Dermalogica
retinoid acne clearing oil
A retinoid and salicylic-acid facial oil that helps clear breakouts and smooth signs of skin aging overnight.
- Fragrance free
- normal skin
- dry skin
- combination skin
- oily skin
- sensitive skin
What it is
Dermalogica Retinoid Acne Clearing Oil is a nighttime facial oil that combines salicylic acid and a time-released retinoid to help clear breakouts while smoothing texture. The brand says it is recommended for all skin types, especially acne-prone or aging skin.
Key ingredients
- Salicylic acid: The product page lists salicylic acid as 2.0% and links it to clearing breakouts.
- Retinyl propionate: This is the retinoid component in the formula.
- Rosehip seed oil and jojoba seed oil: Dermalogica highlights these skin-mimicking oils as nourishing and balancing.
- Argania spinosa kernel oil: This argan oil helps support the formula’s moisturizing feel.
How to use
Press the dropper to dispense 6 to 10 drops into the hands, then smooth over the face and neck after cleansing. The brand advises avoiding the eye area and using the oil at night.
Who should be careful
This oil contains salicylic acid and a retinoid, so it is not a gentle product for every skin type. If you are new to retinoids or salicylic acid, start slowly and patch test first. This is general product information, not medical advice.
What the brand claims
Dermalogica says the product is recommended for all skin types, especially those concerned with acne and blemishes, fine lines, and uneven texture. The page describes it as a high-performance night oil that combines a retinoid and salicylic acid to renew and soothe skin overnight.
This page reports what is printed on the label for Dermalogica retinoid acne clearing oil. Data is taken from the manufacturer page linked above.
Sources
- https://www.dermalogica.com/products/retinol-clearing-oil (checked 2026-10-11)
We have not tested this product.
What's on the label
| Category | Anti-Aging & Retinoid Serums |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dermalogica |
| Size | 30 mL / 1 fl oz |
| Form | Facial oil |
| Texture | Lightweight oil |
| Routine step | Night |
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid 2.0%, retinyl propionate, jojoba seed oil, rosehip seed oil, argan oil |
| When to use | At night after cleansing |
| Key ingredient | None stated |
| Best for | normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive skin |
| Fragrance free | Yes |
| Worth knowing | Nothing flagged |
| Full ingredient list | Coconut Alkanes, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, C13-15 Alkane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Retinyl Propionate, Butyl Avocadate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil, Sclareolide, Triolein, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Tocopherol, BHT, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone |
| Size | 30 ml |
| Source | Brand's own product page Checked |
Common questions
Who is this product recommended for?
Dermalogica says it is recommended for all skin types, especially those concerned with acne, fine lines, and uneven texture.
What are the key actives?
The product page highlights salicylic acid at 2.0% and a time-released retinoid formula.
How do you use it?
Apply 6 to 10 drops to clean skin at night, smoothing over the face and neck while avoiding the eye area.
Should it be used in the evening?
Yes. The product page positions it as a nighttime facial oil used after cleansing.