# ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Singapore.

Brand: [ISDIN](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/isdin)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for dry skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your dry or flaky skin due to the presence of niacinamide and bakuchiol, which provide hydration and gentle exfoliation.
- The inclusion of glycerin offers humectant action, but the formula lacks sufficient emollient ingredients like Dimethicone and Dibutyl Adipate to fully address your dryness.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin): Low (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Retinaldehyde, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

## 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/))
- Twice daily application of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams for 3 months improved skin texture and hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in 40 female Korean volunteers, with only the 0.1% cream significantly improving the melanin index. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29663701/))
- Topical retinaldehyde demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria both in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased bacterial counts without inducing resistance. ([Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12218231/))
- Topical 0.05% retinaldehyde applied over 1 year significantly increased epidermal thickness of the temple and cutaneous elasticity compared to an emollient control group in 40 aging skin patients. ([Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/))
- 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 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/))
- 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/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate. ([Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))
- A multi-modal methodology combining MALDI-MSI, in vivo RCM, echography, and histology revealed age-related decreases in extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction proteins and undulation depth, while a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 improved subepidermal low-echogenic band thickness, density, and extracellular matrix structure compared to placebo. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25817264/))
- Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10 significantly increased type III collagen levels in human dermal fibroblasts following UV exposure, with their combination demonstrating a greater effect in vitro and enhancing type I, III, and IV collagen levels in ex vivo skin tissues compared to individual components. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42683869/))

## Why other serums fit dry skin better

- Treatment with cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patches combined with acetyl hexapeptide-8 or epidermal growth factor significantly improved wrinkles and skin hydration compared to the patch alone in Korean females over 29 days. ([Annals of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/))

## What reviewers say

Based on limited data, users highly praise this biphasic night serum for its ability to smooth skin texture and soften fine lines, with many noting it's gentle and non-irritating, even for sensitive skin. While most users experience positive anti-aging results and appreciate its elegant texture, some find the price point to be high and a few report a short shelf life or slow results for deeper wrinkles.

- Liked: Gentle & non-irritating (often mentioned)
- Liked: Smoother skin texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Elegant texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Visible anti-aging (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial mild irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Short shelf life (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slow results for some (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is ISDIN Retinal Intense a weak match for dry skin?

ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum is a weak match because, although it offers some hydration and gentle exfoliation from niacinamide, bakuchiol, and glycerin, it lacks enough heavy softening ingredients to fully address dry skin. A product of this type needs rich hydrating ingredients like ceramides, propolis, or bifida ferment, along with soothing agents, to properly nourish and support dry skin without irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for dry skin?

This serum is a weak match for dry skin because it lacks enough softening and smoothing ingredients to fully address dryness. A product of this type needs rich moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, nourishing plant oils, and extra glycerin to properly hydrate dry skin.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Retinal do for dry skin?

Retinal helps smooth dry skin and is unlikely to cause severe dryness when used properly, though it may occasionally lead to mild scaling or irritation as the skin adjusts. This ingredient works best when paired with gentle moisturizers to keep the face feeling soft and comfortable.
Sources: [Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10473959/), [Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18046911/)

### What does Niacinamide do for dry skin?

Niacinamide helps dry skin by strengthening the skin barrier, increasing hydration, and reducing water loss. It supports ceramide production and helps keep the surface smooth and calm. This ingredient tends to be very well tolerated and is unlikely to irritate dry skin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/)

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Dry skin needs a serum with rich moisturizing oils and rich skin-softening ingredients to fully tackle flakiness and keep the skin smooth.

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

You should use this serum at night and apply your AHA on a different night to help prevent dryness and irritation. This product needs richer nourishing ingredients and extra softening hydrators to properly care for dry skin.

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum is a weak match for dry skin and needs extra rich, softening ingredients and soothing hydrators to fully address your dryness. You can use it in your evening routine, starting just once a week and slowly increasing the frequency only if your skin tolerates it well.
Sources: [Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24488631/)

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry skin, but it may cause initial mild irritation as your skin adjusts to the retinaldehyde. To properly care for dry skin, this type of product needs extra rich smoothing and softening ingredients alongside hydrating components.

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

It contains fragrance (parfum) and drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/ma-nyo/bifida-biome-complex-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$40.09 at Amazon
- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-tone-brightening-capsule-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$54.11 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$50.41 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.06 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cosrx/propolis-synergy-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$41.07 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.94 at Amazon
- SPF: [Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/thinkbaby/safe-sunscreen-spf-50/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$21.09 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$39.68 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.06 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$63.44 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.94 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$39.68 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.06 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Mediheal Collagen Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/mediheal/collagen-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$62.94 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$63.44 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [d'Alba First Spray Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/d-alba/first-spray-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.94 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Singapore has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Dibutyl Adipate, Niacinamide, Isoamyl Laurate, Lauryl Peg Ppg-18 18 Methicone, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Alcohol Denat, Bakuchiol, 2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Ethylcellulose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Melatonin, Retinal Retinaldehyde, Silica, Disodium Edta, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Ci 77891 Titanium Dioxide, Ascorbic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tin Oxide, Chrysin
## 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/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/isdin/retinal-intense-serum/for/dry-skin