innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum for oily acne-prone skin
Green Tea Enzymes
Ascorbic Acid
Niacinamide
Sodium Hyaluronate
Glutathione
Superior
- SuperiorOily Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best serums for oily acne-prone skin.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. 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
- Excellent suitability for your oily skin is provided by niacinamide and gluconolactone, which help regulate oil production and gently exfoliate pores, addressing your concerns with acne, blemishes, and breakouts. The high concentrations of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate offer significant brightening benefits, evening your skin tone effectively.
- The inclusion of Allantoin and Madecassoside further supports skin health by providing soothing effects, ensuring a comfortable experience for your skin.
- This formula is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of beneficial components.
How to apply
- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 1.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this serum is highly praised for its gentle, lightweight formula that effectively brightens dull complexions and fades dark spots without causing irritation, making it a favorite for sensitive skin. Most users report a radiant glow and improved skin texture. A small number of users experienced breakouts or found the product slightly sticky or slow to show dramatic results.
Highlights
Lightweight formula Mostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly”
- “watery texture”
- “not sticky”
- “lightweight formula”
- “sinks in quickly”
Brightens skin Often Mentioned
- “instant glow”
- “faded dark spots”
- “brighter complexion”
- “glass skin effect”
- “radiant look”
Gentle on skin Often Mentioned
- “no irritation”
- “good for beginners”
- “didn't burn”
- “soothing”
- “safe for sensitive skin”
Hydrating Sometimes Noted
- “hydrates deeply”
- “plumped skin”
- “doesn't feel dry”
- “moisturizing”
- “good hydration”
Improves texture Sometimes Noted
- “smoother texture”
- “softens skin”
- “refined pores”
- “even skin tone”
- “makeup applies smoothly”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “broke me out”
- “caused redness”
- “tiny bumps”
- “bad reaction”
- “irritated my skin”
Expensive Rarely Noted
- “pricey”
- “expensive for size”
- “small bottle”
- “average value”
- “finish quickly”
Slow results Rarely Noted
- “didn't do anything”
- “no difference”
- “slow progress”
- “not strong enough”
- “expected more”
Sticky residue Rarely Noted
- “tad sticky”
- “oily sheen”
- “tacky finish”
- “sticky feeling”
- “greasy residue”
Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
- “herbal scent”
- “fragrance added”
- “smell isn't great”
- “strong scent”
- “dislike the smell”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, nykaa.com, influenster.com, yesstyle.com, spacenk.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum one of the best fits for oily acne-prone skin?
This serum is one of the best fits for your oily acne-prone skin because niacinamide and gluconolactone help balance oil and gently clear pores while vitamin C brightens your skin tone. Allantoin and madecassoside add soothing effects to keep your skin comfortable and calm.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?
This serum is a good fit for oily acne-prone skin because niacinamide and gluconolactone help regulate oil and gently clear pores to reduce breakouts. At the same time, vitamin C brightens dark spots, while allantoin and madecassoside help keep your skin calm and comfortable.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
What does Green Tea Extract do for oily acne-prone skin?
Green tea extract helps calm oily, acne-prone skin by reducing extra oil and easing skin redness and breakouts. This ingredient targets the causes of blemishes to keep your skin feeling clear and smooth.
What does Vitamin C do for oily acne-prone skin?
Vitamin C helps brighten skin, smooth out texture, and improve uneven spots for oily acne-prone skin. It may also help fade marks left behind by blemishes.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, which keeps things simple and protects your skin while you sleep. You can use it once a week at first, and then carefully use it more often if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol, but it is best to apply them on alternate nights or separate times of day to keep your skin calm and comfortable. Using vitamin C and retinol together may sometimes lead to dryness or redness, so spacing them out helps your skin stay smooth.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024American Family Physician, 2012
How often should I use this serum?
Use this treatment in your evening routine, starting once a week to see how your skin reacts. Because it features niacinamide and vitamin C for oil and tone, you may carefully use it more often if your skin tolerates it well.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?
This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily acne-prone skin. Ingredients like niacinamide and gluconolactone help keep pores clear and regulate oil, while soothing components like allantoin help maintain a comfortable experience.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Gluconolactone 14% solution significantly improved mild to moderate acne by reducing inflamed and non-inflamed lesions similarly to 5% benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer side-effects in 150 patients.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Niacinamide 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, 2002A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023Topical 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, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical 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, 2022Topical 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, 2019Glutathione amino acid precursors effectively increase cellular glutathione levels, reducing oxidative stress, ATP depletion, and DNA damage in human keratinocytes, clinical subjects, and ex vivo skin compared to controls.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024Topical oxidized glutathione significantly decreases the skin melanin index and improves moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity compared to placebo in healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014Topical glutathione improves hyperpigmentation, reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema and wrinkles, decreases transepidermal water loss, and enhances antioxidant capacity.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025
Ingredients
Water, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus Lysate Ferment, Squalane, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Dextrin, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Gluconolactone, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract Tangerine Peel Extract, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract Carrot Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Metaphosphate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Cyclodextrin, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside, Hydrogenated Poly C6-20 Olefin, Protease, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Glutathione, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Hdi Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Beta-Carotene, Ferulic Acid
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.