Face serum is one of the most potent skincare products you can incorporate into your routine, providing your skin with much-needed hydration and anti-ageing benefits. Applying just a pea-sized amount before adding other heavier creams and oils helps ensure potency ingredients can penetrate deeply into skin layers for maximum benefits.
We polled dermatologists and celebrity estheticians about their favorite serums that address everything from oily skin to anti-aging and acne concerns. Below you’ll find their top picks!
Exfoliating
An exfoliating serum is more gentle than traditional scrubs, using ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid) to softly loosen bonds between dead skin cells to gently slough them away. Products containing beta hydroxy acid (BHA), such as salicylic acid, target blackheads and breakout-causing sebum to clear pores and decrease redness.
Chemical exfoliators provide an alternative means of exfoliation, providing smoother skin in 28 days or less. Serums with AHAs (lactic and glycolic acids); BHAs (salicylic acid); and PHAs (gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and pyruvate) help speed cell turnover for smoother looking skin.
The perfect serum depends on both your skin type and needs. For example, serums containing AHA/BHA often work best on normal-to-dry skin types rather than oily or acne-prone ones; additionally, products containing Niacinamide may be beneficial as they soothe post-exfoliation irritation.
Acne Control
For moderate-to-severe breakouts, serum is an ideal treatment solution. Formulas containing AHAs or BHAs will unclog pores and decrease oil buildup while ingredients such as retinol can fade post-acne dark spots and brighten skin tone. Always look for noncomedogenic formulas so your pores won’t become blocked and cause acne breakouts.
Those suffering from severe acne should consult with a dermatologist and seek a prescription with in-office treatments, or seek stronger over-the-counter products with salicylic acid to clear pores, niacinamide to calm inflammation, vitamin C to fade hyperpigmentation from old acne scars, hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin while purslane and albatrellus ovinus extracts to soothe irritation are among many effective ingredients that could be present.
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging Serums Deliver Concentrated Doses of Key Ingredients to Tackle Fine Lines and Wrinkles The best anti-aging serums provide concentrated doses of key ingredients designed to target fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging; but results require patience and consistency – “Skincare is a Journey, Not a Sprint,” states licensed esthetician Shani Darden as she speaks of skincare being “not an overnight experience”.
If you are in your 20s to early 30s and looking to address wrinkles and pore size, she advises starting by using a serum that contains antioxidants like Vitamin C – proven to promote collagen production while brightening skin tone. Peptides may also help reduce wrinkles while stimulating cells to produce more collagen.
This serum from The Ordinary is designed to combat inflammation while improving skin texture by combining encapsulated retinol (which is stored in capsules and slowly released) with all-trans retinol and bakuchiol, a plant-derived alternative that smoothes fine lines without irritating sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid can increase moisture and elasticity levels while skin barrier-friendly volcanic water helps strengthen its effects.
Hydrating
Face serums are an incredible skincare game-changer when it comes to increasing hydration. Unlike moisturizers, serums penetrate deep into skin cells to deliver moisture-binding ingredients like hyaluronic acid for an increased bouncier and glowier effect. Furthermore, serums typically include potency anti-aging actives like retinol and niacinamide; and brightening ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide that make for effective brightening action.
If you want a serum that will hydrate while supporting your barrier function, look for ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, fatty acids, aloe vera, peptides, polyglutamic acid snail mucin and beta-glucan. To address dark spots and hyperpigmentation try brightening serums containing vitamin C (which increases collagen production), niacinamide (brightens and fades discoloration), or licorice root extract (soothes redness and improves tone). To maximize absorption of your new face serum make sure you apply it after cleansing but before any treatments or moisturizers – and remember always finish off your routine by protecting yourself from UV light!
