# Paula's Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/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 Saudi Arabia.

Brand: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/paula-s-choice)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/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.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation and desquamation regulation for your oily skin due to retinol and bakuchiol, which can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
- While ingredients like Dimethicone and Glycerin provide general hydration and soothing benefits, they are not specifically targeted for your acne, blemishes, breakouts, and oiliness.
- The product is generally safe for your oily skin, with a low risk of irritation from retinol and bakuchiol.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Bakuchiol, Peptides, Ascorbic Acid, Ceramide Ng

## 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 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/))
- Topical application of all-trans-retinol induced epidermal thickening and increased retinoid binding protein expression similar to all-trans-retinoic acid in normal human skin, but without causing significant erythema or measurable retinoic acid levels. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7561157/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))

## Why other serums fit oily acne-prone skin better

- Adapalene 0.1%-benzoyl peroxide 2.5% fixed-dose combination gel provided significantly greater, synergistic efficacy and a faster onset of action compared with the vehicle, adapalene monotherapy, and benzoyl peroxide monotherapy in patients with acne vulgaris. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19466959/))
- Topical benzoyl peroxide 5% gel treatment improved acne severity, sebum, stratum corneum hydration, and transepidermal water loss, while significantly reducing microbial diversity and the prevalence of Cutibacterium in 33 patients with acne vulgaris. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34962033/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Users find this treatment to be a gentle and effective beginner-friendly retinol, especially beneficial for sensitive or dry skin. Many report improved skin texture and a reduction in fine lines, with a healthy glow and no typical retinol irritation. Some users experienced issues with the packaging pump and found the price point to be high.

- Liked: Gentle, non-irritating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Smoother skin texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Good for beginners (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating, glowing (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces fine lines (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging pump issues (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Texture/smell (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

### How well does Paula's Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment work for oily acne-prone skin?

This treatment works moderately well for oily acne-prone skin, offering gentle exfoliation and smoothing out fine lines, though it lacks specific ingredients to target breakouts and excess oil. Treatments that fit this skin type better need ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, benzoyl peroxide, or Vitamin C to directly control oil and clear blemishes.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/)

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

Retinol and bakuchiol help smooth out fine lines on your oily skin by gently encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells and supporting firmness. Treatments that fit this skin type better need ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or benzoyl peroxide to directly target blemishes and control excess oil.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

### What does Retinol do for oily acne-prone skin?

Retinol helps oily acne-prone skin by clearing up breakouts and smoothing the skin, though it may occasionally cause some mild scaling or stinging. This ingredient works by addressing the root causes of acne, making it a reliable choice for keeping pores clear and skin smooth.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30674002/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30586483/)

### What does Bakuchiol do for oily acne-prone skin?

Bakuchiol helps clear oily acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and dark spots left behind. It is gentle on the face and is unlikely to cause the heavy peeling or stinging that often comes with traditional acne treatments.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33683079/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25914553/)

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine, as treatments with actives are typically used at night for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. While retinol and bakuchiol help manage your skin, this type of skin needs ingredients that directly target oiliness and breakouts.

### Can I use this treatment with niacinamide, and in what order?

You can use this treatment with niacinamide by applying niacinamide first and following with this treatment once it absorbs. This approach helps keep oily skin balanced while minimizing potential irritation. For this skin type, products targeting oil control, breakouts, and blemishes are also needed.

### How often should I use this treatment?

Start by applying this treatment once a week in the evening, and if your skin feels comfortable and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. This product works for your oily skin, though an oily acne-prone skin type needs oil-absorbing and breakout-fighting ingredients to target excess oil and blemishes.
Sources: [Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24488631/)

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

This treatment is generally safe for your oily skin, though initial breakouts may happen as your skin adjusts. A product for this skin needs ingredients that help clear blemishes, balance oil, and soothe breakouts alongside hydration.

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone 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-acne-prone-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-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 226.83 at Amazon
- [Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clean-and-clear/persa-gel-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 82.17 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 36.33 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/oily-acne-prone-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/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 39.70 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.sa: SAR 418.20 (https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B084GGYHDF?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisoostearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Bakuchiol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Peg-75 Shea Glycerides Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Retinol, Ceramide Ng, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract Oat Kernel Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Willow Bark Extract, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Lecithin, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Hydroxide, Tribehenin, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipeptide-2, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Peg-10 Phytosterol, Peg-8, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Chrysin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Steareth-20, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin
## 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/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/0-3-retinol-2-bakuchiol-treatment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin