Derma E Retinol Concentrated Serum for dry sensitive skin
Encapsulated Retinol
Bakuchiol
Punica Granatum Extract
Astaxanthin
Sodium HyaluronateAverage
- AverageDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for dry sensitive skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate treatment for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles due to the presence of retinol and bakuchiol in moderate concentrations, which is generally suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide hydration, supporting your dry or flaky skin concerns.
- The formula is safe for your dry and sensitive skin as it lacks prohibited or harsh ingredients, ensuring no risks of irritation.
- While the product offers general skincare benefits like hydration, it lacks sufficient emollient ingredients for optimal hydration for your dry skin.
How to apply
- Use this PM routine for your evening skincare. Start using the serum 3 times a week and increase to daily use if your skin feels comfortable.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer. This step locks in deep hydration for dry skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin using your palms. Let it absorb completely for a minute ⏱ before applying your next product.
- Since your skin is sensitive, apply the serum on completely dry skin for better tolerance and less irritation.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Always do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well.
People Say
★4.4Overall rating based on 2.2k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this serum is frequently praised for being gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, effectively improving texture and firmness. Many users report positive results without irritation, making it a good option for those new to retinol. Some users express frustration with the dropper design, and a few mention slow results or a sticky texture.
Highlights
Gentle on skin Mostly Mentioned
- “I'm usually very sensitive to retinol but... so far no irritation.”
- “My skin can handle it daily... no irritation or peeling.”
- “Ideal for sensitive skin... won't irritate.”
Improves texture Often Mentioned
- “My facial skin is considerably firmer and smoother.”
- “Smooths rough patches and refines texture.”
- “My skin becomes more radiant and firmer.”
Absorbs quickly Sometimes Noted
- “It sinks in nicely.”
- “Well absorbed.”
- “Praised for its quick absorption and lightweight feel.”
Good for beginners Sometimes Noted
- “Great value and perfect for starting retinol!”
- “A smart entry point into retinol.”
- “Gentle and gradual rather than aggressive.”
Dropper design issues Sometimes Noted
- “Horrible dispenser... very little product came out.”
- “The top is a dropper but you have to push down... to release it.”
- “Dissatisfaction with the dropper's functionality.”
Slow results Rarely Noted
- “I haven't seen visible wrinkle reduction yet.”
- “Don't know its effectiveness yet, but I'm going on faith.”
- “I hope to see more visible results but I know... it always takes time.”
Sticky texture Rarely Noted
- “It's a bit sticky and very thick.”
- “I use it only for my evening routine as it's a bit sticky.”
Sources: lovi.care, amazon.com, walmart.com, dermae.com, lovelyskin.com, target.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does DERMA E Retinol Concentrated Serum work for dry sensitive skin?
This serum works moderately well for dry sensitive skin by smoothing fine lines and adding hydration, though other products fit this skin type better. A product of this type needs richer moisturizing and soothing ingredients to properly comfort and protect dry sensitive skin.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
Encapsulated retinol and bakuchiol help smooth fine lines, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate bring much-needed moisture to dry and flaky skin. This type of product needs extra smoothing and softening ingredients to give dry skin the deep hydration it requires.
What does Encapsulated Retinol do for dry sensitive skin?
Encapsulated retinol helps smooth fine lines and improves dry skin by increasing hydration and comfort while being gentle enough to avoid the heavy flaking and stinging often caused by standard retinols. This type of skin needs formulas that combine gentle retinols with skin-softening lipids and barrier-repairing ingredients to keep it calm and smooth.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2026The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
What does Bakuchiol do for dry sensitive skin?
Bakuchiol is a gentle, plant-based option that helps smooth lines, improve firmness, and even out skin tone without causing the dryness, redness, or stinging often linked to traditional retinol. It is generally well-tolerated by delicate skin types and helps improve overall moisture and softness with regular use.
Health Science Reports, 2025Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2020
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine, after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing, to keep things simple and safe around sun exposure. A product for this skin needs plenty of rich, softening ingredients to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Can I use this serum with vitamin C, and in what order?
You can use this serum with vitamin C, but it is best to apply vitamin C in the morning and this serum at night to keep your dry and sensitive skin calm. Layering them together may cause extra dryness or irritation, so using them at different times of the day is much safer.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. A product of this type for dry sensitive skin needs extra rich moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin soft and smooth.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry sensitive skin, but it may cause mild purging when you first start using it. The formula lacks harsh ingredients and heavy oils, helping it stay gentle while the retinol encourages cell turnover.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019A 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, 2017Topical application of a serum containing supramolecular Bakuchiol and Terminalia chebula extract significantly improved barrier function, reduced redness and sensitivity, and improved wrinkles and elasticity in 34 Chinese subjects with sensitive skin after 28 days.
Health Science Reports, 2025Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity.
Journal of Controlled Release, 2018Topical stabilized retinol treatment induced HAS gene expression and increased hyaluronic acid production in human skin in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo compared to vehicle.
Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and mannitol improves inflammatory lesions, Investigator Global Assessment, and seborrhea intensity when added to adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015Bakuchiol functions as an anti-aging compound through retinol-like regulation of gene expression, producing significant improvements in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and photo-damage after 12 weeks of twice-a-day facial application without usual retinol therapy-associated undesirable effects.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014A nature-based bakuchiol-containing cleanser and moisturizer improved visual and tactile smoothness, clarity, radiance, overall appearance, global anti-aging, and skin moisture content by 16% in 60 female subjects with sensitive mild to moderate photodamaged skin over 4 weeks.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2020Phenolic-rich pomegranate peel extract formulated into a serum and mask showed significantly better facial skin lightening efficacy than placebo in 30 volunteers over 28 days.
Planta Medica, 2020Topical application of a 2% cream containing combined fruit extracts for 56 days significantly reduced wrinkle depth by 11.5%, length by 10.07%, and area by 29.55% in 21 female subjects compared to a placebo.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015A topical microemulsion containing Punica granatum extract significantly reduced skin erythema and melanin compared to a placebo in healthy Asian subjects over 12 weeks.
Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 2014Oral astaxanthin supplementation significantly restored moisture content and improved elasticity but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth compared to placebo in humans.
Nutrients, 2021Combining oral and topical astaxanthin in 30 healthy females improved skin wrinkles, age spots, elasticity, texture, and moisture, while 6 mg daily oral supplementation in 36 healthy males improved crow's feet wrinkles, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss.
Acta Biochimica Polonica, 2012Twice-daily application of a novel topical antioxidant formulation safe, well-tolerated, and effective in improving overall skin quality, fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, and hyperpigmentation in 32 healthy female subjects over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023Topical 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, 2011Topical 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, 2022Treatment 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
Why other serums fit dry sensitive skin better
Tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomal gel increased skin deposition, stability, moisture, and mechanical properties in 13 human subjects compared to a control gel over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022In 50 participants with sensitive skin, a Ceramide NP C15-containing emollient improved skin barrier function with a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss and induced modest changes in skin microbiota compared to the vehicle.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026Hydrogels containing vitamin E-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers exhibited better occlusive properties and long-lasting effects, while vitamin E-loaded nanoemulsions performed a faster skin hydration effect and were selected as more attractive for skin application.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2019
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Retinol, Bakuchiol, Astaxanthin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Aspalathus Linearius Extract, Allantoin, Sodium Pca, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.
-
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-
Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-
Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-
Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-
Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-
Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.