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Summary
Highlights
Dermalogica's Retinoid Clearing Oil is a high performance salicylic and retinol night oil that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and breakouts.
Benefits
- High-performance night oil that minimizes irritation and promotes a healthy-looking glow
- The formula features a lipid based delivery system, nourishing the skin's barrier with argan, rosehip seed and jojoba oils
- This skin soothing oil is clinically proven to reveal clear and smooth skin overnight
Key Ingredients
- Salicylic Acid: beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that stimulates natural exfoliation to reduce breakouts, blackheads and reveal clear skin
- Time Released Retinol (Vitamin A): helps increase skin resilience and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation for a glass skin appearance
- Argan, Rosehip Seed, & Golden Jojoba Oils: antioxidant-rich phytoactive lipids that moisturize the skin and protect the lipid barrier from environmental damage
Research Results
- Clearer, more vibrant skin overnight
- In an 8-week independent clinical study, Retinol Acne Clearing Oil improves the appearance in the following:
- Overnight: Breakouts, Skin-Radiance and Skin-smoothness
- 7 days: Dark spots caused by acne
- 4 weeks: Fine lines and wrinkles
Item 2565031
Use in your night-time routine after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Press button on the top of the bottle and release to fill dropper.
Gently press button to dispense 6-10 drops into hands.
Smooth over face and neck.
Adjust drops as needed.
Retinol Tips: Start slow to build up skin's tolerance. Always wear sunscreen as retinol can increase skin's sensitivity.
Precautions: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation develops, discontinue use. This product contains Retinol, a form of Vitamin A. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a physician prior to use. Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure when using this product.
Coconut Alkanes, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, C13-15 Alkane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Salicylic Acid, 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.
This brand is excluded from most Ulta Beauty coupons.
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Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 20 out of 63 Questions
- Q
In addition to the Retinol Clearing Oil, I also have the Dark Spot Serum. Can I use both products?
- Asked by Jennifer S
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, you can use both the Retinol Clearing Oil and the PowerBright Dark Spot Serum together. Here’s how to use them: Cleanse your skin: Start with a gentle cleanser to prepare your skin. Apply the PowerBright Dark Spot Serum: Each morning after cleansing and toning, apply one pump of the serum over your face and neck in light, upward strokes. Allow one minute for the product to absorb. Use the Retinol Clearing Oil: At night, after cleansing, gently press the button on the dropper to dispense 6-10 drops into your hands. Smooth the oil over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. For best results, use the PowerBright Dark Spot Serum in the morning and the Retinol Clearing Oil at night. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used with .exuviance products with age defying treatments
- Asked by Nancy
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. We recommend you do not use retinol in conjunction with other forms of exfoliation. A patch test prior to use is a good way to test your skin tolerance. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used post expiration. My oil is orange in color so prob not
- Asked by Amy
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. For maximum results we recommend you do not use products past the experation date. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Turning 40 my skin had changed quite anbit in the last few minths. I have noticed then pores on nose are much larger snd deepet with blackheads. Will this clear up my blackheads?
- Asked by Aging and changing skin
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, Retinol Clearing Oil can help with blackheads. It contains Salicylic Acid which helps clear clogged follicles, a common cause of blackheads. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I sue this if I use the Age Bright Clearing Serum. Or do I use one every other night? Which would you recommend and which one do I use first and last
- Asked by Angela
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, you can use both! We suggest AM use of the Age Bright Clearing Serum and the Retinol Clearing Oil in the PM. Make sure to use your SPF daily! Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used with any other acids? Like lactic acid?
- Asked by Bathert
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. Retinol Acne Clearing Oil can be used in conjunction with other acids depending on barrier and skin health/concerns. For example, utilizing Daily Microfoliant in your exfoliating routine is a great way to utilize lactic acid and the Retinol Clearing Oil. It is very important to follow such a routine with SPF daily. Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this product be user after the daily microfoliant?
- Asked by Ashley
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, Retinol Acne Clearing Oil can be used after Daily Microfoliant as your serum step in your skin care routine. Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is this good for cystic acne?
- Asked by Gab
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. The Retinol Acne Clearing Oil can be used on various acne grades. However, depending on severity of the acne, we do suggest the approval of your dermatologist. We suggest avoiding pairing this product with any prescription acne medications due to increased photosensitivity. One suggested use would be: cleansing and night-time application followed by your customized regimen in the morning and finished with SPF. Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I need help choosing which retinol to purchase from dermatological. I need to incorporate retinol into my skin care routine for my breakouts but don't know if I should buy the oil or the cream.
- Asked by Nelly
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. This is best answered by your skin type, conditions, or concerns. If you experience congestion or breakouts, you might consider the Retinol Clearing Oil. We advise visiting a professional skin therapist for a direct consultation for product use and recommendation. Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
is this vegan/cruelty free?
- Asked by jess
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, our Retinol Clearing Oil is both vegan and cruelty free. We maintain ethical formulation with all of our products! Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
What's the percentage of retinol in this product?
- Asked by k
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThank you for contacting Dermalogica.There are many forms of vitamin A in skin care, and although most tend to be grouped into the label "retinol", in fact sometimes different forms are used. Therefore, percentages are not always the best way to compare strength. Retinol Clearing Oil is a unique oil based serum that combines the benefits of vitamin a with salicylic acid to fight breakouts and aging and brighten the skin. To deliver all the benefits of Retinol without adverse side effects, we formulated Retinol Clearing Oil with highly stable Retinyl Propionate, which skin gradually converts to Retinoic Acid. This results in a gradual, mild time-release effect. We coupled it with a special plant-derived Retinoid Booster proven to help Retinyl Propionate deliver superior results. Therefore, there is not a percentage to share for Retinol Clearing Oil as this is not exactly the same as retinol. Best wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Since you can only use the retinol acne clearing oil at night, can you use the age bright clearing serum in your morning routine?
- Asked by Kristen
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica! Yes, Age Bright Clearing Serum can be used in the morning. Apply a thin layer and allow to dry. Use all over the face and under your recommended Dermalogica moisturizer with SPF. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica Team Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
How often do I use?
- Asked by cmariasade
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageDermalogica recommends: At night, after cleansing, gently press button to dispense 6-10 drops into hands. Smooth over face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Can be used less frequently once breakouts/blemishes begin to clear up. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I'm going to Florida in a month and wondering if or when I should pause using this product because of sun exposure?
- Asked by Jenna J
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica! We recommend discontinuing use of Retinol Clearing Oil 72 hours prior to prolonged direct sun exposure. Remember your SPF! Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
If I'm using zinc & niacinamide, can I use this product in conjunction with these ? Or should I use one or the other ?
- Asked by Chastity
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for reaching out to Dermalogica! We recommend using Retinol Clearing Oil in the evening and your other products during the day. Don't forget to incorporate SPF! Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
What's the percentage of retinol in this product?
- Asked by k
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThank you for contacting Dermalogica.There are many forms of vitamin A in skin care, and although most tend to be grouped into the label "retinol", in fact sometimes different forms are used. Therefore, percentages are not always the best way to compare strength. Retinol Clearing Oil is a unique oil based serum that combines the benefits of vitamin a with salicylic acid to fight breakouts and aging and brighten the skin. To deliver all the benefits of Retinol without adverse side effects, we formulated Retinol Clearing Oil with highly stable Retinyl Propionate, which skin gradually converts to Retinoic Acid. This results in a gradual, mild time-release effect. We coupled it with a special plant-derived Retinoid Booster proven to help Retinyl Propionate deliver superior results. Therefore, there is not a percentage to share for Retinol Clearing Oil as this is not exactly the same as retinol. Best wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Since you can only use the retinol acne clearing oil at night, can you use the age bright clearing serum in your morning routine?
- Asked by Kristen
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica! Yes, Age Bright Clearing Serum can be used in the morning. Apply a thin layer and allow to dry. Use all over the face and under your recommended Dermalogica moisturizer with SPF. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica Team Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
How often do I use?
- Asked by cmariasade
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageDermalogica recommends: At night, after cleansing, gently press button to dispense 6-10 drops into hands. Smooth over face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Can be used less frequently once breakouts/blemishes begin to clear up. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I'm going to Florida in a month and wondering if or when I should pause using this product because of sun exposure?
- Asked by Jenna J
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica! We recommend discontinuing use of Retinol Clearing Oil 72 hours prior to prolonged direct sun exposure. Remember your SPF! Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
If I'm using zinc & niacinamide, can I use this product in conjunction with these ? Or should I use one or the other ?
- Asked by Chastity
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for reaching out to Dermalogica! We recommend using Retinol Clearing Oil in the evening and your other products during the day. Don't forget to incorporate SPF! Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
Reviews
Write A REVIEWReview Snapshot
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Ratings Distribution
Best Uses
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Skin Type
Most Helpful Positive Review
Works well and is gentle
I was looking for a new oil to incorporate into my skincare routine. I was using Niacinamide and vitamin C (sparingly) but wanted to try something geared more towards anti-aging since most of my spots are barely noticeable anymore. I had never tried a retinol before but was already researching it, s...
Most Helpful Critical Review
would never buy this product again
this product is absolutely HORRIBLE. I normally have very clear skin and i noticed i was breaking out so i went to ulta and a lady told me she loved this product so i tried it. this makes you purge which means you get TERRIBLE acne and purging can last up to 4 months. if you want something that will...
581 results
Clears up blemishes and doesn't
Reviewed at

Clears up blemishes and doesn't irritate my skin. Works great
Game Changer
Reviewed at

I was recommend this product by a friend. I was very hesitant to use it because I have very sensitive skin. The last 3yrs I have struggled badly with acne. I have more acne now at 33 than I did as a teenager. I started using this 1 week ago and can already tell a difference in my skin! I use the Acne clearing skin wash, retinol acne clearing oil and Calm water gel to finish every night now. Highly recommend!
Yes, it does do it all
Reviewed at

As a fair-skinned, mid-30s girl I have found myself battling two fronts face-first: acne and aging. When I saw this product, I was apprehensive that this product could actually address both of my concerns. Not only does it address, I am able to notice changes in the feel and appearance of my skin. I notice decrease in blemishes, the hyperpigmentation fades more quickly, and firming/plumping in all the right places.
Staple in skincare
I love every product from Dermalogica that I have tried, but this clearing oil is one of my favorites. I use it morning and night. I especially see the difference and it's power when I get acne right before my period. It is pricey, but totally worth it.
Finally Found a Holy Grail Product!
I have trial and errored so many skin care products. Some help a little, but I am usually not impressed enough to repurchase. This is one of the first products that agrees with my skin and I truly notice a difference. For reference, I am early 30s, combination skin, prone to hormonal cystic acne. While I know everyone's skin is different, if you've been struggling with hormonal cystic acne, dreaded cysts at that time of the month, give this a try. It seems counterintuitive that putting oil on may help, but this one of the only products that seems to stop a cyst in its tracks for me. If you have had cystic acne and you know that dreaded feeling of a new one popping up, for me, this products reduces the swelling and sometimes prevents it from fully forming. As I've been using this for about a year, I hardly have any breakouts- just a few blemishes around my cycle that this helps clear up quickly. I apply all over at night. If I have a problem area, I may apply an additional drop there and massage it in well. Each bottle last me about 6 months. The smell of the product isn't super appealing, but it is fragrance free- it's just the smell of the ingredients with nothing masking it. I hope they continue to make this product and will continue to recommend to friends. I do wish the bottle was more durable/travel friendly (it feels like glass), but still giving it 5 stars!