🇬🇧United Kingdom

Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum for oily skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum

Average

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

Works for oily skin; other serums fit it 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 moderate brightening for your oily skin due to glycolic acid and ascorbic acid, which exfoliate and protect against environmental stressors, while urea and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate provide hydration and antioxidant benefits.
  • The inclusion of hexylresorcinol and Chlorella Vulgaris Extract further supports your goal of reducing oily shine by regulating melanogenesis and offering soothing properties.
  • The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing agents like Gold.

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 2.5k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users report this serum quickly provides a noticeable glow and smoother skin texture. It is effective at fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time. However, many reviewers mention the high price point and occasional issues with the dual-chamber pump mechanism.

Highlights

  • Brightens and adds radiance Mostly Mentioned
    • “instant glow”
    • “skin looks radiant”
    • “banishes dullness”
  • Lightweight absorption Often Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly”
    • “non-sticky”
    • “satin finish”
  • Smoothes skin texture Often Mentioned
    • “velvety soft”
    • “improves texture”
    • “skin feels smoother”
  • High price point Often Mentioned
    • “incredibly pricey”
    • “expensive for size”
    • “costly investment”
  • Fades dark spots Sometimes Noted
    • “reduces hyperpigmentation”
    • “cleared blemishes”
    • “evens skin tone”
  • Good for makeup prep Sometimes Noted
    • “smooth canvas”
    • “sits well under makeup”
    • “non-greasy”
  • Packaging pump issues Sometimes Noted
    • “pump dispenses unevenly”
    • “hard to finish”
    • “wasteful packaging”
  • Low Vitamin C % Rarely Noted
    • “low concentration”
    • “mostly glycolic feel”
    • “undisclosed percentage”
  • Oxidation concerns Rarely Noted
    • “clear bottle risk”
    • “turns brown over time”
    • “needs dark storage”
  • Potential irritation Rarely Noted
    • “tingles upon application”
    • “caused redness”
    • “too strong for sensitive skin”

Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, dermstore.com, lovelyskin.com, cultbeauty.co.uk, murad.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum work for oily skin?

This treatment works moderately well for your oily skin, brightening and protecting it with vitamin C and glycolic acid. It is safe for this skin type, but a product for oily skin needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to control oil and refine pores.

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?

Ascorbic acid and glycolic acid make this serum a good fit for your oily skin by brightening your complexion and exfoliating away dead skin cells, while hexylresorcinol and chlorella vulgaris extract help reduce oily shine. To work best for oily skin, a treatment of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide to control sebum production, along with lightweight hydrators and soothing extracts to keep skin comfortable without clogging pores.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

What does Vitamin C do for oily skin?

Vitamin C helps brighten skin tone and smooth texture while providing antioxidant protection that prevents sebum oxidation. For oily skin, this type of product typically needs to be paired with oil-controlling or pore-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid or plant extracts.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

What does Glycolic Acid do for oily skin?

Glycolic acid helps clear away dead skin and excess oil for a smooth, clean feel. It gently removes buildup from the surface, which keeps pores clear and skin looking fresh.

Molecules, 2023Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2011

Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This treatment serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Oily skin works best with products of this type that provide gentle chemical exfoliation, oil regulation, and soothing hydration without heavy or greasy ingredients.

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 to lower the chance of irritation. Alternatively, you can use this brightening serum in the morning and save your retinol for your evening routine. To better fit oily skin, this type of product needs gentle exfoliating acids paired with oil-controlling ingredients that keep shine down without drying you out.

How often should I use this serum?

This serum can be used in your evening routine once a week to start, and if your oily skin tolerates it well and shows good results, you may carefully use it more often. Treatments with actives are placed in the evening for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure, though some may also be used in the morning or twice a day.

Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as it has a safe profile with soothing ingredients and low irritation risks. However, because it contains exfoliating acids, it may occasionally cause mild purging as dead skin cells clear away. Oily skin works best with lightweight, oil-free hydrators and gentle exfoliants that keep pores clear without feeling heavy.

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Oleyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

What the research says

Ingredients

Water, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Hdi Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Diisopropyl Sebacate, C13-16 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ascorbic Acid, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Glutathione, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Oleyl Alcohol, Silica, Hexylresorcinol, Polysilicone-11, Triheptanoin, Polyisobutene, Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture, Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower, Butylene Glycol, Mica, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Surfactin, Xymenynic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Peg-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Sorbitol, Tin Oxide, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Gold, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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Prices checked 18 Oct – 6 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom.

How does it fit your skin?

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