# Maelove Moonlight Retinal Super Serum for dry skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-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: [Maelove](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/maelove)
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 exfoliation for your dry skin due to gluconolactone and retinaldehyde, which can cause dryness and irritation, somewhat outweighing the hydrating benefits of aloe barbadensis leaf juice and squalane.
- The presence of alcohol denat and grapefruit peel oil may further contribute to dryness, and while squalane and ceramides are included, they may not provide sufficient emollient support for your dry skin.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Retinal Retinaldehyde, Niacinamide, Squalane, Ceramide Np, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

## What the research says

- 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/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- 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/))
- Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief. ([Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29649056/))
- Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20569031/))

## Why other serums fit dry skin better

- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- Treatment with 14% ferulic acid and 12% l-ascorbic acid significantly reduced pigmentation and erythema while improving hydration and elasticity in 20 women with photoaged skin, with neither acid proving definitively more effective overall though ascorbic acid showed slightly greater skin lightening. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34877760/))
- 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 a very large amount of data, this retinal serum is highly regarded for improving uneven skin tone and smoothing rough texture, with very high frequency of positive mentions. It is frequently noted for being gentle and non-irritating, even for sensitive skin types. Users also report moderate success with hydration and nourishment. Some users experienced low frequency issues such as temporary yellow staining or initial dryness, and negligible reports of slow wrinkle improvement.

- Liked: Gentle on sensitive skin (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Evens skin tone (often mentioned)
- Liked: Smoothes skin texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating and nourishing (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial dryness or flaking (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slow wrinkle improvement (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Temporary yellow staining (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 Maelove Moonlight Retinal a weak match for dry skin?

This product is a weak match for your dry skin because it offers moderate exfoliation that can cause dryness and irritation, which somewhat outweighs its hydrating ingredients. Additionally, components like alcohol denat may further dry out your skin without providing enough deep moisture. A treatment of this type needs rich, soothing hydrating ingredients and skin barrier supporters like propolis, niacinamide, ceramides, or peptides to nourish dry skin without irritation.
Sources: [Pharmaceutics, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40006563/)

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

This serum is a weak match for your dry skin because retinal and gluconolactone cause exfoliation and dryness that can outweigh the hydrating benefits of the squalane and aloe. Additionally, alcohol denat and grapefruit peel oil may further contribute to dryness. Dry skin needs products rich in deeply soothing and hydrating ingredients like propolis, ceramides, niacinamide, or peptides to provide significant moisture and support the skin barrier without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [Pharmaceutics, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40006563/)

### 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 moisturizing, starting just once a week. Because this serum has ingredients that may cause dryness, dry skin needs a richer treatment packed with gentle hydrators, soothing extracts, and extra softening oils and ceramides.

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

You should generally avoid using this serum in the same routine with an AHA because both ingredients remove dead skin and may easily cause dryness and irritation. To use both safely, apply them on alternate nights or use your AHA in the morning and this serum at night, followed by a rich moisturizer to keep your dry skin calm and smooth.

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum is a weak match for dry skin and may cause dryness and irritation, so it needs to be used carefully just once a week to start. To work well for dry skin, a product of this type needs extra soothing ingredients, rich oils, and barrier-repairing hydrators to prevent flaking.

### 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 you may experience some initial dryness or flaking from the ingredients. A treatment for dry skin needs extra soothing hydrators and heavy smoothing oils to keep skin soft and comfortable.

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

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol and 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

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Niacinamide, Cyclodextrin, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Gluconolactone, Squalane, Bisabolol L-Alpha, Ceramide Np, Michelia Alba Oil Flower Magnolia Grandiflora Oil Flower, Witch Hazel Water, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Berry Seed Oil Cloud Berry Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate D-Alpha, Cranberry Fruit Extract, Retinal Retinaldehyde, Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract Giant Knotweed Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Gluconate, Polysorbate 20, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Alcohol, Alcohol Denat
## 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/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/maelove/moonlight-retinal-super-serum/for/dry-skin