SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Serum for dry sensitive skin
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Niacinamide
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
AllantoinAverage
- AverageDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for dry sensitive skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate brightening for your dry and sensitive skin, as niacinamide and sodium ascorbyl phosphate work to even skin tone, while glycerin and panthenol provide some hydration.
- The presence of sodium hyaluronate further supports hydration, though it may not be sufficient for optimal results on dry or flaky skin.
- The product is safe for your skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients, with no risks of irritation.
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.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, users with dull, dehydrated, or sensitive skin frequently praise this serum for its lightweight, hydrating formula that effectively brightens the complexion and fades hyperpigmentation over time. While many appreciate the 'glass skin' glow and gentle nature, some users note a sticky finish and mention that significant dark spot reduction requires consistent, long-term use.
Highlights
Pleasant citrus scent Mostly Mentioned
- “scent is heavenly”
- “refreshing citrus smell”
- “smells lovely and fresh”
Brightens skin tone Often Mentioned
- “skin is visibly brighter”
- “imparts a radiant glow”
- “complexion looks more even”
Gentle on sensitive skin Often Mentioned
- “gentle and non-irritating”
- “didn't break me out”
- “soothing on sensitive skin”
Hydrating and plumping Often Mentioned
- “skin looks plump and healthy”
- “deep hydration”
- “leaves skin soft”
Fades dark spots Sometimes Noted
- “fading acne scars”
- “reduction in appearance of marks”
- “helps with hyperpigmentation”
Slow results Sometimes Noted
- “haven't seen results yet”
- “needs consistent use”
- “no dramatic difference”
Sticky residue Sometimes Noted
- “leaves a bit of a sticky feeling”
- “tacky finish”
- “stickier than I would like”
Not moisturizing enough Rarely Noted
- “not enough for dry skin”
- “need a thicker cream over it”
- “lightweight but needs layering”
Scent sensitivity Rarely Noted
- “fragrance might be too much”
- “prefer unscented”
- “strong citrus smell”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, oliveyoung.com, stylekorean.com, yesstyle.com, youtube.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Serum work for dry sensitive skin?
SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Serum works moderately well for dry sensitive skin, offering some brightness and hydration while remaining gentle and unlikely to cause irritation. However, because it may not be enough for very dry or flaky skin, a treatment for this skin type needs extra ceramides and rich moisturizing ingredients to deeply nourish and protect the skin barrier.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
Niacinamide and sodium ascorbyl phosphate even your skin tone, while glycerin, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate provide hydration. Because this is only an average fit for dry and sensitive skin, a better option of this type needs richer moisturizing ingredients, ceramides, and multiple forms of vitamin C to fully support and protect the skin barrier.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
What does Yuzu Fruit Extract do for dry sensitive skin?
Yuzu Fruit Extract helps hydrate dry sensitive skin by boosting moisture factors like filaggrin while soothing irritation. It is unlikely to cause issues and may protect against everyday stress that makes skin dry and sensitive.
Antioxidants, 2022International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
What does Vitamin C do for dry sensitive skin?
Vitamin C helps soothe and protect dry, sensitive skin by fighting oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may improve skin smoothness while keeping the skin calm.
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This serum goes in your evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. Treatments are placed in the evening for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure, and dry sensitive skin needs extra rich hydrators and soothing barrier-supporting ingredients to feel comfortable.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first and following it with your retinol to keep your dry skin calm and smooth. This product is safe for your skin, though dry skin needs extra hydration and rich soothing ingredients like ceramides and heavier oils for the best results.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this treatment in your evening routine. This serum works for your skin, but a dry skin type needs richer hydrators like ceramides, shea butter, or plant oils to stay soft and comfortable.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores, cause breakouts, or lead to purging on dry sensitive skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and a safe profile. However, a product of this type needs richer hydrators like ceramides or facial oils to fully comfort dry skin.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and linalool).
What the research says
Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017Citrus junos callus extract decreased melanin content in melanocytes 1.85-fold compared with arbutin and promoted the proliferation of and procollagen synthesis by human fibroblasts by 154% and 176% at 500 μg/mL.
Molecules, 2017Yuja-peel fractions (ethyl acetate, hexane, and butanol) inhibited MMP expression, induced moisturizing factors filaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase, and decreased melanin content in UVB-irradiated HaCaT, HDF, and α-MSH-treated B16F10 cells.
Antioxidants, 2022Upcycled low-molecular-weight anionic peptides from Citrus junos seeds protected UVR-irradiated keratinocytes and reconstructed skin tissue by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing paracrine cytokines, inhibiting melanin synthesis and TRP-2 expression, and increasing filaggrin, laminin-5, and type I collagen expression.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024Topical 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, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical 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, 2022Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018
Why other serums fit dry sensitive skin better
Tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomal gel increased skin deposition, stability, moisture, and mechanical properties in 13 human subjects compared to a control gel over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022In 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, 2026Hydrogels containing vitamin E-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers exhibited better occlusive properties and long-lasting effects, while vitamin E-loaded nanoemulsions performed a faster skin hydration effect and were selected as more attractive for skin application.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2019
Ingredients
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Water, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Carbomer, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Sodium Phytate, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caramel, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Limonene, Linalool
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.
-
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-
Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-
Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-
Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-
Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-
Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.