Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence for acne-prone skin
Fermented Honey
Pink Yeast Filtrate
Egcg
Firming Peptides
Apricot Extract
High
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few serums fit it even better.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
- The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. 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 benefits for acne and blemishes due to the presence of Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage breakouts.
- Excellent suitability for your combination skin is provided by yeast ferment extract, saccharide isomerate, and ceramides, which offer humectant action, barrier repair, and support.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your combination skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing ingredients like yeast ferment extract and honey extract.
How to apply
- Use your serum as part of your PM routine and start 3x/week before working up to daily use.
- Apply this treatment after cleansing and toner, and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the product on clean, dry skin to help manage your breakouts safely.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 700+ reviewsThis peptide-infused essence is frequently described as a refreshing "power drink" for the skin, delivering immediate hydration and a noticeable healthy glow. While many report smoother texture and a plumper appearance over time, results vary for those with sensitive skin, with some experiencing irritation despite the microbiome-balancing claims.
Highlights
Hydrating and refreshing Mostly Mentioned
- “instantly refreshing”
- “delivers hydration”
- “soaks in great”
- “great pick-me-up”
Improves glow/texture Often Mentioned
- “immediate healthy glow”
- “skin felt very smooth”
- “soft and fresh-faced”
- “looks renewed”
Expensive for size Often Mentioned
- “price is too high”
- “small bottle (50ml)”
- “ridiculously expensive”
- “run through it quickly”
Beneficial ingredients Sometimes Noted
- “love the peptides”
- “fermented honey is great”
- “good for microbiome”
- “packed with nutrients”
Firming and plumping Sometimes Noted
- “firmer/plumper”
- “bouncier skin”
- “tightens your face”
- “improves elasticity”
Poor spray nozzle Sometimes Noted
- “splatters of larger particles”
- “aggressive spray”
- “not a fine mist”
- “spray issues”
Caused irritation Rarely Noted
- “stung my face”
- “allergic reaction”
- “caused redness”
- “skin got irritated”
No visible results Rarely Noted
- “didn't do anything”
- “doubtful results”
- “not impressed”
- “no firming effect”
Sources: lovi.care, dermstore.com, ulta.com, cultbeauty.co.uk, lovelyskin.com, spacenk.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Sunday Riley Pink Drink a great fit for acne-prone skin?
Sunday Riley Pink Drink is a great fit because it contains EGCG and green tea leaf extract, which offer soothing and antioxidant benefits that help manage breakouts. It also features ceramides and yeast extracts that keep the skin barrier strong and healthy without causing irritation.
Which ingredients make this essence a good fit for acne-prone skin?
Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) and camellia sinensis leaf extract make this essence a great fit by helping to manage breakouts with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Yeast ferment extract, saccharide isomerate, and ceramides also provide excellent suitability for your skin by repairing and supporting the skin barrier.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
What does Fermented Honey do for acne-prone skin?
Fermented Honey helps keep acne-prone skin balanced and calm by reducing redness and soothing irritation while supporting a clear, smooth surface. Products of this type for acne-prone skin need lightweight, soothing ingredients and gentle hydrators that do not clog pores.
What does Pink Yeast Filtrate do for acne-prone skin?
Pink Yeast Filtrate helps calm acne-prone skin by reducing redness and soothing irritation. This ingredient also supports a healthy skin barrier and provides moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
Skin Research and Technology, 2023Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
Where does this essence go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This essence is a treatment step that goes in your evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, though some can be used in the morning or twice a day. It is unlikely to cause irritation on acne-prone skin because it avoids harsh ingredients and features soothing elements.
Can I use this essence with retinol, and in what order?
Yes, you can use this essence with retinol by applying the essence first in your evening routine and following it with your retinol product. This helps manage breakouts while keeping your skin calm and hydrated, and it is unlikely to cause irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
How often should I use this essence?
This essence is a great fit for your acne-prone skin and can be used in your evening routine. It is unlikely to cause irritation and helps calm breakouts thanks to soothing ingredients and antioxidants.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
Can this essence clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This essence is a great fit for acne-prone skin and is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts. It contains helpful ingredients like green tea extract that help manage blemishes without causing irritation.
Is this essence fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol).
What the research says
An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019A novel moisturizer containing saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier recovery, improves hydration, reduces erythema, and alleviates discomfort compared to a control moisturizer following intense pulsed light treatment in subjects with skin aging.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events.
Lasers in Medical Science, 2025Formulations containing saccharide isomerate significantly improved transepidermal water loss, sebum secretion, and scalp flaking compared to a placebo formulation in an adult Chinese population affected by dandruff scalp.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2009Topical application of green tea extract encapsulated chitosan microparticles improved skin elasticity, melanin index, and facial wrinkles compared to a placebo in female volunteers without causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022Bitter apricot essential oil inhibited human HaCaT keratinocyte growth with an IC50 of 142.45 ug/ml by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through death receptor, mitochondrial, and NF-kB pathways.
International Immunopharmacology, 2016Kombucha-mediated fermentation of apple, apricot, and cherry leaf agro-waste extracts increased phenolic content and enhanced antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties while reducing oxidative stress in skin cells without cytotoxicity compared to unfermented extracts.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026
Ingredients
Water, Yeast Ferment Extract Pink Yeast Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Honey Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside Egcg, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Ceramide Np, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Seed Extract, Sea Water, Sphingolipids, Laminaria Digitata Extract Kelp Extract, Zymomonas Extract Ferment, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract Apricot Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Phytosphingosine, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Coconut Fruit Extract, Triethyl Citrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Grapefruit Peel Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Jasmine Leaf Extract Flower, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract Raspberry Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Polyglycerin-6, Glycerin, Saccharide Isomerate, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, 1,2 Hexanediol, Matodextrin, Tris Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol Citrate, Alcohol, Sodium Phytate
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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