# Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Saudi Arabia.

Brand: [Glow Recipe](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/glow-recipe)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for dry skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent treatment for blemishes due to retinol and retinal, which can cause dryness and irritation for your dry skin, though glycerin and squalane provide some hydration.
- The presence of bisabolol and ectoin offers soothing benefits, which is beneficial for your skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/oily-skin): Superior
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/combination-skin): Superior
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Superior
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Superior

## Key ingredients

Blackberry Extract, Retinol, Squalane, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bisabolol

## 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, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/))
- A blackberry and dill extract combination synergistically increased skin elasticity and induced elastogenesis compared to each ingredient alone and placebo. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32583541/))
- Tropical highland blackberry juice reduced UVB-mediated DNA damage and increased apoptosis in human epidermal keratinocytes and a reconstituted skin equivalent model. ([Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23711186/))
- Strawberry and blackberry crude extracts, anthocyanin-enriched fractions, and proanthocyanidin-enriched fractions demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects through ROS reduction, gene expression inhibition, and NO suppression, while anthocyanin fractions promoted fibroblast migration in vitro. ([Food Research International, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31108769/))
- Topical 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- Silicone 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/))
- Topical 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- 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/))
- Application of an alpha-bisabolol-containing cream produced a significant skin-lightening effect in pigmented skin compared to a vehicle control in the majority of female subjects after 8 weeks. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/))
- The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate reduces UVB-induced PGE2, inflammatory cytokines, and mitochondrial superoxide in human epidermal keratinocytes. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38433250/))

## What reviewers say

This serum is widely praised as a gentle yet effective entry-level retinol that clears acne and smooths texture without the irritation typical of stronger retinoids. While many users with sensitive skin report excellent results in fading dark spots and reducing breakouts, a notable minority experienced adverse reactions to the fragrance or found the formula too weak for advanced needs.

- Liked: Gentle, non-irritating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Clears acne (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fast absorption (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: High price point (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Too weak (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Serum for dry skin?

Lovi advises caution because this treatment contains retinol and retinal, which may cause dryness and irritation for your dry skin. While it includes soothing and hydrating ingredients like glycerin, squalane, bisabolol, and ectoin, a product for dry skin needs deep hydration, barrier support, and nourishing ingredients like propolis, niacinamide, ceramides, or peptides without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for dry skin?

Retinol and retinal make this serum a poor fit for your dry skin because they can cause dryness and irritation, although glycerin and squalane provide some hydration. A product of this type needs highly effective, soothing ingredients that provide significant hydration, skin barrier support, and a healthy glow without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### What does Blackberry Extract do for dry skin?

Blackberry extract helps protect dry skin from sun damage and irritation. It may also calm redness and keep the skin smooth by fighting off daily oxidative stress.
Sources: [Nutrients, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31614689/), [Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23711186/)

### What does Retinol do for dry skin?

Retinol is a poor fit for dry skin because it frequently causes scaling, stinging, and dryness. To care for dry skin properly, a product needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and keep the skin barrier calm and smooth.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Because it contains retinol, it may cause dryness and irritation on dry skin, so this skin type needs extra hydration and soothing ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and bisabolol to stay comfortable.

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

You should use this serum at night and apply your vitamin C serum in the morning to avoid combining potent actives that may irritate your dry skin. A product for this skin needs nourishing hydrators and calming ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and bisabolol to keep it soft and comfortable.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102855/)

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum is used in the evening routine, starting just once a week to see how your dry skin reacts since the active ingredients may cause dryness and irritation. A product of this type needs extra soothing and hydrating ingredients like squalane, glycerin, and ceramides to keep dry skin calm and comfortable.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts for dry skin, though reviews rarely report them. Retinol and retinal help clear blemishes, but they may cause dryness and irritation on dry skin that a product of this type needs soothing ingredients like bisabolol and ectoin to calm.

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 226.83 at Amazon
- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 461.00 at Amazon
- [ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/ma-nyo/bifida-biome-complex-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 145.51 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 297.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 48.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 75.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 65.11 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 297.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/round-lab/1025-dokdo-cleansing-water/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 72.64 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 48.00 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 65.11 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 297.00 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/dry-skin) — High fit — SAR 130.30 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/mediheal/watermide-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 234.73 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 48.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Saudi Arabia has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Ectoin, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Blackberry Fruit Extract, Bisabolol, Retinyl Linoleate, Epilobium Angustifolium Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Retinal, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Fruit Extract, Retinol, Tocopherol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Erythritol, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
## 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/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/glow-recipe/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum/for/dry-skin