# SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst for dry sensitive skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin

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

Brand: [SkinCeuticals](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/skinceuticals)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, 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 sensitive skin; the products alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your dry or flaky skin, as glycolic acid and lactic acid work to promote skin renewal, though these ingredients may cause irritation and dryness.
- Glycerin provides some humectant action to counteract potential dryness, but the blend of multiple exfoliating acids may still be too intense for your sensitive skin.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Phytic Acid

## What the research says

- PLLA-released lactate induces LTBP1 lactylation at lysine 752 via a KAT8-dependent mechanism, promoting collagen I and collagen III synthesis in fibroblasts for skin rejuvenation. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39102921/))
- 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/))
- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin. ([Cutis, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15027519/))
- Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1597538/))
- A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33178384/))
- Treatment with 45% mandelic acid peel showed nearly equal overall efficacy as 30% salicylic acid peel in patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris, but with fewer adverse effects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/))
- Chemical peels using 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic-10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid reduce acne scores by 70.55%, 74.14%, and 69.7% respectively, and significantly decline the postacne hyperpigmentation index in Asian patients with mild to moderate acne. ([Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31619887/))
- Commonly used chemical peels showed no significant differences in effectiveness for acne vulgaris in most comparisons, though combined salicylic and mandelic acid peeling was superior to glycolic acid and glycolic acid was superior to placebo, based on twelve randomized controlled trials. ([BMJ Open, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705755/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- L-ascorbic acid 10% plus phytic acid 2% serum significantly reduced the pigmentation index of solar lentigines compared to a vehicle control in 30 healthy subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22151934/))
- A topical facial emulsion containing 10% glycolic acid, 2% phytic acid, and a soothing complex significantly improved skin hyperpigmentation, texture, and tone homogeneity from week 4 through week 12 in American female volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types II-VI. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33458927/))
- Layer-by-layer application of azelaic acid, phytic acid, and L-ascorbic acid improved erythema, hyperpigmentation, skin moisture, elasticity, and reduced wrinkles in twenty female participants compared to baseline. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36056802/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users describe this serum as a gentle exfoliant that significantly improves skin texture and radiance without irritation. It is frequently praised for smoothing roughness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores, and preparing the skin for better absorption of other products. Some users find the price point high and the consistency too watery, while a low number of users reported stinging on broken skin or a lack of dramatic results.

- Liked: Visible glow & smoothness (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight & layerable (often mentioned)
- Disliked: High price point (often mentioned)
- Liked: Anti-aging results (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Gentle on sensitive skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Too watery/runny (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Lack of dramatic results (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Stinging on broken skin (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your exfoliant PM once a week to help with dryness. Start ⏳3 times a week only if your sensitive skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but always before your favorite moisturizer .
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and avoid any rubbing. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before layering.
- Since your skin is reactive and sensitive, apply the exfoliant on completely dry skin for better tolerance.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Cell Cycle Catalyst a weak match for dry sensitive skin?

Cell Cycle Catalyst is a weak match because its blend of multiple exfoliating acids may be too intense and cause irritation and dryness on your sensitive skin. An exfoliant treatment for dry sensitive skin needs gentle moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that provide excellent hydration and barrier support without any risk of irritation.

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

Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid make this exfoliant a weak match for your skin because multiple peeling acids together may cause irritation and dryness. An exfoliant treatment for dry sensitive skin needs ingredients that provide hydration and nourishment without any risk of irritation, along with ceramides and vitamins to protect the skin barrier.

### What does Glycolic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Glycolic acid can be too harsh for dry sensitive skin and may cause irritation, so this skin type needs gentle calming ingredients and deeply nourishing moisturizers to keep the skin barrier safe and smooth.
Sources: [Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8651024/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 1997](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9470910/)

### What does Lactic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Lactic acid helps hydrate dry skin, but for sensitive skin it may cause stinging and irritation unless it is formulated with soothing ingredients like colloidal oat or tangerine fruit extract to calm discomfort.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36575892/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33500646/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This exfoliant treatment goes in the evening routine once a week, as strong acid blends may easily cause irritation and dryness on this skin. A product of this type for dry sensitive skin needs gentle smoothing ingredients and extra soothing moisture to keep skin calm and soft.

### Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

It is best to avoid using this multiple-acid exfoliant in the same routine as retinol, because combining these strong ingredients may easily cause irritation and dryness on your dry sensitive skin. A product of this type needs gentle hydrating ingredients like glycerin and soothing plant extracts to keep skin calm and smooth.

### How often should I use it?

This product is a weak match for your dry sensitive skin because the blend of multiple exfoliating acids may be too intense and cause irritation and dryness. When starting out, a product of this type needs to be used only once a week to see how your skin reacts, and it requires gentle hydrating ingredients and soothing moisturizers to keep your skin calm and smooth.

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

This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores, but the blend of multiple exfoliating acids may cause irritation and dryness on dry sensitive skin. A product of this type needs soothing ingredients and gentle hydrators to keep the skin calm and comfortable.

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — S$50.41 at Amazon
- [ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/ma-nyo/bifida-biome-complex-ampoule/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — S$40.09 at Amazon
- [PCA Skin C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/pca-skin/c-and-e-advanced/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — S$192.38 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.06 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile and Lavender](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/mario-badescu/facial-spray-with-aloe-chamomile-and-lavender/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — S$34.52 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-g/green-mild-up-sun/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$59.06 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$39.68 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.06 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile and Lavender](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/mario-badescu/facial-spray-with-aloe-chamomile-and-lavender/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — S$34.52 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-sensitive-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-sensitive-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-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$39.68 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$25.06 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Pyunkang Yul Black Tea Revitalizing Mask Pack](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/pyunkang-yul/black-tea-revitalizing-mask-pack/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$50.43 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-sensitive-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-sensitive-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, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phytic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Taurine, Salicylic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
## 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/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/dry-sensitive-skin