Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum for oily skin
Retinol
Ferulic Acid
Niacinamide
Sodium Hyaluronate
BakuchiolHigh
- HighOily Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
A great choice for oily skin; a few serums fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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 excellent wrinkle reduction for your oily skin, as retinol and ferulic acid work to smooth texture and minimize fine lines, while niacinamide helps regulate sebum production.
- Mandelic acid and lactic acid provide moderate benefits for oily shine by improving skin texture, complementing the seboregulation and desquamation regulation offered by retinol.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing agents like Niacinamide and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.
How to apply
- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, users frequently report waking up to smoother and brighter skin with improved texture and tone, appreciating its non-irritating formula. Some users find the results subtle for the price.
Highlights
Non-irritating formula Often Mentioned
- “not drying at all”
- “gentle on the skin”
- “no adverse reactions”
- “great for sensitive skin”
Smoother skin texture Often Mentioned
- “skin is super soft”
- “woke up with smooth skin”
- “smoother-looking complexion”
- “improves texture”
Expensive product Often Mentioned
- “high price tag”
- “expensive”
- “overpriced”
- “pricey for the size”
Absorbs quickly Sometimes Noted
- “sinks in quickly”
- “absorbs quickly into skin”
- “non-greasy”
- “glides on like silk”
Brightens and evens tone Sometimes Noted
- “noticeably brighter”
- “dark spots are improving”
- “even out skin tone”
- “fresher looking”
Slow or subtle results Sometimes Noted
- “effects are subtle”
- “didn't do much”
- “need to increase usage”
- “subtle on most skin”
Mixed scent opinions Rarely Noted
- “smell... people don't always love”
- “smells wonderful”
- “strong scent”
- “medicinal smell”
Packaging problems Rarely Noted
- “pump issues”
- “hard to get product out”
- “small bottle”
Sources: lovi.care, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, reddit.com, sephora.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum a great fit for oily skin?
This serum is a great fit because retinol and ferulic acid smooth texture and minimize fine lines while niacinamide helps control oil. Mandelic and lactic acids also improve skin texture, and soothing ingredients like niacinamide and green tea extract keep the product safe and gentle on your skin.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?
Retinol and ferulic acid make this serum a great fit by smoothing texture and minimizing fine lines, while niacinamide helps regulate oil production. Mandelic and lactic acids add moderate benefits for oily shine, and soothing ingredients like niacinamide and green tea extract keep the formula safe and gentle.
What does Retinol do for oily skin?
Retinol helps oily skin by keeping pores clear and balancing sebum production, which may reduce shine and breakouts. Because it can sometimes cause dryness or peeling in the beginning, starting slowly is recommended.
What does Ferulic Acid do for oily skin?
Ferulic acid helps protect oily skin from sun damage and environmental stress when used as part of a daytime antioxidant serum. It is often combined with vitamins C and E to boost overall defense and keep skin healthy.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Putting it at night keeps it simple and offers extra safety around sun exposure.
Can I use this serum with vitamin C, and in what order?
You can use this serum with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in your morning routine and this treatment at night. Using them at different times of day helps avoid potential irritation while keeping your skin smooth.
How often should I use this serum?
Use this serum in your evening routine, starting once a week to see how your skin responds before applying it more often. It smooths texture and helps manage oily shine safely without harsh ingredients.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily skin, as it contains soothing ingredients like niacinamide and green tea extract that help keep skin calm. You may experience mild purging when first starting retinol as it speeds up skin renewal, but this typically settles down quickly.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
Topical 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, 2017Treatment 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, 2020An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Topical 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, 2019Silicone 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, 2017Treatment 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, 2022Combining fractional microneedle radiofrequency with a topical antioxidant serum significantly reduced wrinkle severity by 29.9% versus 18.0%, increased elasticity by 12.9% versus 2.3%, and improved aesthetic outcomes in 31 participants compared to radiofrequency and placebo.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025Pretreatment with a topical antioxidant mixture of vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin attenuated ultraviolet-induced sunburn cell formation, thymine dimer formation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, p53 protein expression, and the suppression of CD1a-expressing Langerhans cells in human skin compared to vehicle control.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005Topical 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, 2019A 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, 2015Topical 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, 2025Bakuchiol 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, 2014
Ingredients
Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Niacinamide, Cetyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Isostearyl Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Retinol, Ferulic Acid, Collagen Amino Acids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylresorcinol, Ellagic Acid, Gallic Acid, Silybum Marianum Ethyl Ester, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Pca, Retinyl Palmitate Carrot Polypeptide, Retinyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Wax Seed Sunflower Wax Seed, Acacia Decurrens Wax Flower, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Polyglycerin-3, Tricaprylin, Acrylates Carbamate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Bht, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylcellulose, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Bergamot Fruit Extract, Lemon Peel Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Stem Extract Flower Leaf Lavender Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Octoxynol-9, 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
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Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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