# Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir for dry sensitive skin

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

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

Works for dry sensitive skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your dry skin due to the presence of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate for humectant action, but lacks sufficient emollient ingredients for optimal hydration.
- The formula provides excellent moisturizing and treatment with sodium hyaluronate and polyglutamic acid, which hydrate and plump the skin, though it may not fully address flakiness.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your dry and sensitive skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of 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
- [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 (this page)
- [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 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/))
- Poly-gamma-glutamic acid derived from a novel Bacillus subtilis strain dose-dependently increased skin barrier markers, hyaluronic acid synthesis, and aquaporin 3 expression in keratinocytes, and elevated filaggrin, involucrin, CD44, and aquaporin 3 expression in a reconstructed skin model compared to the control. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940752/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- 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 dry sensitive skin better

- Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans. ([Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10965426/))
- Applying a lotion containing probiotic ferment lysate VHProbi® Mix R for 30 days significantly decreased transepidermal water loss and skin redness while significantly increasing skin moisturization compared to baseline in participants with sensitive skin. ([Scientific Reports, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37803101/))
- Aged Punica granatum extract significantly reduced UV-induced erythema and melanin levels while improving skin hydration and lightness compared to placebo in 60 women. ([Food Science & Nutrition, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40755496/))

## 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

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine. Start using this moisturizer 3 times a week and move to daily use if your dry skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toner in the morning, or after your serum in the evening. Always pair it with SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin. Avoid rubbing it harshly to protect your sensitive skin.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help with hydration absorption. This also works well for dry and flaky skin types.
- Do a patch test before your first use. Avoid the eye area to prevent any irritation.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum work for dry sensitive skin?

This serum works moderately well for dry and sensitive skin, providing good hydration and soothing care without causing irritation, though it may not fully address flakiness. Because it lacks sufficient softening ingredients for optimal hydration, a product for this skin type needs a richer blend of intense moisturizing agents and barrier-supporting ingredients.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This serum works for dry skin thanks to glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which draw in moisture, and niacinamide and aloe leaf juice, which help calm sensitive areas. A product of this type needs rich emollient ingredients and additional softening agents to fully treat dryness and flakiness on this skin.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Niacinamide do for dry sensitive skin?

Niacinamide helps dry sensitive skin by calming irritation and keeping moisture locked in so your face feels soft and smooth. It works to build up your skin barrier and calm redness while being very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/), [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23220080/)

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

Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for dry, sensitive skin because it brings a large boost in hydration, making the skin feel soft and smooth while improving barrier function. It helps calm tightness and dryness, and is unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/), [Dermatology and Therapy, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176098/)

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. It is unlikely to cause irritation for your dry and sensitive skin, though a product of this type needs richer, softening ingredients to provide optimal hydration.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to clean skin and following with your retinol product. This treatment is unlikely to irritate your sensitive skin, but a dry skin routine also needs rich, nourishing oils or butters to lock in moisture and fully prevent flakiness.

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment serum works well in your evening routine for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. A product of this type for dry sensitive skin needs rich softening ingredients and heavy moisturizing agents to lock in hydration and stop flakiness.

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry and sensitive skin because its safety profile is excellent and it lacks harsh ingredients.

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

You can use this serum around the eyes, though dry and sensitive skin of this type needs richer, softening ingredients and heavier sealants to fully care for thin eye areas and body 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 dry sensitive skin

- [COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/hydrium-triple-hyaluronic-moisture-ampoule/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £34.00 at Amazon
- [Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/revision-skincare/hydrating-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — £133.23 at Amazon
- [innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/innisfree/green-tea-seed-hyaluronic-acid-hydrating-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — £25.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £17.91 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Real Barrier Mild Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/real-barrier/mild-sun-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £19.01 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/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin