# Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum for skin with dark spots

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for skin with dark spots.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots

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

Brand: [Youth To The People](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/youth-to-the-people)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for skin with dark spots; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate treatment for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles due to the presence of retinal and niacinamide, which are beneficial for normal skin by regulating desquamation and repairing the skin barrier.
- Provides general hydration through ingredients like squalane and sodium hyaluronate, which support overall skin health without specifically targeting your main concern of pigmentation.
- The product is safe for your normal skin, as it lacks prohibited or harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Retinal, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Squalane, Adaptogens

## What the research says

- Treatment with a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid improved skin aging signs and demonstrated a senomorphic effect by decreasing SASP and autocrine signaling genes in women. ([Scientific Reports, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/))
- 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 treatment of nicotinamide, alone or in combination with other active ingredients, reduces the progression of skin aging and hyperpigmentation in clinical trials while being well tolerated. ([Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/))
- 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/))
- Optimized transfersomes loaded with epigallocatechin-3-gallate and hyaluronic acid increased cell viability while reducing lipid peroxidation, intracellular ROS, and MMP expression in HaCaT cells, and exhibited higher skin permeation and deposition compared to plain EGCG. ([Drug Delivery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28155509/))
- 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 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 2% niacinamide significantly decreased sebum excretion rate in Japanese individuals and casual sebum levels in Caucasian individuals compared to placebo or baseline. ([Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/))
- 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/))

## Why other serums fit skin with dark spots better

- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Users with acne-prone and textured skin report significant improvements in smoothness and clarity, often seeing faster results than with traditional retinols without the typical irritation. While the yellow tint and high price point are common complaints, the majority find it to be a gentle, effective solution for brightening dark spots and refining pores.

- Liked: Smoother texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle and non-irritating (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Yellow tint (often mentioned)
- Liked: Brightening and glow (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Fast visible results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating feel (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Dryness and flaking (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Ineffective for some (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Pump issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Apply this serum as part of your PM routine starting 3x/week and build up to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute for it to absorb.
- Apply the serum on dry skin to help fade pigmentation effectively.
- Avoid the eye area and always use SPF 30+ during the day.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum work for skin with dark spots?

This serum works moderately well for skin with dark spots, providing general hydration and safe treatment while other products fit this skin better. Treatments that rate higher for dark spots need a blend of effective antioxidants and soothing ingredients that directly target pigmentation without causing irritation.
Sources: [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for skin with dark spots?

Niacinamide and retinal help this serum address dark spots by targeting pigmentation and supporting overall skin health. To work best for dark spots, this skin needs a product with effective antioxidants and soothing ingredients that fade dark spots without irritation.
Sources: [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### What does Retinal do for skin with dark spots?

Retinal helps fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation by encouraging faster skin turnover. It may also improve overall skin texture while maintaining a good safety profile for everyday use.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39496127/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30027612/)

### What does Niacinamide do for skin with dark spots?

Niacinamide helps fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation by slowing down the transfer of pigment in the skin. It is generally well tolerated and may improve overall skin brightness with consistent use.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Skin with dark spots typically needs specialized brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, kojic acid, or alpha arbutin to effectively target and fade discoloration.

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

You can use this serum with AHAs, but it is best to apply them on alternate nights or separate them into different routines to keep your skin calm and lower the chance of irritation. This type of skin needs targeted brighteners like vitamin C, alpha arbutin, or tranexamic acid to effectively fade dark spots.

### How often should I use it?

Apply this treatment in your evening routine for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. A product of this type for skin with dark spots needs targeted brightening ingredients and direct melanin inhibitors to fade discoloration effectively.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts for skin with dark spots because it is safe and free of harsh ingredients, though retinal may occasionally lead to mild flaking while your skin adjusts. Skin with dark spots needs brightening ingredients like vitamin C or alpha arbutin to effectively fade dark spots.
Sources: [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for skin with dark spots

- [Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/guerlain/abeille-royale-double-r-renew-and-repair-advanced-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — S$156.09 at Amazon
- [Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neutrogena/rapid-tone-repair-20-vitamin-c-face-serum-capsules/for/dark-spots) — High fit — S$45.89 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — S$50.41 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — S$30.40 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [ma:nyo Bifida Biome Ampoule Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/ma-nyo/bifida-biome-ampoule-toner/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — S$36.16 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — S$33.87 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Niacinamide, Squalane, Cyclodextrin, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Arginine, Retinal, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Letinus Edodes Mycelium Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil Shea Oil, Ceramide Eop, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Capryloyl Glycerin Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Diheptyl Succinate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phytosterols, Propanediol, Benzyl Glycol, Raspberry Ketone
## 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/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/youth-to-the-people/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/for/dark-spots