing up breakouts and excess oil. Glycerin adds essential moisture to keep your skin balanced, and soothing ingredients like aloe help ensure it stays calm without irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This serum is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin because it uses N-Acetyl Glucosamine and lactic acid to gently exfoliate and renew your skin while helping with breakouts and oiliness. Glycerin adds balanced hydration, and aloe leaf juice helps keep your skin calm and safe from irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Aloe Vera do for oily acne-prone skin?

Aloe vera helps calm oily, acne-prone skin by reducing redness, bumps, and breakouts while keeping the skin smooth. This plant-based ingredient also supports clearer skin and helps improve overall skin texture.
Sources: [Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/), [Frontiers in Medicine, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34095172/)

### What does N-Acetyl Glucosamine do for oily acne-prone skin?

N-acetyl glucosamine helps fade dark spots and uneven tone that can linger after breakouts clear up. When combined with ingredients like niacinamide, it works even better to give you a clearer and more even complexion.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17348991/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19845667/)

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

This treatment goes in your evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, applied once a week to start. It uses acetyl glucosamine and lactic acid to gently clear pores and balance oil, while aloe and glycerin keep your skin calm and hydrated.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first in your routine and following it with your retinol product, or by using them on alternate nights to keep your skin calm and balanced. This approach helps prevent dryness and irritation while still addressing breakouts and oiliness.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin, using mild acids to clear breakouts and glycerin to keep your skin balanced. Apply it in your evening routine once a week to start, and if your skin tolerates it well and sees good results, you can carefully use it more often.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on oily skin because it has an excellent safety profile and is free of harsh ingredients. Glycerin is included to keep your skin balanced while addressing oiliness and blemishes.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $16.75 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.08 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — $25.08 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 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-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $14.50 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C24WHN1R?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Acetyl Glucosamine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
## 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/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/aloe-2-nag-2-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin