If your skin turns shiny by midday and looks congested, you may wonder whether a retinal serum for oily skin is worth trying. Osmosis Clarify is one: it combines retinal, a form of vitamin A, with two exfoliating acids. Here is what's in it, who it suits and how to start gently.
What is Osmosis Clarify?
Clarify is the Osmosis vitamin A serum made for oily, congested, blemish-prone skin. It comes in a 30 mL bottle. Its key ingredients:
- retinal (retinaldehyde), a form of vitamin A that, like retinol, is commonly added to cosmetics DermNet — Topical retinoids
- mandelic and lactic acid, two alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate: how much depends on the acid, its strength, the pH and the rest of the formula US FDA
- niacinamide (vitamin B3), which makes Clarify a retinal and niacinamide serum too
- botanical extracts such as willowherb, witch hazel and chamomile, with tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus and grapefruit oils
Its aim is cosmetic: to help skin look less oily and shiny, and to help reduce the look of blemishes.
Is a retinal serum for oily skin a good fit for you?
Clarify is made for oily, congested skin, but its vitamin A and acids can both irritate, so it may not be the gentlest place to start. Vitamin A products can cause redness, peeling and dryness. DermNet AHA products can cause burning, swelling, itching and peeling, the more serious reactions mostly with strong peeling products. US FDA
Take extra care, or talk to us first, if:
- your skin stings or burns easily: AHAs and fragrances are common irritants DermNet — Sensitive skin
- your skin is dry or allergy-prone, which vitamin A may not suit American Academy of Dermatology
- you have darker skin, where irritation can leave dark marks American Academy of Dermatology
- you already use a prescription vitamin A cream, retinol or benzoyl peroxide: exfoliating on top can worsen dryness American Academy of Dermatology
How do you use Osmosis Clarify?
The box says 2 pumps on clean skin, morning and evening, then any other serum and moisturiser. Osmosis also suggests pressing in a few sprays of one of its activating mists after the serum.
With any new vitamin A product, dermatologists suggest a slower start:
- Test it on a small area first, and add one new product at a time. DermNet — Sensitive skin
- Use it in the evening, every other night at first, and build up slowly. Keep it away from your eyes and lips. American Academy of Dermatology DermNet
- Follow with a moisturiser, as exfoliating can be drying. If your skin turns red and irritated, use it less often. American Academy of Dermatology
There is more in our guide to starting a vitamin A serum.
Can you use it with Purify and Balance?
Purify, the Osmosis enzyme cleanser, and Balance, its botanical activating mist, also list oily and blemish-prone skin on the pack. Each contains exfoliating ingredients, though: papaya and pineapple enzymes in Purify, and the same two acids as Clarify in Balance.
Irritation usually builds up from several mild irritants at once DermNet — Sensitive skin, and all three products contain essential oils. So you don't need all three: add them one at a time, and leave one out if your skin feels tight, stings or turns red. Never exfoliate sunburnt skin or skin with cuts or wounds. American Academy of Dermatology
For more, see choosing an Osmosis cleanser and using an activating mist.
What about sun and pregnancy?
Vitamin A and AHAs can both make skin more sensitive to the sun, and the US FDA advises sun protection while using an AHA product and for a week after. DermNet US FDA Clarify is not a sunscreen. Cancer Council recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen every day the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or above. Cancer Council
Prescription vitamin A creams such as tretinoin should not be used in pregnancy, and MotherSafe's factsheet does not mention retinal, so if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, check with your doctor, pharmacist or MotherSafe before starting a retinal serum. MotherSafe factsheet (PDF)
When to see your GP or dermatologist
See your GP if:
- breakouts are painful, deep or scarring, or keep getting worse or coming back Better Health Channel — Acne
- they upset you, or haven't improved with what your pharmacist suggested healthdirect — Acne
- a product leaves your skin very itchy, swollen or blistered, or a rash comes with a fever or feeling unwell healthdirect — Contact dermatitis
Untreated acne can leave scars. Your GP can talk about prescription options and refer you to a dermatologist if needed. healthdirect Already using an acne treatment? Ask your doctor or pharmacist before adding AHAs (fruit acids), which can irritate skin or interfere with other medicines. healthdirect
Our acne guide and acne management post cover medical care and gentle routines.
What can we talk about at Melbourne Wellness?
At an advanced skin analysis appointment we can look at your skin with you, go through your current products, and talk about whether Clarify suits you. If anything needs a medical opinion, we will say so.
Questions you might bring:
- Which of my products already exfoliate?
- How often should I use a vitamin A serum at first?
- Which sunscreen will I happily wear every day?
See also how the other Osmosis retinal serums compare and our skincare routine for men.
