# Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-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: [Murad](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/murad)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate treatment for oily shine and combination skin, as retinol and hydroxypinacolone retinoate promote cell turnover and regulate sebum production, while sodium hyaluronate and glycerin provide humectant action.
- The inclusion of urea, yeast amino acids, trehalose, inositol, taurine, and betaine ensures a gentle experience, minimizing irritation for your combination skin.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide Np, Swertia Chirata Extract, Shea Ethyl Esters Butter

## 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/))
- Soaps containing betaine caused the least skin irritation compared to other tested soaps in twenty-eight healthy subjects, though irritation did not decrease with increasing concentrations of betaine. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with aging or textured skin frequently report visible improvements in fine lines and overall radiance, often praising the formula for being significantly gentler than typical retinols. The "Tri-Active" technology is widely credited for delivering effective anti-aging results without the dryness or irritation commonly associated with vitamin A products.

- Liked: Gentle, non-irritating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture/tone (often mentioned)
- Liked: Reduces fine lines (often mentioned)
- Disliked: High price point (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating formula (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hygienic packaging (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Potential breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Pump malfunctions (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum work for combination skin?

This serum works moderately well for combination skin by helping smooth out texture and manage oily shine, though other products fit this skin type better. To work best for combination skin, a product of this type needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and propolis to regulate oiliness, enhance radiance, and keep the skin balanced without causing excess oiliness or dryness.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?

This serum works for combination skin because retinol and hydroxypinacolone retinoate help manage oily shine while sodium hyaluronate and glycerin keep skin soft with needed moisture. At the same time, ingredients like urea, betaine, and taurine are included to help keep the experience gentle and lower the risk of irritation. Combination skin of this type needs products containing niacinamide, propolis, and zinc PCA to regulate oiliness and boost radiance without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/)

### What does Retinol do for combination skin?

Retinol helps smooth fine lines, even out skin tone, and improve firmness in combination skin. It works by encouraging faster skin renewal and boosting collagen, though it may occasionally cause mild dryness or scaling while your skin adjusts.
Sources: [Archives of Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for combination skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for combination skin because it quenches dry areas with a boost of hydration while keeping oily zones balanced. Regular use helps smooth out fine lines and makes your skin feel soft and plump without causing irritation.
Sources: [Dermatology and Therapy, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176098/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/)

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

This treatment serum goes in the evening routine for combination skin. Combination skin needs products with retinol, sodium hyaluronate, and ceramides to balance oily shine and keep the skin smooth.

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

You can use this serum with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in your morning routine and this serum at night. Combination skin also needs ingredients like ceramides and soothing plant extracts to protect the skin barrier while using active treatments.

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment is used in the evening, starting once a week to see how your skin reacts, and you can gradually use it more often if your skin tolerates it well. To work better for combination skin, a product of this type needs ingredients that balance oil and deeply hydrate without causing irritation.
Sources: [Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24488631/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts for combination skin, as complaints of potential breakouts are low and soothing ingredients help keep irritation down. To properly care for combination skin, this type of product needs ingredients that balance oily shine while maintaining moisture without heavy oils.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/)

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

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

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 226.83 at Amazon
- [Augustinus Bader The Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/augustinus-bader/the-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 2,799.99 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 865.37 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 191.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 166.90 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/combination-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 39.70 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.sa: SAR 231.78 (https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B088VF6LMG?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isopropyl Palmitate, C14-22 Alcohols, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Shea Ethyl Esters Butter, Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Ceramide Np, Sodium Hyaluronate, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract Tomato Fruit Extract, Swertia Chirata Extract, Squalane, Punica Granatum Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja Extract Soybean Extract, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Silica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Cetyl Palmitate, Laureth-23, Polysorbate 20, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Tris Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol Citrate, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Red 4 Ci 14700, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, 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/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/murad/retinol-youth-renewal-serum/for/combination-skin