# Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Low Risk.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-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: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/best/exfoliators)

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

A weak match for oily skin; the products alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your oily skin due to salicylic acid and mandelic acid, which help manage oily shine, though strawberry fruit extract provides limited additional benefits for this concern.
- The serum also includes ingredients like allantoin and bisabolol to soothe the skin, which is supportive for your oily skin type.
- The product is generally safe for your oily skin, with a low risk of irritation from the exfoliating acids.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin): Low (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/combination-skin): Superior
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid Bha, Mandelic Acid Aha, Strawberry Extract, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid

## What the research says

- Treatment with 45% mandelic acid peel showed nearly equal overall efficacy as 30% salicylic acid peel in patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris, but with fewer adverse effects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))
- Chemical peels using 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic-10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid reduce acne scores by 70.55%, 74.14%, and 69.7% respectively, and significantly decline the postacne hyperpigmentation index in Asian patients with mild to moderate acne. ([Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31619887/))
- Commonly used chemical peels showed no significant differences in effectiveness for acne vulgaris in most comparisons, though combined salicylic and mandelic acid peeling was superior to glycolic acid and glycolic acid was superior to placebo, based on twelve randomized controlled trials. ([BMJ Open, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705755/))
- Treatment with 30% lactic acid peel showed a significantly greater reduction in pigmentation and higher patient satisfaction compared to 30% mandelic acid peel in patients with periorbital melanosis. ([Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41051381/))
- Fragaria vesca extract-based hydrogel exhibited antioxidant efficacy, cutaneous compatibility, acceptability, and stability suitable for topical application. ([Antioxidants, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32074975/))
- Supercritical CO2 extract from strawberry seeds at concentrations up to 2% successfully provides moisturizing and skin-softening effects in mild cleansing compositions without significantly affecting their stability, cleansing, or foaming properties. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25899676/))
- Treatment with strawberry seed extract and tiliroside increased stratum corneum total ceramide content and specific ceramide species in human epidermal equivalents by enhancing the expression of ceramide-related enzymes. ([PloS One, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30300355/))
- Topical 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, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical 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, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 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, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Azelaic acid nanocrystal hydrogel 10% achieved a higher success rate and greater lesion reduction than azelaic acid cream 20% in patients with mild to moderate facial acne. ([Pharmaceutics, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33923739/))
- Application of 15% azelaic acid gel significantly reduced post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation, decreased hemoglobin and melanin content, improved quality of life, and contributed to acne improvement in patients with mild to moderate acne compared to placebo. ([Dermatology and Therapy, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38734843/))
- Topical application of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid reduced acne relapses and helped maintain remission compared to a light moisturizing cream in adult females in the acne maintenance phase over 16 weeks. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36729399/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this serum is highly praised for its gentle exfoliation and smoothing effects, particularly for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Users frequently report significant improvements in breakouts, pore appearance, and skin texture, alongside a pleasant sensory experience. Some reviewers, however, find the product to be expensive for the quantity provided and have noted issues with the packaging and a potentially sticky finish.

- Liked: Clears acne and pores (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle and non-irritating (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant sensory experience (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Price and value (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging design (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Scent disliked (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Sticky finish (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliant product as part of your PM routine once a week. Start slowly and build up frequency only if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it absorb fully. Avoid any harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
- Apply the exfoliant directly onto completely dry skin to get the best balance and results. Clean, dry skin helps the product work evenly.
- Always avoid the delicate eye area when applying. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily while using exfoliating acids.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth Serum a weak match for oily skin?

This serum is a weak match for oily skin because it offers only moderate exfoliation and limited oil-managing benefits from its ingredients. To truly fit oily skin, an exfoliant needs ingredients like niacinamide to control excess oil and shine, along with soothing extracts and lightweight hydrators to keep the skin comfortable every day.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/), [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/)

### Which ingredients make this exfoliant a poor fit for oily skin?

This exfoliant is a weak match for your oily skin because it lacks key sebum-controlling ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, or ferulic acid, which are needed to effectively manage excess oil and shine. An ideal option for this skin type needs a combination of oil-balancing agents, soothing extracts, and light hydrators to control shine comfortably without causing breakouts.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for oily skin?

Salicylic acid helps oily skin by clearing excess oil and reducing breakouts while keeping skin comfortable and hydrated. Using it twice a day can significantly lower oil levels and improve overall skin balance.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40682377/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35073439/)

### What does Mandelic Acid do for oily skin?

Mandelic acid is effective and safe for treating acne-prone and oily skin, helping to clear breakouts with fewer side effects than some other acids.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/), [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37894698/)

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

This serum goes in your evening routine as a treatment step, used once a week to start. Oily skin of this type needs a well-rounded formula with stronger blemish-fighting ingredients and balanced oil-control support.

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

It is best to use this exfoliant on a different night than your retinol to keep your skin calm and avoid irritation. When you do use them, apply your exfoliant after cleansing and before your moisturizer.

### How often should I use this serum?

Start using this serum once a week in the evening routine, and carefully use it more often if your oily skin tolerates it well and shows good results. An oily skin type needs a treatment that offers stronger pore-clearing and oil-controlling ingredients to properly manage excess shine.

### Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This exfoliant is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on oily skin because it has a safe profile with a low risk of irritation from its exfoliating acids. To properly care for oily skin, a product of this type needs effective oil-controlling ingredients like salicylic acid and soothing helpers like allantoin to keep pores clear and skin calm.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/), [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/)

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

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

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clinique/fresh-pressed-daily-booster-with-pure-vitamin-c-10/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 653.00 at Amazon
- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 226.83 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/oily-skin) — High fit — SAR 865.37 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 36.33 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 53.04 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 39.70 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 46.95 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 245.95 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 36.33 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/caudalie/vinopure-purifying-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 187.00 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/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 39.70 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 245.95 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 36.33 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 157.51 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Clarify + Clear Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/goldfaden-md/facial-detox-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 328.29 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 53.04 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/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.sa: SAR 194.72 (https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0B4F7W5JF?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Methylpropanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Strawberry Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Phosphate Starch, Salicylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Mandelic Acid, Succinic Acid, Strawberry Leaf Extract, Azelaic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract Prickly Pear Flower Extract, Niacinamide, Glucosamine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Dextrin, Polydextrose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Amylopectin, Butylene Glycol, Succinoglycan, Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Lecithin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, 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/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/oily-skin