# ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum for dry sensitive skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-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: [ISDIN](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/isdin)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/best/serums)

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

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

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for dry or flaky skin due to the presence of retinaldehyde and bakuchiol, which promote cell turnover and hydration, but may pose risks of worsening sensitivity for your dry and sensitive skin.
- Glycerin provides humectant action for your dry skin, but the formula lacks sufficient emollient ingredients like dimethicone to fully address dryness.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Retinaldehyde, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

## 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/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41424674/))
- 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/))
- Twice daily application of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams for 3 months improved skin texture and hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in 40 female Korean volunteers, with only the 0.1% cream significantly improving the melanin index. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29663701/))
- Topical retinaldehyde demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria both in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased bacterial counts without inducing resistance. ([Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12218231/))
- Topical 0.05% retinaldehyde applied over 1 year significantly increased epidermal thickness of the temple and cutaneous elasticity compared to an emollient control group in 40 aging skin patients. ([Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/))
- 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/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25914553/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24471735/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33346506/))
- Topical 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, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Dermatological 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, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- Topical 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))
- A multi-modal methodology combining MALDI-MSI, in vivo RCM, echography, and histology revealed age-related decreases in extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction proteins and undulation depth, while a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 improved subepidermal low-echogenic band thickness, density, and extracellular matrix structure compared to placebo. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25817264/))
- Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10 significantly increased type III collagen levels in human dermal fibroblasts following UV exposure, with their combination demonstrating a greater effect in vitro and enhancing type I, III, and IV collagen levels in ex vivo skin tissues compared to individual components. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42683869/))

## Why other serums fit dry sensitive skin better

- In 50 participants with sensitive skin, a Ceramide NP C15-containing emollient improved skin barrier function with a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss and induced modest changes in skin microbiota compared to the vehicle. ([Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41758783/))
- Treatment with 14% ferulic acid and 12% l-ascorbic acid significantly reduced pigmentation and erythema while improving hydration and elasticity in 20 women with photoaged skin, with neither acid proving definitively more effective overall though ascorbic acid showed slightly greater skin lightening. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34877760/))

## What reviewers say

Based on limited data, users highly praise this biphasic night serum for its ability to smooth skin texture and soften fine lines, with many noting it's gentle and non-irritating, even for sensitive skin. While most users experience positive anti-aging results and appreciate its elegant texture, some find the price point to be high and a few report a short shelf life or slow results for deeper wrinkles.

- Liked: Gentle & non-irritating (often mentioned)
- Liked: Smoother skin texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Elegant texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Visible anti-aging (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial mild irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Short shelf life (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slow results for some (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is ISDIN Retinal Intense a weak match for dry sensitive skin?

ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum may worsen dryness and irritation on sensitive skin because its active ingredients promote cell turnover while lacking enough rich, soothing moisturizers to keep dry skin calm and comfortable. This type of skin needs gentle, deeply nourishing ingredients that build up moisture and protect the skin barrier without causing 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 sensitive skin?

Retinaldehyde and bakuchiol help renew skin and smooth texture, but they may trigger irritation and dryness on delicate skin. A treatment for dry sensitive skin needs rich hydrating ingredients like ceramides and nourishing oils that soothe dryness without stinging.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### What does Retinal do for dry sensitive skin?

Retinal may help smooth fine lines and improve skin texture, but for dry and sensitive skin it is unlikely to be a good fit on its own. This skin type needs products that include gentle hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39496127/), [Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473963/)

### What does Niacinamide do for dry sensitive skin?

Niacinamide helps dry sensitive skin by calming irritation and keeping moisture locked in so your face feels soft and smooth. It works to build up your skin barrier and calm redness while being very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/), [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23220080/)

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

This serum goes in the evening routine, placed after cleansing and toning and before applying a moisturizer. Because this is a weak match for your dry and sensitive skin, a product of this type needs soothing ingredients and extra moisture-locking components to keep skin calm and hydrated.

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

It is best to avoid using this serum in the same routine as an AHA, as combining strong resurfacing ingredients may easily trigger redness and irritation on dry and sensitive skin. If you do use both, apply your AHA on a separate night or in your morning routine, and always follow up with plenty of soothing hydration.

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment is a weak fit for your dry sensitive skin because it may worsen your sensitivity while lacking enough softening ingredients to fully treat dryness. To use a product of this type safely on dry sensitive skin, it needs gentle cell-renewing ingredients combined with rich softening agents and soothing moisturizers that keep skin calm and smooth.

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

This serum may cause peeling and irritation for dry and sensitive skin because its active ingredients speed up cell turnover, which can trigger initial purging or flaking. Products of this type need extra soothing and rich softening ingredients to keep your skin calm and moisturized.

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

It contains fragrance (parfum) and drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 865.37 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-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 461.00 at Amazon
- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 226.83 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Illiyoon Ceramide Derma Amino Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/illiyoon/ceramide-derma-amino-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 149.44 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 141.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 89.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 65.11 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Illiyoon Ceramide Derma Amino Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/illiyoon/ceramide-derma-amino-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 149.44 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 141.00 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/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 146.71 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 65.11 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Illiyoon Ceramide Derma Amino Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/illiyoon/ceramide-derma-amino-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 149.44 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 130.30 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-mask-pack/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 100.50 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-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 146.71 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.sa: SAR 310.30 (https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0BD9DK6SC?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 4 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Dibutyl Adipate, Niacinamide, Isoamyl Laurate, Lauryl Peg Ppg-18 18 Methicone, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Alcohol Denat, Bakuchiol, 2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Ethylcellulose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Melatonin, Retinal Retinaldehyde, Silica, Disodium Edta, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Ci 77891 Titanium Dioxide, Ascorbic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tin Oxide, Chrysin
## 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/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin