The INKEY ListmoisturizerTreat step

The INKEY List SuperSolutions Acne Clearing Moisturizer 2% NOVORETINᵀᴹ

This moisturizer is designed to tackle active breakouts and improve skin texture. It combines sulfur for blemish reduction with retinol and NovoRetin™ for smoothing and resurfacing. It’s intended for nighttime use and requires a careful introduction to avoid irritation.

Sephora price

$21.50

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.1 / 5

About 194 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

VeganClean at SephoraCruelty-FreeFSA/HSA EligibleNovoRetin™ 2%: Boosts the effects of retinol, visibly smoothing uneven skin texture.Sulfur 3%: Is an FDA-recognized ingredient that reduces the number of visible acne blemishes.Retinol 0.2%: Exfoliates, visibly resurfaces, and smooths the look of textured skin.DrynessUneven Textureand Acne/Blemishes

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.1 / 5 overall fit

A targeted treatment moisturizer for acne and texture, best introduced slowly and used with caution alongside other actives.

The INKEY List SuperSolutions Acne Clearing Moisturizer 2% NOVORETINᵀᴹ

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

An innovative moisturizer that visibly reduces acne blemishes, nourishes skin, smooths texture, and helps keep new acne blemishes from appearing.

NormalDryCombinationand OilyDrynessUneven Textureand Acne/Blemishes

Patch test first.

Use at night only.

Apply a pea-size amount to a cleansed face and neck.

Start using this product twice a week and gradually increase to every night once your skin is used to it, if tolerated.

Do not use any other benzoyl-peroxide or retinol-based products in the same routine.

Carton, tube, and cap are recyclable. Always check your local recycling guidelines. Where possible, cut open tube. Use up excess product, then rinse out tube. Keep cap on to recycle.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

This is a treatment moisturizer, not a basic hydrator. Its strength lies in its multi-pronged approach to acne and texture. The key is to integrate it carefully into a routine, especially if you're already using other potent ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinol.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

Acne-prone skin
Oily or combination skin
Improving skin texture
People looking for a multi-tasking acne treatment

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

You have very dry or sensitive skin and are not accustomed to retinoids or sulfur.
You are already using multiple strong acne treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, other retinoids) in your routine.
You are looking for a simple, hydrating moisturizer without active ingredients.

Routine fit

Where this actually belongs

This is a treatment product, so it belongs in the 'Treat' step of your routine. Apply it at night after cleansing and before any heavier creams if needed. Crucially, do not layer it with other retinoids or benzoyl peroxide products. Start using it just twice a week and slowly increase frequency as your skin tolerates it. Always patch test first.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

Combines multiple acne-fighting ingredients
Addresses both active blemishes and texture
Designed for nighttime use to maximize efficacy
Clear instructions for introduction and use

Where it starts to feel redundant

Requires careful introduction to avoid irritation
Not suitable for concurrent use with other strong actives
May be too potent for very sensitive skin types
Potential for dryness or peeling if not used correctly

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Nighttime treatment

This product is specifically formulated for nighttime use. Apply a pea-size amount to a cleansed face and neck. Begin by using it only twice a week, and gradually increase to nightly use as tolerated. Avoid using other retinol or benzoyl peroxide products in the same routine.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.1/ 5 overall

A targeted treatment moisturizer for acne and texture, best introduced slowly and used with caution alongside other actives.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Active

Sulfur

Badness

3.0 / 10

An effective ingredient for reducing acne blemishes. It can be drying for some.

Usually helps with

Acne, blemishes

Watch for

Dryness, irritation, especially when first starting.

Solvent

Aqua (Water)

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base for many skincare formulations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

Draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated

Watch for

None

Emollient

Octyldodecanol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Softens and smooths the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

Can feel heavy on oily skin.

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

0.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps to replenish the skin's surface.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A stable derivative of Vitamin C that can help with acne and skin brightening.

Usually helps with

Acne-prone skin, uneven tone

Watch for

Can sometimes cause mild irritation.

Emollient

Arachidyl Alcohol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

None

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Distearate

Badness

1.0 / 10

Softens and smooths the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

None

Emollient

Squalane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types, including oily and acne-prone

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Glyceryl Stearate SE

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to mix oil and water ingredients, and can have emollient properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Methylcrotonate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A synthetic fragrance compound.

Usually helps with

None

Watch for

Potential for skin sensitivity or allergic reactions.

Emollient

Behenyl Alcohol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

None

Film Former

Acacia Senegal Gum

Badness

0.0 / 10

Can form a smooth film on the skin, providing a temporary tightening effect.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Arachidyl Glucoside

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Thickener

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to thicken the product's texture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Panthenol

Badness

0.0 / 10

Also known as Vitamin B5, it attracts and holds moisture, soothes skin, and supports barrier function.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry or irritated

Watch for

None

Thickener

Xanthan Gum

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common thickening agent that also helps stabilize emulsions.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Benzyl Alcohol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative that can also act as a solvent and fragrance ingredient. It can be an allergen for some.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product, making it more skin-friendly. Can also have mild exfoliating properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can cause stinging if the skin's pH is already compromised.

Active

Retinol

Badness

3.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover, helps with acne, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and texture.

Usually helps with

Acne, texture, anti-aging

Watch for

Can cause dryness, peeling, redness, and sun sensitivity. Introduce slowly.

Humectant

Sodium Hyaluronate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated

Watch for

None

Preservative

Ethylhexylglycerin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Humectant

Pentylene Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A moisturizing agent that also helps preserve the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Sodium Metabisulfite

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative and antioxidant that can help prevent oxidation of other ingredients. It's a sulfite.

Usually helps with

None

Watch for

Can cause reactions in individuals sensitive to sulfites.

Antioxidant

Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum

Badness

1.0 / 10

A natural resin with antioxidant properties that can help mattify the skin.

Usually helps with

Oily skin, acne-prone skin

Watch for

None

Preservative

Dehydroacetic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can cause irritation in some individuals.

Emulsifier

Lecithin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A natural emulsifier that helps blend oil and water. It's also a skin-conditioning agent.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glucose

Badness

0.0 / 10

A simple sugar that can help hydrate the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin E that protects the skin from free radical damage.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Glyceryl Caprylate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier that can also have antimicrobial properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this moisturizer good for acne?

Yes, this moisturizer contains sulfur and retinol, which are effective ingredients for treating and preventing acne blemishes. It also helps to improve skin texture.

Can I use this with other retinol products?

No, the instructions explicitly state not to use any other benzoyl peroxide or retinol-based products in the same routine to avoid irritation and over-exfoliation.

How often should I use this product?

You should start by using it twice a week and gradually increase to every night only if your skin tolerates it well. Always patch test first.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin