# Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/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: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/best/moisturizers)

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 moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin, as retinol and niacinamide help regulate desquamation and sebum production, while licorice root extract and camellia sinensis leaf extract provide soothing benefits without irritation.
- The formula provides excellent moisturizing and anti-aging benefits with retinol and peptides for texture smoothing, though it lacks specialized ingredients to directly target your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Retinol, Niacinamide, Ceramide Ng, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin

## 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 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))

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

- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763437/))

## What reviewers say

This rich, retinol-infused moisturizer is widely celebrated by users with dry to very dry skin for its ability to deeply hydrate and repair the moisture barrier without feeling greasy. While most users find it soothing and effective for softening fine lines, a minority report breakouts or dissatisfaction with recent formula and packaging changes.

- Liked: Deep Hydration (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Luxurious Texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle Anti-Aging (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Soothing & Calming (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Formula/Packaging Changes (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Breakouts & Reactions (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Insufficient Moisture (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant Scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
- Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
- Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream work for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream works moderately well for oily acne-prone skin, as retinol and niacinamide help manage oil and smooth texture without causing irritation. However, a product for this skin needs targeted blemish-fighting ingredients, lightweight hydration, and oil-balancing components to maintain a clear and healthy complexion.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/)

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

Retinol and niacinamide make this cream a good fit by helping regulate skin shedding and oil production, while licorice root extract and camellia sinensis leaf extract provide calming benefits. However, a product for oily acne-prone skin also needs specialized ingredients that directly target breakouts and blemishes, along with a lightweight texture that avoids adding 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 Niacinamide do for oily acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/)

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

Apply this moisturizing treatment in the evening as a step in your routine. It works well for oily skin with ingredients like retinol and niacinamide, though oily acne-prone skin also needs specialized ingredients that directly target blemishes and breakouts.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461548/)

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

You can use this cream with an AHA, applying your AHA treatment first and following with this moisturizer once it absorbs. This product is unlikely to irritate oily skin because it contains soothing ingredients, but an average fit for acne-prone skin needs specialized ingredients to directly target blemishes and breakouts.

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this moisturizing treatment twice daily as part of your routine. Daily application helps improve skin moisture and texture, though oily acne-prone skin needs specialized blemish-fighting ingredients to directly target breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

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

This cream works for your skin though other products fit it better, and it is unlikely to irritate you or cause breakouts. To properly care for oily acne-prone skin, a moisturizer of this type needs lightweight ingredients that hydrate while directly targeting blemishes and breakouts.

### Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this moisturizing treatment around the eyes or on your body, but oily acne-prone skin needs a lighter product that targets blemishes and breakouts directly.

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

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

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 14.95 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 78.95 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — SAR 146.71 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
- SPF: [Dear, Klairs All-day Airy Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dear-klairs/all-day-airy-sunscreen/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 148.78 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.sa: SAR 548.39 (https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00O9TLU9S?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Petrolatum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate Hexacaprate, Glyceryl Stearate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Peg-100 Stearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Retinol, Adenosine, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Ceramide Ng, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Watermelon Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Tribehenin, Peg-10 Phytosterol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate Dicaprate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Tridecyl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sclerotium Gum, Carbomer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Disodium Edta, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid
## 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/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/resist-intensive-repair-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin