Face serums offer more effective penetration into the skin’s surface, and typically contain higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients like retinol or antioxidants than creams.
The GH Beauty Lab testers rated this formula with 10 points out of 10, noting its ability to improve skin tone and blur pores after four weeks of use. It contains vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid as active ingredients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an anti-aging ingredient well-known for its brightening and skin-soothing abilities, including reduced fine lines and wrinkles, plus its antioxidant capabilities to ward off free radical damage.
Use of serums containing pure, stable vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) can provide maximum benefit to your complexion as its active ingredients don’t react with oxygen in the air to oxidize and become less effective on your skin. In addition, opting for one with additional ingredients such as vitamin E as an antioxidant which helps further stabilize vitamin C; ferulic acid which acts as an exfoliant and improves skin tone and texture, or hyaluronic acid which boosts hydration may provide added benefit.
Drunk Elephant offers this serum with 10% L-ascorbic acid concentration, plus peptides and raspberry extract to brighten. Our GH Beauty Lab testers found it helps reduce pores and wrinkles while leaving skin firmer than before.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid (AHA) can be found in many over-the-counter skin products as part of an alpha hydroxy acid family, making it an effective exfoliant and peeling agent that penetrates deep into the epidermis to lift away dead skin cells that build up and block pores, as well as fade sun damage like melanomas or acne scars.
Glycolic acid not only exfoliates but also works to boost collagen production which firms and plumps the skin, helping firm and plump its surface. Furthermore, its effects have been known to fade fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone, brightness and texture.
Glycolic acid can be irritating in high concentration, so when selecting your serum of glycolic acid it should be tailored specifically to your skin type and needs. Always wear sunscreen every day when using glycolic acid products as this could make the skin more vulnerable to sunlight exposure. Also try not mixing glycolic acid with products containing topical retinoids – instead use vitamin C in the morning and then glycolic acid at night for a gentle skincare cycle routine.
Retinol
Retinol can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, pore size and uneven skin tone. Additionally, it may prevent clogged pores and heal acne scars more effectively while simultaneously increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production for smoother firmer skin.
Retinoids, or derivatives of vitamin A, can either be natural or synthetic and found in skincare products such as lotions and creams or in higher concentrations such as prescription treatments for psoriasis and acne.
Over-the-counter (OTC) products containing retinol are widely available at drugstores and cosmetic counters, typically in serum form. While OTC retinol products tend to be weaker than their prescription counterparts sold only through dermatologists or medical spas, both can increase your sun sensitivity so it’s essential to wear sunscreen when using these products.
Peptides
Everyday it seems there’s another trendy skin care ingredient promising to transform your complexion for the better. While some are simply marketing hype, others (such as peptides) can really make an impactful difference.
Peptides are amino acid chains that play an integral role in many processes within your body, including protein production, muscle development and fat loss, hormone regulation and nutrient absorption. Peptides can come from natural sources or be artificially created in laboratories; in cosmetics and health and wellness products they typically take the form of dietary supplements or topical treatments.
Peptides found in skincare products have long been recognized to increase collagen production and elasticity, improve hydration levels and even lessen fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides work best when applied via moisturizer or serum because this gives the peptides time to do their work before being washed off by cleansers.
