SENTÉ Bio Complete Serum for oily skin
Sodium Hyaluronate
Retinol
Glycosaminoglycans
Heparan Sulfate
NiacinamideAverage
- HighOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
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 benefits for your oily skin, as retinol and niacinamide help regulate oil production and improve skin texture, though it lacks specialized ingredients to directly combat oily shine.
- The inclusion of allantoin and panthenol provides soothing hydration, which is supportive for oily skin, while the peptide complex aids in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.
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
★4.7Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, this serum is highly praised for its anti-aging effects, improving skin texture and firmness while reducing fine lines. Some users experienced a greasy feel or slow results, and a negligible number mentioned the presence of fragrance.
Highlights
Gentle formula Mostly Mentioned
- “Most tolerated retinol for my sensitive skin.”
- “Does not make my skin peel.”
- “Gentle enough for sensitive skin.”
- “No irritation at all.”
Improves texture Often Mentioned
- “Noticeable difference in my skin texture.”
- “Skin is soft and supple.”
- “Skin texture and tone are so much better.”
- “Smoother and firmer skin.”
Anti-aging benefits Sometimes Noted
- “Reduced the appearance of fine lines.”
- “Appearance is quite youthful for my age.”
- “Helped with clear discolored spots.”
- “Boosts collagen and elastin production.”
Hydrating Sometimes Noted
- “Deep hydration to prevent redness.”
- “Plenty of hydration.”
- “Keeps skin comfortably moisturized.”
Contains fragrance Rarely Noted
- “It does have fragrance.”
Greasy feel Rarely Noted
- “Very silicone based so it's really greasy feeling.”
- “Texture feels a bit heavy.”
Slow results Rarely Noted
- “Unfortunately didn't see any changes.”
- “Need more time to see benefits.”
- “Too early to speak to results.”
Sources: lovi.care, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, dermavenue.com, harbenhouse.com, skinelite.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Bio Complete Serum work for oily skin?
SENTÉ Bio Complete Serum works moderately well for oily skin, as retinol and niacinamide help regulate oil and smooth texture, while allantoin and panthenol provide soothing hydration. However, it lacks specialized ingredients to directly combat oily shine. Oily skin works best with products containing effective oil-controlling ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and balancing antioxidants that manage excess oil and enlarged pores without clogging pores.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?
Retinol and niacinamide help regulate oil production and improve skin texture, while allantoin and panthenol provide soothing hydration. Oily skin typically needs specialized ingredients that actively combat oily shine, alongside effective oil-controlling components like niacinamide, antioxidants, and lightweight hydrators.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily skin?
Hyaluronic acid helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and sebum production without causing irritation. Clinical studies show it successfully balances oil levels while keeping the skin comfortable.
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.
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, for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. A product for oily skin also needs specialized ingredients to directly combat oily shine.
Can I use this serum with glycolic acid, and in what order?
It is best to use glycolic acid and this treatment on alternate nights rather than together to help prevent potential irritation. When applying them on separate evenings, use your glycolic acid product after cleansing and follow with a moisturizer.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this treatment in your evening routine, applying it after cleansing and toning. This serum works well for oily skin, though an oily skin type also needs specialized ingredients to directly combat oily shine.
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 very safe profile without harsh ingredients. However, because it contains retinol, it may occasionally cause mild initial purging or peeling as your skin adjusts to cell renewal.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Topical 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, 2019Topical 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 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 treatment with sphingolipids and glycosaminoglycans attenuated clinical worsening and reduced CADESI and PVAS scores compared to the untreated control group in house dust mite-allergic beagle dogs.
BMC Veterinary Research, 2020Glycosaminoglycans restored type I collagen synthesis, reduced matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels, upregulated tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and attenuated apoptosis in tumor necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated human dermal fibroblasts by inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinase/activator protein-1 signaling.
International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2018Fraction 3 of glycosaminoglycans from Liparis tessellatus eggs showed 20.1% tyrosinase inhibition at 50mg/mL and effective skin regeneration activities at 200mg/mL against skin fibroblast CCD-986sk cell lines.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2017A topical eye cream containing low molecular weight heparan sulfate and naturally derived extracts improved periorbital hyperpigmentation, fine and coarse wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles in 15 subjects over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Topical low molecular weight heparan sulfate improved periorbital discoloration and wrinkles starting at week two with continuous improvement up to week 12.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Topical low molecular weight heparan sulfate improved skin hydration, firmness, elasticity, barrier function, and fine lines and wrinkles in 15 patients over 8 weeks.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015Topical 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, 2005
Why other serums fit oily skin better
Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo.
BioMed Research International, 2022
Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Peg-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Glycerin, Heparan Sulfate, Pentylene Glycol, Retinyl Safflowerate, Retinol, Lysophosphatidic Acid, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Ethyl Safflowerate, Ethyl Flaxseedate, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Alanine, Arginine Hcl, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cystine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Histidine Hcl, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine Hcl, Acetyl Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Inositol, Niacinamide, Pyridoxal Hcl, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Beta-Carotene, Polysorbate 80, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Tromethamine
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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