Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream for combination skin
Retinol
Xanthophylls
Niacinamide
Ceramide Np
Triple Peptide BlendAverage
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for combination skin; other serums fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. 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 skin treatment for your combination skin, as retinol and niacinamide work to promote skin renewal and improve skin tone, while also providing general hydration and pore-minimizing effects. The formulation is highly suitable for your skin type due to retinol and niacinamide's ability to regulate desquamation and sebum production, respectively.
- While the product offers general skincare benefits like hydration and soothing, these are supportive rather than directly targeted for your oily shine.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your combination skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components like niacinamide and ceramides.
How to apply
- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
People Say
★4.2Overall rating based on 1.2k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this 1% retinol cream is highly effective for improving skin texture and clarity, significantly reducing fine lines, acne marks, and dullness. Many users experience dramatic results, reporting smoother and clearer skin. However, a very high number of users note that this potent formula can cause significant irritation, peeling, and dryness, especially when first introduced, requiring careful application and ample moisturization. The packaging is also frequently criticized for its tendency to crack and leak.
Highlights
Smoother skin texture Mostly Mentioned
- “baby soft”
- “glass-like skin”
Severe irritation Mostly Mentioned
- “burning”
- “flaking”
- “compromised skin barriers”
Fades dark spots Often Mentioned
- “lightening acne scars”
- “hyperpigmentation”
- “sun damage”
High potency Often Mentioned
- “powerhouse”
- “one of the strongest non-prescription retinols”
Poor packaging Often Mentioned
- “metal tube often cracks”
- “leaks”
- “oozes product uncontrollably”
Little goes long way Sometimes Noted
- “pea-sized amount is sufficient”
- “tube last for several months”
Reduces fine lines Sometimes Noted
- “diminished forehead lines”
- “plumper skin”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “cost steep compared to other retinol options”
Not for sensitive skin Sometimes Noted
- “too harsh for those with reactive or sensitive skin types”
Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
- “earthy”
- “plastic”
- “yeasty smell”
Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, sephora.sg, kohls.com, influenster.com, cultbeauty.co.uk, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol work for combination skin?
This treatment works moderately well for your combination skin, using retinol and niacinamide to help renew skin and even out skin tone while providing basic hydration. However, it may be less effective at directly targeting oily shine than top-rated treatments for this skin type. Combination skin of this type needs products rich in niacinamide, zinc PCA, or propolis to balance oiliness and maintain hydration without causing excess oil or dryness.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for combination skin?
Retinol and niacinamide make this cream a good fit for combination skin by promoting skin renewal, improving skin tone, regulating oil, and providing general hydration. To suit combination skin even better, a treatment of this type needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or zinc PCA that regulate oiliness and enhance radiance without any risk of irritation.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
What does Retinol do for combination skin?
Retinol helps smooth fine lines, even out skin tone, and improve firmness in combination skin. It works by encouraging faster skin renewal and boosting collagen, though it may occasionally cause mild dryness or scaling while your skin adjusts.
Archives of Dermatology, 2007The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
What do Xanthophylls do for combination skin?
Xanthophylls help protect combination skin from sun damage and everyday oxidative stress while supporting a calm and smooth feel. These antioxidants work well across both oily and dry areas to keep skin looking healthy. A product for this skin type also needs lightweight, balancing hydrators that will not clog pores.
Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 2016Experimental Dermatology, 2009
Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Combination skin needs products of this type to include ingredients that balance oil production and gently renew the skin while providing soothing hydration.
Can I use this cream with AHA, and in what order?
It is best to use this cream on alternate nights from your AHA, or use your AHA in the morning and this cream at night, to help prevent dry or irritated skin. Because both ingredients are strong, separating them helps keep your skin calm and comfortable.
How often should I use this cream?
This cream works best as an evening treatment applied in your nighttime routine. For combination skin, a product of this type needs targeted oil-balancing ingredients and lightweight hydrators to properly manage both dry and oily areas.
Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for combination skin, as it contains soothing components like niacinamide and ceramides that help maintain skin balance. However, combination skin needs a product of this type to include targeted ingredients for oil control and deep pore refinement to truly prevent oily shine.
Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Topical 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, 2017Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2017Combined oral and topical administration of lutein and zeaxanthin provides the highest degree of antioxidant protection in human skin compared to individual routes.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2007Solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanoemulsions successfully delivered lutein dermally with minimal systemic absorption while protecting the active against UV degradation compared to lutein powder.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2011Lutein reduced skin inflammatory responses including IL-6 from LPS-treated macrophages, COX-2 from IFN-gamma/TNF-alpha-treated HaCaT cells, and MMP-9 in UV-irradiated keratinocytes by inhibiting the AP-1 pathway through suppression of p38 and JNK activation.
Mediators of Inflammation, 2013Topical 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, 2005A multi-modal methodology combining MALDI-MSI, in vivo RCM, echography, and histology revealed age-related decreases in extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction proteins and undulation depth, while a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 improved subepidermal low-echogenic band thickness, density, and extracellular matrix structure compared to placebo.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015Chronomodulated daytime application of baicalin and nighttime application of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 synergistically improved skin luminance by 16.29%, nasolabial fold depth by -36.35%, and firmness by 24.35% in 30 female participants.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026Grafting cell-surface binding motifs RGD and sOtx2 onto tripeptide-1 (GHK) to form RGD-GHK and sOtx2-GHK enhanced anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-aging efficacy compared to the non-targeting peptide GHK in cells and skin models.
Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2023
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Stearic Acid, Coconut Alkanes, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Retinol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil Apricot Kernel Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Chrysin, Persea Gratissima Oil Avocado Oil, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Ceramide Np, Xanthophylls, Phytosphingosine, Phytosterols, Jojoba Esters, Physalis Pubescens Fruit Juice, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Rice Extract Rice Bran Extract, Glycine Soja Oil Soybean Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Cetyl Palmitate, Trehalose, Lauric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Olea Europaea Oil Fruit Olive Oil Fruit, Glucosamine Hcl, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Pisum Sativum Extract, Tocopherol, Bambusa Vulgaris Stem Extract Leaf, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Laureth-23, Steareth-20, Propanediol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin
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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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
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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