# Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [Sunday Riley](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/sunday-riley)
Category: [Eye care and eye patches](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/best/eye-creams)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other eye cares fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin as niacinamide helps with seboregulation, but the hydroxypinacolone retinoate and retinol, while excellent for wrinkle reduction, are not specifically targeted for your primary concerns of acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The inclusion of ceramides provides general skincare benefits like hydration and soothing, which are supportive for your oily and acne-prone skin.
- The product is safe for your oily skin with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Retinoid Complex, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Papaver Somniferum Seed, Centella Asiatica

## What the research says

- Topical 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/))
- Topical 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, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical 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, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))

## Why other eye cares fit oily acne-prone skin better

- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate provides effective antimicrobial action, prevents sebum oxidation, and demonstrates superior clinical efficacy compared to a standard acne treatment in patients with acne vulgaris. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492184/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- Topical combination of 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate and 0.2% retinol reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 29.28% at 4 weeks and 63.10% at 8 weeks, outperforming either agent alone. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134126/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this serum is highly effective at smoothing fine lines and reducing milia, with many users appreciating its hydrating texture and cooling applicator. A significant number of users experience irritation, burning, or dryness, particularly with frequent use, indicating it may be a strong formula that requires careful introduction.

- Liked: Reduces fine lines (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Drying and peeling (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Irritation and burning (often mentioned)
- Liked: Cooling applicator (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Clears milia (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## Questions and answers

### How well does Sunday Riley 5 Stars Eye Serum work for oily acne-prone skin?

This eye serum works moderately well for oily acne-prone skin because niacinamide helps control oil, but retinoids are not specifically targeted for breakouts. Ceramides provide gentle hydration and soothing without irritation, though an eye product for this skin type needs oil-controlling ingredients and a lightweight texture that targets blemishes.

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps control excess oil while ceramides provide soothing hydration that supports your skin without causing irritation. For this skin type, a product of this type needs oil-controlling ingredients and blemish-fighting actives to deliver the best results.

### What does Retinoid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Retinoid helps clear oily acne-prone skin by clearing out pores and calming redness. It is a reliable first-line choice that keeps skin smooth and manages breakouts over the long term.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18973403/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30674002/)

### What does Niacinamide do for oily acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This eye serum goes in the evening routine as a treatment, applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. An eye care product for oily and acne-prone skin needs ingredients that target breakouts and control oil, such as salicylic acid or tea tree oil, alongside soothing agents to keep the skin calm.

### Can I use this serum with vitamin C, and in what order?

You can use this serum with vitamin C by applying vitamin C in the morning and this serum at night to keep your oily, acne-prone skin calm and clear. This product is safe for your skin, though an oily skin type with breakouts needs a formula focused on oil control and clearing blemishes rather than wrinkles.

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this eye serum in your evening routine, as treatments fit best at night for simplicity and safety around sun exposure. This product works for your oily, acne-prone skin, though this skin type benefits most from ingredients that specifically target breakouts and clear blemishes.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This eye serum is unlikely to cause irritation for your oily and acne-prone skin, but it is not specifically targeted to help with breakouts and pimples. A product for this skin needs ingredients that directly target blemishes and control oil while keeping pores clear.

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol).

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [MARY & MAY Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mary-and-may/tranexamic-acid-glutathione-eye-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — £6.00 at Amazon
- [Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Under-Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-ccc-ferulic-brightening-under-eye-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — £44.80 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £26.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £30.37 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United Kingdom has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyglycerin-6, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Niacinamide, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris Trimethylsiloxy Silylethyl Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Peg-12 Dimethicone Ppg-20 Crosspolymer, Olea Europaea Oil Fruit Olive Oil Fruit, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Papaver Rhoeas Extract Red Poppy Extract, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Hieracium Pilosella Extract Hawkweed Daisy Extract, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ceramide Np, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Methylpropanediol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-80, Didecyldimonium Chloride, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/sunday-riley/5-stars-retinoid-niacinamide-eye-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin