# Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [Charlotte Tilbury](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/charlotte-tilbury)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your combination skin, as niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate provide balancing hydration and some oil regulation. However, the formula lacks targeted ingredients to effectively address your primary concern of oily shine.
- The inclusion of aloe barbadensis leaf juice and various botanical extracts offers soothing properties, which are generally beneficial for combination skin.
- The product is safe for your skin, containing no harsh ingredients and featuring soothing components like niacinamide and aloe barbadensis leaf juice.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin): Average (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Gold

## What the research says

- 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 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 application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- 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/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Topically delivered gold-coated silica microparticles combined with laser pulses reduced inflammatory lesions compared with sham treatments in patients with moderate-to-severe facial acne. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25748556/))
- Laser-activated gold microparticles combined with topical retinoids reduced inflammatory lesion counts by 68% at month 12 in 52 patients with mild-to-moderate inflammatory facial acne. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37943275/))
- Combined treatment with a micro-diamond and micro-gold topical serum and a 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser produced moderate clinical improvement and high participant satisfaction in 40% of participants for facial skin rejuvenation with minimal side effects. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35304935/))

## Why other moisturizers fit combination skin better

- A peel-off facial mask containing myoinositol and trehalose-loaded liposomes improved adult female acne by decreasing lesion counts, sebum production, GAGS scores, and local androgen levels while increasing beclin-1 levels. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28342238/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users report this serum provides immediate hydration and a radiant, dewy glow, making it a great makeup base. Many also appreciate its plumping effects and lightweight texture. However, some users with sensitive skin experience irritation due to the fragrance, and a portion of reviewers feel the long-term anti-aging benefits do not justify the high cost.

- Liked: Radiant glow (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Intense hydration (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Expensive product (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Makeup primer (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: No anti-aging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this moisturizer in your AM and PM routine every day to control shine. Always pair with SPF in the morning.
- Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin and avoid harsh rubbing. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help it lock in moisture better. This keeps your combination skin balanced.
- Avoid the eye area when applying the moisturizer. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir work for combination skin?

This moisturizing treatment works for combination skin by providing balancing hydration and some oil regulation, though other products fit it better. It helps soothe the skin with ingredients like niacinamide and aloe, but a product of this type needs targeted ingredients that manage oily shine for this skin.

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?

Niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate make this serum a good fit by providing balancing hydration and some oil regulation, while aloe barbadensis leaf juice and botanical extracts offer soothing properties. To fit combination skin even better, this type of product needs targeted ingredients that effectively address oily shine and provide optimal moisture levels without causing excess oiliness.

### What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for combination skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for combination skin because it quenches dry areas with a boost of hydration while keeping oily zones balanced. Regular use helps smooth out fine lines and makes your skin feel soft and plump without causing irritation.
Sources: [Dermatology and Therapy, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176098/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/)

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine, after cleansing and before moisturizing. Putting it in the evening keeps the routine simple and adds extra safety around sun exposure.

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

Yes, you can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to give your skin balancing hydration, followed by your retinol. This treatment is safe for your skin and helps soothe it while you use retinol, though a combination skin product of this type also needs targeted oil-control ingredients to properly manage oily shine.

### How often should I use this serum?

This moisturizing treatment works well in the evening routine, as treatments with active ingredients are usually placed then for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. Some of them may also be used in the morning or twice a day if your skin tolerates it well.

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for combination skin, as it contains soothing ingredients like niacinamide and aloe barbadensis leaf juice and has a safe profile. However, it lacks targeted ingredients to effectively reduce oily shine, so a product of this type needs specialized oil-controlling agents and balancing hydrators to fully manage excess oil.

### Can I use this serum around the eyes or on my body?

This moisturizing treatment is safe to use around the eyes or on the body, but it is formulated for facial skin and lacks targeted benefits for thinner eye areas or larger body surfaces. A product for these areas needs rich hydrators and barrier-repairing ingredients to properly protect and nourish delicate or thick skin.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol, parfum, limonene, geraniol, citronellol, linalool, and citral).

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/innisfree/green-tea-seed-hyaluronic-acid-hydrating-serum/for/combination-skin) — High fit — £25.00 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/torriden/dive-in-low-molecular-hyaluronic-acid-serum/for/combination-skin) — High fit — £18.40 at Amazon
- [Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/revision-skincare/hydrating-serum/for/combination-skin) — High fit — £133.23 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £14.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £30.37 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £23.92 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.co.uk: £31.50 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H5KWJJL5?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: £23.50 (https://www.notino.co.uk/charlotte-tilbury/magic-serum-crystal-elixir-radiance-moisturising-serum/p-16264217/)
Prices checked 17 Oct – 4 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Niacinamide, Glycereth-26, Triheptanoin, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Silica, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Quartz Powder, Amethyst Powder, Ruby Powder, Gold, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil Shea Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Benzyl Alcohol, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract, Peg-100 Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract Magnolia Grandiflora Fruit Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Saussurea Involucrata Callus Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyglutamic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Benzoate, Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Copper Gluconate, Hydrated Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Solanum Tuberosum Extract Pulp, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Citral
## 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/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin