Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum for dry sensitive skin
Salicylic Acid Bha
Mandelic Acid Aha
Strawberry Extract
Niacinamide
Azelaic AcidLow
- LowDry Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ConcerningSafety
A weak match for dry sensitive skin; the products alongside 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 exfoliation for your dry and sensitive skin due to salicylic acid and mandelic acid, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Allantoin and bisabolol are included to provide soothing effects.
- The serum's functionality is highly effective for smoothing texture and reducing blemishes, but the concentration of exfoliating acids may worsen existing sensitivity.
How to apply
- Use your exfoliant PM once a week to help with dryness. Start ⏳3 times a week only if your sensitive skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but always before your favorite moisturizer .
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and avoid any rubbing. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before layering.
- Since your skin is reactive and sensitive, apply the exfoliant on completely dry skin for better tolerance.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area .
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 1.8k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this serum is highly praised for its gentle exfoliation and smoothing effects, particularly for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Users frequently report significant improvements in breakouts, pore appearance, and skin texture, alongside a pleasant sensory experience. Some reviewers, however, find the product to be expensive for the quantity provided and have noted issues with the packaging and a potentially sticky finish.
Highlights
Clears acne and pores Often Mentioned
- “cleared my breakouts”
- “reduced pore congestion”
- “stopped hormonal acne”
- “blackheads are gone”
Gentle and non-irritating Often Mentioned
- “no tingling sensation”
- “great for sensitive skin”
- “very soothing”
- “didn't dry me out”
Improves skin texture Often Mentioned
- “skin feels softer”
- “smooths rough bumps”
- “glass skin effect”
- “refined texture”
Pleasant sensory experience Sometimes Noted
- “smells like real strawberries”
- “lightweight gel texture”
- “absorbs quickly”
- “yummy scent”
Price and value Sometimes Noted
- “too expensive”
- “small bottle”
- “finished too quickly”
- “pricey for the amount”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “caused cystic acne”
- “broke me out bad”
- “bad reaction”
- “purging never stopped”
Packaging design Rarely Noted
- “hard to hold”
- “pump stopped working”
- “cute but impractical”
- “slippery bottle”
Scent disliked Rarely Noted
- “smells artificial”
- “fragrance is too strong”
- “sickly sweet smell”
- “scent lingers”
Sticky finish Rarely Noted
- “leaves a sticky residue”
- “feels tacky”
- “takes time to dry”
- “slightly sticky”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, kohls.com, cultbeauty.co.uk, glowrecipe.com, youtube.com, and more
Questions and answers
Why is Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum a weak match for dry sensitive skin?
This serum is a weak match because its exfoliating acids may lead to dryness and irritation on dry sensitive skin. A product of this type needs effective ingredients that hydrate and protect, with rich moisturizing components and supportive ingredients that provide excellent hydration and texture improvement without any risk of irritation.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?
Salicylic acid and mandelic acid make this serum a weak match because exfoliating acids may lead to dryness and irritation on dry sensitive skin. A product of this type needs moisturizing ingredients that provide excellent hydration and texture improvement without risks of irritation, along with components that support the skin barrier.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
What does Salicylic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?
Salicylic acid is generally a poor fit for dry sensitive skin because it is designed to clear out oil and clear pores, which can easily leave dry or easily irritated skin feeling stripped and uncomfortable. Products for this skin type need gentle, hydrating ingredients and barrier-protecting components that add moisture and soothe without causing dryness or irritation.
What does Mandelic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?
Mandelic acid is a gentle exfoliator that helps smooth dry sensitive skin with a very low risk of irritation or redness. Because it works slowly and safely compared to stronger acids, it is generally well tolerated by easily upset skin types.
Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This serum is a treatment step that goes in the evening routine once a week. A product of this type needs gentle hydrating ingredients and soothing agents to keep dry sensitive skin comfortable while smoothing texture.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
It is best to avoid using this exfoliating serum in the same routine as retinol, because the combined strength may worsen dryness and irritation on sensitive skin. Instead, alternate them on different nights or use retinol on some nights and this treatment on others, always following up with a gentle moisturizer.
How often should I use this serum?
This serum is a weak match for your dry and sensitive skin because exfoliating acids may worsen existing sensitivity. Start using it just once a week in the evening, and if your skin feels comfortable and tolerates it well, you may carefully use it more often. Dry and sensitive skin needs products that provide gentle exfoliation alongside soothing and deeply moisturizing ingredients.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores, but the exfoliating acids may cause irritation and dryness for dry sensitive skin. An exfoliant for this skin type needs gentle acids combined with plenty of soothing and hydrating ingredients to keep the skin calm and smooth.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).
What the research says
A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.
BioMed Research International, 2020Treatment 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, 2020Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients.
CMAJ, 2010Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010Chemical peels using 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic-10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid reduce acne scores by 70.55%, 74.14%, and 69.7% respectively, and significantly decline the postacne hyperpigmentation index in Asian patients with mild to moderate acne.
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019Commonly used chemical peels showed no significant differences in effectiveness for acne vulgaris in most comparisons, though combined salicylic and mandelic acid peeling was superior to glycolic acid and glycolic acid was superior to placebo, based on twelve randomized controlled trials.
BMJ Open, 2018Treatment with 30% lactic acid peel showed a significantly greater reduction in pigmentation and higher patient satisfaction compared to 30% mandelic acid peel in patients with periorbital melanosis.
Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2025Fragaria vesca extract-based hydrogel exhibited antioxidant efficacy, cutaneous compatibility, acceptability, and stability suitable for topical application.
Antioxidants, 2020Supercritical CO2 extract from strawberry seeds at concentrations up to 2% successfully provides moisturizing and skin-softening effects in mild cleansing compositions without significantly affecting their stability, cleansing, or foaming properties.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2015Treatment with strawberry seed extract and tiliroside increased stratum corneum total ceramide content and specific ceramide species in human epidermal equivalents by enhancing the expression of ceramide-related enzymes.
PloS One, 2018Topical 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, 2005Azelaic acid nanocrystal hydrogel 10% achieved a higher success rate and greater lesion reduction than azelaic acid cream 20% in patients with mild to moderate facial acne.
Pharmaceutics, 2021Application of 15% azelaic acid gel significantly reduced post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation, decreased hemoglobin and melanin content, improved quality of life, and contributed to acne improvement in patients with mild to moderate acne compared to placebo.
Dermatology and Therapy, 2024Topical application of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid reduced acne relapses and helped maintain remission compared to a light moisturizing cream in adult females in the acne maintenance phase over 16 weeks.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023
Ingredients
Water, Methylpropanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Strawberry Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Phosphate Starch, Salicylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Mandelic Acid, Succinic Acid, Strawberry Leaf Extract, Azelaic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract Prickly Pear Flower Extract, Niacinamide, Glucosamine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Dextrin, Polydextrose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Amylopectin, Butylene Glycol, Succinoglycan, Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Lecithin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Parfum
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
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PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
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Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
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Victoria Derkova, MS
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